What a weekend 🙌
A huge thank you to everyone who came out for The Hits Waitomo Trail Run. From our runners, joggers and walkers, supporters to the volunteers, crew, and partners who made it all happen. The energy, the atmosphere, and the turnout this year were something special.
It was incredible to see so many people taking on the challenge and making the most of everything Waitomo has to offer.
We couldn’t do it without you, and we’re already looking forward to doing it all again.
See you in 2027 🏃♂️
#waitomotrailrun #trailrun #newzealand
The iconic spiral staircase just got a little more Scottish 🥁
Just this past weekend, the @waitomotrailrun 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.
#discoverwaitomo #ruakuricaves #bagpipes #waitomotrailrun
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.
#discoverwaitomo #caves #waitomo #newzealand
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 👀
#aprilfools #noglowworms #justworms
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
#ruakuricave #discoverwaitomo #fossilshell
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.
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#ruakuricave #discoverwaitomo #caves
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.
Use code SAVE10 at checkout.
Weekdays only. Adult & child tickets only. On sale until 28th February 2026, valid until June 30th 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!
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#ruakuricave #discoverwaitomo #stalactites #stalagmites
Our epic glowworms are just the beginning at Waitomo.
Waitomo is packed with surprises above and below ground. Drift through pitch-black caves on a Legendary Black Water Rafting adventure, explore jaw-dropping limestone formations in Aranui and Ruakuri caves, descend the iconic Ruakuri spiral staircase (yes, the one that looks like Batman’s lair🦇), chase waterfalls at Marokopa Falls, or run straight through it all at The Hits Waitomo Trail Run on the 18th of April this year!
And if you’re driving through? Don’t forget to wave at the giant apple on the roadside 🍎
One place. So many ways to explore.
Welcome to Waitomo. There’s more here than you think!
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#discoverwaitomo #waitomo #newzealand
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
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#naturalcaves #aranuicave #discoverwaitomo
Meri Kirihimete me te Hape Nū Ia
Pictured here are just some of the incredible people behind Legendary Black Water Rafting Co, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Ruakuri Cave, Aranui Cave, and our wider Discover Waitomo team. Different gear, different experiences, one shared passion for adventure, manaakitanga, and looking after this special place.
A huge thank you to our staff, partners, and everyone who’s joined us this year. Whether you floated, walked, climbed, or simply stood in awe beneath the glowworms.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
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!
