Walk Details

NZ Walking Routes > Waikato > Te Kuiti > Ruakuri Walk

Ruakuri Walk

Location

From the main Te Kuiti – Hamilton Road (State Highway 3), take the Waitomo Caves turn-off (signposted 11 km north of Te Kuiti/8 km south of Otorohanga). Drive through Waitomo Village and turn left at the roundabout into Tumutumu Road. Follow that road for about two kilometres and turn right at the sign-posted access to Ruakuri carpark.

Alternatively, you can walk from the Waitomo Village to Ruakuri, following the Waitomo Walkway, which starts opposite the Waitomo Museum of Caves. This walk traverses farmland where sculptured rocks and fluted outcrops are a natural and fascinating part of the landscape. The walk takes 1 hr 30 min one way, and 2 hr 30 min return.

Description

For both historical significance and sheer beauty, this stop is a must. Ruakuri Scenic Reserve contains classic limestone outcrops, and is a place of strong spiritual and cultural significance to Maori. This loop walk travels through a forest-covered gorge alongside the Waitomo Stream, passing through small caves. The highlight of this walk is the Ruakuri Natural Tunnel, a spectacular high-ceilinged cave with the Waitomo Stream flowing into it. As your eyes adjust to the darkness, you can see stalactites from an underground viewing platform inside the cave

  • Easy walking for up to an hour·
  • Track is well formed, with an even surface. There may be steps or slopes·
  • Suitable for people of most abilities and fitness·
  • Stream and rivers crossings are bridged·
  • Walking shoes required

Native fauna in the reserve includes the NZ falcon and long-tailed bats. The reserve is also the site for a locally run "Black-Water Rafting" adventure trip, while the adjacent Aranui and Ruakuri Caves are popular destinations for visitors and tourists. Guided tours are available through Aranui and Ruakuri Caves. Ruakuri Cave reopened in July 2005, after being closed to visitors for 18 years.

Duration
0.3 hours
Level
Easy
Amenities
  • BBQs
  • Carpark
  • Historical
  • Plant Life
  • Toilets
Source
www.doc.govt.nz
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