eBike & Hike: Waitomo to Ruakuri Round Trip

If time is of the essence, fear not, for this adventure is here to fulfill your yearning for exploration without compromising on the awe-inspiring sights. The Ruakuri bush walk, hailed as one of Aotearoa-New Zealand's finest 45-minute walks, promises a compact yet diverse adventure. In its concise length, it unfurls a tapestry of caves, tunnels, pristine forests, and a breath-taking gorge that will leave you spellbound. And the ride, graded between levels 1 and 2, offers the perfect preamble, mostly on sealed roads that beckon with the thrill of the unknown.

The journey commences at the heart of the Waitomo Ebikes base, a starting point that symbolises the excitement of what lies ahead. A gentle pedal across the road leads you onto a bush track, a precursor to the grandeur awaiting you. The path gracefully guides you to the Waitomo Caves carpark. Ascending to the carpark's summit, you'll soon cross the main road – a moment that demands caution, as the road pulses with the rhythm of tourism traffic. Once on the other side of road please keep as far to the left as much as possible.

With each rotation of your pedals, anticipation builds as you approach a roundabout, a marker that guides you left into Tumutumu Road. Here, a gentle ascent greets you, leading to a plateau that sets the stage for your journey's core. A signpost to the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve signals your entrance to a realm of profound Maori cultural significance.

Descending into the reserve, a descent that demands both exhilaration and care, you approach the carpark and the gateway to the Ruakuri Bush walk. You can safely lock your bike to one of the posts at the nearby shelter and let your feet tread the path less traveled.

The Ruakuri Bush walk – a masterpiece in a compact canvas. Native foliage and limestone outcrops create a living tapestry that accompanies your every step, as the symphony of the Waitomo Stream provides the soundtrack to your journey. Steep gorges and flowing waters bear witness to the majesty of te Taiao, the natural world that envelops you.

The crown jewel of the Ruakuri Walk is the Ruakuri Natural Tunnel, a cathedral-like cave where the stream dances its eternal ballet. Venture within, beneath the gaze of stalactites and stalagmites, and let wonder fill your senses. Native birds grace the canvas too, with kereru, tui, and piwakawaka weaving their stories into the foliage.

A loop track brings you full circle, across the Waitomo stream and back to where your journey began. Your trusty bike awaits, ready to carry you back along the route that unveiled this symphony of experiences.

Summing up this escapade, reserve 1-2 hours to bask in the entirety of the journey, take photos, relax and enjoy the moment  – from the first pedal stroke to the final step. The Waitomo ki Ruakuri beckons – a harmonious convergence of ebiking and walking, of ancient wonders and modern joy. 

Embrace this compact journey, where time bows to the magic of discovery and nature's embrace.