Tours
Tours
$$
2-3h
The Ruakuri Cave is a wonder of nature not to be missed. Journey down the spectacular, man-made spiral entrance, marvel at the soft limestone formations and crystal tapestries, and admire the glowworms right up close! It's truly an awe-inspiring experience. Tours depart daily from the Ruakuri Visitor Centre, with guests urged to check-in 30 minutes prior to tour departure. Comfortable shoes and a warm jacket are advised, and visitors can bring their camera to capture this magical journey through nature. With wheelchair and pushchair access available, Ruakuri Cave is accessible to all.
Photography info: To photograph the glow worms you'll need to use a camera with manual settings, allowing for control over exposure, aperture, and ISO. Since glow worms emit a faint light, a long exposure is necessary to capture their glow. A tripod is essential to keep the camera steady during longer exposure times and prevent blur in the photos. You can be looking at around 1-3 minutes for each exposure depending on your settings.
Select a wide aperture to gather as much light as possible. An aperture of f/2.8 or wider allows more light into the lens, enhancing the glow worms' luminescence. Adjust the ISO setting to a moderate level, avoiding high ISO values to minimize noise in the images.
It can be tricky but give it a go!
Photospot
All ages
All seasons
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Go check out my guide for the best free things to do as well as itineraries and travel tips to make your trip unforgettable.