Both caves have their high points and I think it is worth the time to do both. The Glow Worm tour provides more of a "wow" factor since you get to see a whole lot of them at once in a large (very dark) cavern. With no photos, you can really enjoy the view without flashes or cameras clicking away. However, you will not see any glow worms up close or see their delicate "silk" strands. The Ruakuri Caves does provide an opportunity to get "up close" with lights so that you can, not only see the glow worms, but also the dangling strands of "silk" that hold them from the ceiling. You also get a more detail talk of the nature of glow worms (that you don't get at the Glow Worm tour) as well as the various cave formations. However, there is a bit of a walk to do the Ruakuri tour (pace is slow and fairly easy to do even for my 73 yr old wife). Good photo op as well. If you want to be "wowed", go to the Glow Worm tour. If you want more details and take pictures, do the Ruakuri.

The spiral stairs should be ok, even if you're carrying your child. Might be a bit claustrophobic but there are decent lights and the guides are very thoughtful

Hola dienriquez! Si, no hay problema para hacerlo con el bb en la mochila. Son unas pasarelas muy bien armadas y sólidas y no son sinuosas ni están en altura. Solo está más fresco de lo habitual dentro y hay que caminar con cuidado pero no más que ello. Que lo disfruten!

I really don't know. Sorry

Hi Meiz, my question is why two nights in Matamata? Doing that drive, both caves and Hobbiton is possible in a day, but it will be a big day and I wouldn't recommend it with kids. I suggest staying in Waitomo or between there and Hobbiton, like Cambridge or Te Awamutu. You are then better placed to hit Hobbiton next morning and move on to Rotorua (or Rotunda as someone else called in this thread!) WGC is 45 minutes, departs every 30 minutes (or every 15 in peak season) Ruakuri Cave is 2 hours, departs every 30 minutes. Both caves can be done in 3 hours but a space in between is recommended. Hobbiton is 2 hours and departs every 15 minutes. Ruakuri is pushchair friendly but a front carrier would be great for both caves. Bookings essential for all tours in NZ in summer!

Please do not bring anything ou do not need into the cave! We have luggage storage areas at all of our sites in Waitomo.

Theyre not very narrow. You dont have to stoop much. Im Elderly and had no problem even though im slso asthmatic

Hi there, it is a shame you do not have time for both as they are a great combination. You do see glowworms on both tours: WGC has the magical silent boat ride under thousands of glowworms. Ruakuri does not have as many glowworms but you do still see a decent amount as well as the chance to see them up close. Ruakuri also allows photography, and has a better all round experience with smaller groups and more time. If you only want to see glowworms and be on your way, WGC is the one. For a more in depth experience, go for Ruakuri. Logan

Looks like a great range of answers there! If you are worried about distance, WGC is the shortest, though includes some steps (one flight is 30 steps) but adds the boat ride to exit. Ruakuri is certainly more accessible (wheel chair/push chair access) but is longer in distance, though is quite manageable for most people. You can also take you camera on the Ruakuri tour. Booking essential for Ruakuri especially if visiting Dec/Jan as it is time and capacity bound. WGC also requires a booking but has many departures and up to 50 per group. More details on the website. Logan

Hi Yindella, the above answers are both correct: Book to get your preferred time, but there will be space available if you just turn up, though you may have to wait a while. Tours are 18 max, run roughly every hour, last one 3:30, and the middle of the day tours fill up first. Hope this helps. Logan