Ruakuri Bush Walk Review: An Adventure Through Waitomo Cave System Awaits!

Ruakuri Bush Walk was our next stop after checking out the vicinity around Huhu Chalet. The Ruakuri Bush Walk is approximately 10 minutes out from Huhu Chalet by car…

There are parking spaces available at the entrance of Ruakuri Bush Walk – on dirt and gravel lots. From there, you’ll be able to see the shelter above that provides some information about Ruakuri Bush Walk…

About Ruakuri Bush Walk

Ruakuri Bush Walk Waitomo Caves Information

From the shelter at the entrance of Ruakuri Bush Walk, you’ll be able to see information regarding the Ruakuri Natural Tunnel, Glowworms and the Waitomo Walkway…

Ruakuri Natural Tunnel (30 minutes return)

“A pleasant walk on an easily graded, gravel track leads through a forested gorge, past sculptured cliffs and under low limestone arches to the Ruakuri Natural Tunnel. In places the track is set into the cliff allowing you to view the tunnel and the river below from a unique perspective. Look for the information panels which explain some of the interesting features seen along the walk.”

Glowworms

“After dark the track is equally spectacular. Glowworms, almost invisible by day, illuminate the damp banks alongside the track with their tiny lights. The best place to seem them is at either side of the swing bridge. Bring a torch to help you along the track but for a magical experience turn your lights out when you stop to see the glowworms.”

The Waitomo Walkway (2 hours to the Glowworm Cave)

“This walk, which leaves from the far en of the carpark, features many of the remarkable formations that set limestone country apart – dolines, flags and flutes to name a few. Follow the walkway markers over farmland and through forest to the Glowworm Cave. There are wonderful views of wild limestone landscapes, especailly as you near Waitomo. Note that where the walkway crosses farmland there is no formed track so sound footwear is recommended.”

Ruakuri Road Track

“A short access track through bush to Ruakuri Road starts from the toilet block”

A quick tip. Although the information sign says that the Ruakuri Bush Walk takes about 30 minutes. We took about an hour due to the mud and slippery steps that we encountered on the rainy/drizzly day that morning. Nonetheless, it is definitely worth a walk and here’s why…

Ruakuri Bush Walk Waitomo Caves Pictures

Gravel track at Ruakuri Bush Walk Waitomo Caves NZ

Although it drizzled that morning, we still enjoyed our first moments of the track in the Ruakuri Bush Walk. As you can see from the photo above, it gave us a feeling of entering into an unknown world. The lush greenery makes one feels on the set of Jurassic Park…

Waitomo Caves in Ruakuri Bush Walk New Zealand

Layered rocks at Ruakuri Bush Walk Waitomo Caves

Along the way, we saw entrances to caves and also the layered rocks and limestone formations that are iconic of the Waitomo Caves at Ruakuri Bush Walk NZ.

Entering into caves at Ruakuri Bush Walk Waitomo

River along formations at Ruakuri Bush Walk

River entering into a cave at Waitomo Caves Ruakuri Bush Walk

As you follow the path way, you’ll be led through tunnels, going inside caves and walking beside beautiful forests and limestone formations. The pathways are also well-constructed with bridges, crossings and signs – perfect for tourists to navigate by themselves…

Sign pointing to natural tunnel viewing platform at Ruakuri Bush Walk Review

Inside Natural Tunnel Viewing Platform Ruakuri Bush Walk

Natural Tunnel Viewing Platform Ruakuri Bush Walk Review

River that cuts through the natural tunnel at Ruakuri Bush Walk Waitomo Caves

Although it was a little slippery at some parts of the walk due to the rain, it is still a very pleasant experience because there were fewer visitors this time. We only encountered 5 other tourists during our visit to Ruakuri Bush Walk this time.

Another cool thing about Ruakuri Bush Walk is that if you walk along the river in the night, according to the information, you will be able to see glow worms as well! Hence, if you’re not keen to pay the fees to see the glow worms at Ruakuri (though we strongly encourage that), Ruakuri Bush Walk is an alternative to do so. If you have seen the Ruakuri Bush Walk glow worms, do share more information with our readers in the comments section below!

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Historic Ruakuri Tea Kiosk at entrance of Ruakuri Bush Walk

Before we headed back to our car, we passed by the Historic Ruakuri Tea Kiosk – remnants of an actual rest stop in the past for visitors to the Ruakuri Bush Walk.

All in all, we had a wonderful time at Ruakuri Bush Walk. It was as though we had stepped into the past where unfettered natural forests, limestone formations and river surrounded us. The atmosphere was somehow beautifully dotted with the drizzle that morning. The walk itself is well-structured and constructed – just remember to watch your step as algae and rain can make for a rather slippery walk. Enjoy your nature experience at Ruakuri Bush Walk Waitomo Caves!

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New Zealand Travel Itinerary Day 1: Flying SQ Business Class and Visiting the New SilverKris Lounge!

New Zealand Travel Itinerary Day 2: Arriving in Auckland and Hanging out in Hamilton

New Zealand Travel Itinerary Day 3: Visiting Hobbiton, Lake Rotorua and Eat Streat in Rotorua

New Zealand Travel Itinerary Day 4: Mud Spa at Hell’s Gate Rotorua, Huka Falls, Dixie Browns and Millenium Manuel Hotel Taupo

New Zealand Travel Itinerary Day 5: Mini Golf, Lake Taupo Maori Cave Carving Cruise, Cornerstone Taphouse and Steaks at Edgewater Restaurant Taupo!

New Zealand Travel Itinerary Day 6: Mission Estate Winery, Te Awanga Estate, Remutaka Crossing and Hey Day Beer Co Wellington

New Zealand Travel Itinerary Day 7: Breakfast at Wellington Sea Market, Fork and Brewer Craft Beer, Wellington Museum, Rogue and Vagabond, Shelly Bay Wellywood Sign

New Zealand Travel Itinerary Day 8: Mount Victoria and driving back north to Bulls and Skotel Alpine Resort, Tongariro National Park

New Zealand Travel Itinerary Day 9: From Skotel Alpine Resort to Tama Lake, Mount Ngauruhoe with views of Mount Ruapehu

New Zealand Travel Itinerary Day 10: Stopping at Taumarunui enroute to Huhu Chalet and Waitomo Ruakuri Caves!