Discover Waitomo
Ruakuri Cave Tour
See breathtaking cave formation and marvel at the softly folding shawl like limestone formations and crystal tapestries created over millions of years. Hear the distant thunder of the subterranean waterfalls and get up close to the glowworms. Experience the dramatic spiral entrance, built to safeguard a Wahi Tapu (sacred area). Ruakuri Cave is New Zealand's longest guided underground walking tour and an experience that must be seen to be believed. It will leave you open mouthed, awe struck and humbled by the sheer majesty of nature. Ruakuri Cave offers a captivating blend of Waitomo's most compelling subterranean experiences. With clever and innovative design, Ruakuri Cave has full wheelchair and pushchair access. Re opened in 2005, this cave is now an amazing example of engineering and natural cave structure.
Itinerary
Ruakuri Cave has displays of glowworms and is filled with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years. Points of interest include softly folding shawl like formations (formed by flowing rivers) and even fossilised seashells, which indicate how the caves were once part of the seabed. Major features include Holdens Cavern, named after James Holden who first opened the cave to the public, The Drum Passage, The Pretties, and The Ghost Passage. Ruakuri Cave has always been a spiritual place for local Maori, who, amongst other things, originally used the cave as a sacred burial ground (or wahi tapu). The original public entrance to the cave went right through the burial ground but the new spiral entrance ensures today's visitors do not disturb this sacred place.
Includes
Shuttle bus Theatre
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