Waitomo Caves

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Waitomo Caves

Experience a deeper connection in the heart of New Zealand. Whether it’s free or guided, iconic or undiscovered, you’ll find it here.

Home of Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Aranui Cave, Ruakuri Cave and Black Water Rafting, Homestead Restaurant and Cabins.

20/05/2026

Even the staircase up is stunning!

Aranui Cave may be the smallest of the Waitomo cave system, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in detail. Filled with delicate limestone formations, intricate stalactites and stunning natural textures, every corner feels like its own piece of underground artwork… including the walk back out.

22/04/2026

The iconic spiral staircase just got a little more Scottish 🥁

Just this past weekend, the brought runners from near and far through the caves, and what better way to welcome them than with the sound of bagpipes echoing through Ruakuri Cave.

As participants made their way down the spiral, the music carried through the limestone walls, creating a pretty unforgettable start to the journey underground.

Not your average race atmosphere… and definitely not your average cave experience.

12/04/2026

One flight… and you’re here ✈️

A quick trip across the ditch and suddenly you’re in the middle of waterfalls, caves, mountains, and everything in between.

Come discover the magic of Waitomo.

01/04/2026

BREAKING: Glowworms replaced in Ruakuri Cave 🪱

We’ve made a small update to the cave experience. The glowworm glow will now be a paid add-on to your ticket. We’ve generously included worms in your standard ticket

Don’t worry though, you can still enjoy the glow… it’s now available as an add-on for just $9.99.

Let us know if you’ll be upgrading 👀

29/03/2026

Frozen in time 🐚
This ancient seashell has likely been preserved within Ruakuri Cave for thousands of years.
Shells trapped in rocks are generally referred to as fossil shells or shell fossils. When these shells are cemented together with sand and sediment to form a hard rock, the rock is often called coquina or shelly limestone

22/03/2026

Watch your head 👀

Ruakuri isn’t just a simple stroll through the caves; it’s an interactive, immersive, and seriously engaging journey through history in the making. From winding pathways to ancient formations, every step pulls you deeper underground (literally).

Slow down, look closer… and don’t forget to duck.

15/02/2026

Midweek magic hits different underground

This February, you can save 10% on Ruakuri Cave weekday tours when you book before 28th February, with tickets valid until June 30th 2026!

Wander through towering limestone formations, explore stunning cave passages, and descend the iconic spiral entrance at a quieter, more relaxed pace.

Book here: https://www.waitomo.com/glowworms-and-caves/ruakuri-cave

Use code SAVE10 at checkout.
Weekdays only. Adult & child tickets only. On sale until 28th February 2026, valid until June 30th 2026

25/01/2026

These delicate stalactites and stalagmites in Ruakuri Cave are formed drop by drop as mineral-rich water slowly deposits calcium carbonate over thousands of years. Some grow as little as 10cm every thousand years, making them incredibly fragile and irreplaceable, unless you've got a few years to spare!

17/01/2026

A quiet moment inside Aranui Cave, where every curve, crystal and colour has been shaped drop by drop over thousands of years. Less about showing the glow of these formations, but more about geology, natural craftsmanship, and stopping long enough to really look... but the glow is pretty cool too

21/11/2025

Guess what you’re looking at… 👀

This incredible texture isn’t coral or ice; it’s a cave formation growing little by little over thousands of years.

The coolest part is that this is only one tiny section of cave to explore!

Address

Waitomo

Telephone

+64800456922

Website

http://www.waitomo.com/

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