We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
All 15 Waitomo Caves Attractions »

Ruakuri Cave

585 Waitomo Caves Road, Waitomo Caves 3977, New Zealand
+64 7 878 6219
Ranked #3 of 9 tours in Waitomo Caves
4.5 of 5 stars 51 Reviews
Type: Tours, Caverns/ Caves
Owner description: Spectacular Ruakuri Cave is a cave experience like no other. Combine with the Waitomo Glowworm Caves for a unique and magical Waitomo experience. The...... more » Owner description: Spectacular Ruakuri Cave is a cave experience like no other. Combine with the Waitomo Glowworm Caves for a unique and magical Waitomo experience. The crystal tapestries and glowworms up close will amaze you. To book, ring 0800 782 5874 « less
Useful Information: Activities for young children, Activities for older children
Update attraction details
Write a Review

51 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    40
    8
    2
    1
    0
Date Rating
Brisbane, Australia
Senior Contributor
37 reviews 37 reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 27, 2012 NEW

Guides often switch the light of for a few second for fun to "scare" the next group at the bottom of the spiral (must have been a hell of a job this contruction...) Highly knowlegable friendly guide, who explained everything in depth as needed More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Tauranga, New Zealand
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 27, 2012 NEW

Have just returned from a weekend away with extended family which includes 4 children (9-14yrs) and we all really enjoyed the walk through this cave. Wow, so carefully planned and our tour giude was easy to listen to and articulate. Such a great experience for young and old and was the best one to visit for us out of this... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Fabfeathers for Waitomo Caves
Katikati, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 22, 2012

We had a small group. Even though we were in a cave the was a variety of things to see. We had a knowledgeable guide and the lighting was very effective More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Hamilton, New Zealand
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 7, 2012

I loved the fact that you spiralled down too the bottom of the cave, and that it is wheelchair friendly More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by Princesspuha1 for Waitomo Caves
Hamilton
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 30, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

My three sons, aged 10, 9 and 6 and I recently completed this experience with tour guide Zane. Initially I was slightly skeptical about booking a 3 hour cave tour based on the boys ages but what an adventure it was. The kids $30 tour included a pre tour lunch as did mine ( a very fresh smoked chicken salad... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Wellington, New Zealand
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 28, 2012

From the incredible spiral path onwards we were in awe of the the whole cave to the end. Our guide gave us lots of time to take photos, ask questions and made it even more stunning when switiching off/on lights. It was fun to see the visitors below us doing the tubing experience on the waterway. They seemed to be... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
New Zealand
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 25, 2012

The caves are fantastic. Compare very well to similar places in the world except you get more involved. Great experience. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by NewZealandLucie for Waitomo Caves
Ilkley
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 23, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

This was a fascinating experience made all the more special by having a degree trained geologist guide (Angus) with a passion for caving. The paths were easy (wheelchair accessible) and the caves and formations were sympathetically lit to highlight their features. Definitely worth making part of your itinerary when visiting North Island. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Christchurch, New Zealand
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 22, 2012

The spiral walk down tot he cave was good fun to begin with and got better from there on. The guide was superb but i forgot her name. She was going in to detail as we would have liked without going over the top or not enough. She stopped many times to help us take pics etc. All in all,... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Stansbury
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 22, 2012

Fabulous cave, great guide who checked that everyone could understand her English and could hear her ok. Brilliant formations. Great spiral entrance! A must-do. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Wendy R for Waitomo Caves

Travelers who viewed Ruakuri Cave also viewed

Waitomo Glowworm Caves
4 of 5 stars 247 Reviews
Waitomo Caves, North Island
The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co.
4.5 of 5 stars 161 Reviews
Waitomo Caves, North Island
 
Aranui Cave
4.5 of 5 stars 10 Reviews
Otorohanga, North Island
Spellbound Glowworm & Cave Tours
5 of 5 stars 209 Reviews
Waitomo Caves, North Island
 

Been to Ruakuri Cave? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Ruakuri Cave, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing
See all sites
Cruise Critic

The ultimate cruise resource: cruise reviews, deals, news and advice.

SeatGuru

The world's most comprehensive source for airline seats, airline info, & in-flight amenities.

Family Vacation Critic

The best family vacations start here.

Best beach houses of 2012 »