Marios Gavalas
Author And Researcher
I'm Marios, delivering the best of Aotearoa's nature walks to your device.
I've personally walked hundreds of New Zealand's tracks and spent months in libraries uncovering interesting information on New Zealand/Aotearoa. And you'll find a slice of that research on this page - enjoy!
Author Marios Gavalas, Rankers and hundreds of contributors bring you a free web map to help you get lost (and find yourself) in Aotearoa's nature.
Welcome to New Zealand's most comprehensive database of freely available camping information. This is the only travel map of its kind in NZ.
3.3 km one-way | 1 hour 15 minutes one-way
The walkway passes some interesting limestone formation such as dolines, karren, arches and tunnels. Farmland and forest are either side of the river. The track ends at Ruakuri Caves.
Start from Waitomo Domain opposite the caves museum (just before the glow-worm cave visitor centre). Go down the hill and the start of the track is signposted by the grove of native trees.
Shortly after entering the forest, a 600 m return detour climbs through farmland to Waitomo Lookout. This is the scenic highlight of the walk. With views of the old Tourist Department Hotel, surrounding farmland and broken karst landscape.
Back on the main track, cross the tunnel under the highway and bypass the hustle and bustle of the glow-worm entrance area.
The track now follows a tranche of native shrubs beside the stream, passing through Johnston and Garnet Reserves. At the stile, follow posts over farmland back to the stream edge.
The picnic area with toilets at the start of the Ruakuri Track is shortly after the swingbridge.
Return via the same track or arrange transport at both ends.
The Waitomo Caves Hotel was originally developed in 1908 as the ‘Government Hostel at Waitomo’, designed by John Campbell. The Victorian architecture was modelled on a European Chalet, but later additions added to the eclectic styles with an Art Deco ‘concrete’ wing being added in 1928.
The hotel is a hotbed of paranormal activity, with a multitude of playful spirits adding to the entertainment.
Feature | Value | Info |
---|---|---|
Organisation |
DOC WaikatoCentral government organisation |
|
Location |
North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Waitomo |
|
Categories |
|
|
Directions To Coordinates |
||
Coordinates |
Feature | Value | Info |
---|---|---|
Track Length |
|
Track LengthWhat is the physical length of this track? 3km to 10km |
Track Duration |
|
Track DurationHow long does it take to walk this track on average? 1 to 2 hours |
Track Difficulty |
|
Track DifficultyConsidering the track's terrain, safety, facilities - how hard is this walk to complete? Easy walk |
Payment Requirement |
|
Payment RequirementIs there a cost for this experience or is it free? Free access/participation The experience costs no money to access or take part in. |
Large Vehicle Access |
|
Large Vehicle AccessCan large vehicles such as motorhomes, housebuses and caravans gain access? Large vehicle accessible The site is accessible with large vehicles such as motorhomes and 5th wheelers. |
DOC Track Category |
|
DOC Track CategoryWhat type of category does this walking track fall into (as defined by the NZ Department of Conservation)? Walking track Easy to moderate walking from a few minutes to a day. Track is mostly well formed, some sections may be steep, rough or muddy. Suitable for people with low to moderate fitness and abilities. Clearly signposted. Stream and river crossings are bridged. Walking shoes or light tramping/hiking boots required. |
Disabled Access |
|
Disabled AccessDoes this location provide disabled access? No disabled access This location does not provide access for wheelchairs. |
Crowd Factor |
|
Crowd FactorHow crowded is this place usually? Lesser Known Usually has less people visiting |
Track Managing Organisation |
|
Track Managing OrganisationWhat type of organisation operates this walking track? DOC Managed This track is managed by the Department of Conservation. DOC is a New Zealand government organisation. |
Free walk.
Nice walk right after the cave.
So nice!
2km from Waitomo, 30-45 min walk.
Very nice and not too long.
Rating | Count | Percentage | |
---|---|---|---|
10/10 | 10 |
|
34% |
9/10 | 10 |
|
34% |
8/10 | 7 |
|
24% |
7/10 | 2 |
|
7% |
6/10 | 0 |
|
0% |
5/10 | 0 |
|
0% |
4/10 | 0 |
|
0% |
3/10 | 0 |
|
0% |
2/10 | 0 |
|
0% |
1/10 | 0 |
|
0% |
5.0/5
Most beautiful walk that starts from the Waitomo entrance, or a little before at another carpark (Rankers-startpoint).
This is LOTR territory, viewwise. I could see Hobbits, Elves and Orks in my imagination. The start is a bit difficult to follow, but just keep walking, you'll find it. It's totally worth it!
If you just want a loop-walk or a nightwalk with glowworms, drive to the Ruakuri Caves carpark. This walk ends there, but this walk is a one way, but walking it back and forth is no punishment. About 2 hours back and forth, add another 30 minutes for the Ruakuri add-on. Both spectaculair (see Ruakuri walk).
Reviewed almost 6 years ago
4.5/5
Nice walk right after the cave.
Rocks and colours, cool landscape, a lovely little river.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017
4.0/5
Nice walk starting right at the glowworm caves entrance, diverse landscape even though it is only 1 hour (2km return).
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017
5.0/5
Free walk.
Millions of glowworms. Well formed track. Go there just before it is completely dark otherwise it is hard to find the entrance. Real dark - great for shooting stars and the milky way too!
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in November 2016
4.5/5
We have done the first part of the walk during the nighttime.
