Walking & Hiking Trails

Ruakuri Walk Waitomo

The Ruakuri Walk is a great free attraction in the Waitomo Caves area. Based in the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve, a place of strong cultural significance to Maori, the walk includes limestone outcrops, native forest and small caves to be explored.

The highlight of the Ruakuri Walk is the Ruakuri Natural Tunnel, a spectacular high-ceiling cave which has the Waitomo stream flowing into it. The entrance and viewing platform takes you just inside the cave where you can view large stalactites and stalagmites. Glowworms also illuminate the banks of the track at night – be sure to take a torch.

There are also great bird watching opportunities with native kereru (wood pigeon), tui, piwakawaka (fantail) and more all regularly flying through the reserve.

Ruakuri Bush walk details:

  • Location: 4km from Waitomo Village on Tumutumu Road
  • Length: 45 minutes return
  • More info: www.doc.govt.nz
  • Please Note: Many of the walking trails in the Waikato region do not allow dogs. Hamilton & Waikato Tourism recommend checking with the Department of Conservation before taking your dog on any of the trails in the region.