We have seen a lot of glowworms. The next day we walked along a river and through caves. All for free and information boards along the walk and toilets and plenty of parking spaces.
Reviewed over 8 years ago and experienced in March 2016
4.5/5
Beautiful walk, very quiet and peaceful.
Reviewed over 8 years ago and experienced in January 2016
4.0/5
Nice little loop walk with some interesting caves to explore.
Reviewed almost 9 years ago
3.5/5
A short day walk through fields to the Waitomo Caves.
You can look into some parts of the caves and even see glowworms in some tunnels at night. Do not miss walking back at sunset and watch a great evening countryside.
Reviewed over 8 years ago
5.0/5
Took a nightwalk and saw thousands of glowworms and possums.
You do not need to spend that much money in the caves to see glowworms.
Reviewed over 9 years ago
4.0/5
Other travellers recommended the walk to us.
I think it could be signposted a bit more clearly since it looks like an 8 and you can take wrong turns easily. But there were great caves to climb in.
Reviewed about 10 years ago and experienced in March 2014
5.0/5
Exciting bush walk, perfectly maintained, great nature, good information, easy to find.
Reviewed almost 12 years ago
5.0/5
Most beautiful walk that starts from the Waitomo entrance, or a little before at another carpark (Rankers-startpoint).
This is LOTR territory, viewwise. I could see Hobbits, Elves and Orks in my imagination. The start is a bit difficult to follow, but just keep walking, you'll find it. It's totally worth it!
If you just want a loop-walk or a nightwalk with glowworms, drive to the Ruakuri Caves carpark. This walk ends there, but this walk is a one way, but walking it back and forth is no punishment. About 2 hours back and forth, add another 30 minutes for the Ruakuri add-on. Both spectaculair (see Ruakuri walk).
Reviewed almost 6 years ago
4.5/5
Nice walk right after the cave.
Rocks and colours, cool landscape, a lovely little river.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017
4.0/5
Nice walk starting right at the glowworm caves entrance, diverse landscape even though it is only 1 hour (2km return).
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017
5.0/5
Free walk.
Millions of glowworms. Well formed track. Go there just before it is completely dark otherwise it is hard to find the entrance. Real dark - great for shooting stars and the milky way too!
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in November 2016
4.5/5
We have done the first part of the walk during the nighttime.
We have seen a lot of glowworms. The next day we walked along a river and through caves. All for free and information boards along the walk and toilets and plenty of parking spaces.
Reviewed over 8 years ago and experienced in March 2016
4.5/5
Beautiful walk, very quiet and peaceful.
Reviewed over 8 years ago and experienced in January 2016
3.5/5
A short day walk through fields to the Waitomo Caves.
You can look into some parts of the caves and even see glowworms in some tunnels at night. Do not miss walking back at sunset and watch a great evening countryside.
Reviewed over 8 years ago
4.0/5
Nice little loop walk with some interesting caves to explore.
Reviewed almost 9 years ago
5.0/5
Took a nightwalk and saw thousands of glowworms and possums.
You do not need to spend that much money in the caves to see glowworms.
Reviewed over 9 years ago
4.0/5
Other travellers recommended the walk to us.
I think it could be signposted a bit more clearly since it looks like an 8 and you can take wrong turns easily. But there were great caves to climb in.
Reviewed about 10 years ago and experienced in March 2014
5.0/5
Exciting bush walk, perfectly maintained, great nature, good information, easy to find.
Reviewed almost 12 years ago
4.0/5
Nice short track, about 30 minutes through caves and woods.
Reviewed almost 12 years ago
4.5/5
2km from Waitomo, 30-45 min walk.
Would not miss it! Great nature! One of the most beautiful walking tracks in New Zealand.
Reviewed about 12 years ago and experienced in March 2012
5.0/5
So nice!
You see glowworms!
Reviewed about 12 years ago and experienced in March 2012
5.0/5
Short great walk in a stunning atmosphere.
Reviewed about 12 years ago and experienced in February 2012
5.0/5
Just wanted to say this is one of the best short walks (less than one hour) in NZ, and it's FREE.
During the day you can explore some of the caves - shine a torch on the walls near the entrance and you will see giant cave wetas. We took our kids for a walk to the bridge at night - WOW! - masses of glow worms on the river bank merge with the stars in the sky, it was a sublime experience.
Reviewed over 12 years ago and experienced in April 2011
4.0/5
Really nice, 1 hour walk with natural tunnels.
We have heard that it is really romantic at night with the glowworms (we walked it during the day).
Reviewed over 12 years ago and experienced in February 2012
4.5/5
Very nice and not too long.
Reviewed over 12 years ago and experienced in February 2012
4.0/5
No other tourists and very cool scenery, nice 45 min walk through dense forest and cave formations.
Reviewed over 12 years ago
5.0/5
We walked the Ruakuri bushwalk, and were very impressed with the views, stone and limestone formations, caves, underground caverns, stream.
It has the WOW factor, and all for free!! Also went to Limestone Bridge, and Marokopa Falls - a great trio to visit, and all free.
Reviewed over 13 years ago
4.5/5
Nice bush walk for 30 min during the day, but at night quite magical with thousands of glowworms.
Reviewed over 14 years ago and experienced in January 2010
4.5/5
A lot to see, very easy, doesn't take long.
Reviewed almost 15 years ago and experienced in November 2009
4.0/5
A stunning walk through forests & caves.
Amazing scenery, don't miss this one!
Reviewed almost 15 years ago and experienced in November 2009