A viral video showcasing the bioluminescent glowworms in New Zealand’s Ruakuri Cave, part of the Waitomo Caves system, has captivated the internet with its otherworldly visuals. Posted on May 11, 2025, by @LiuYun59005767 on X, the video highlights the Arachnocampa luminosa, a glowworm species unique to New Zealand, whose blue-green glow transforms the cave ceiling into a star-like spectacle. The footage, described as “nature lighting its own stars,” has amazed viewers for its surreal, Pandora-like beauty, with no filters needed to enhance the glowworms’ natural luminescence.
Ruakuri Cave, located in the Waikato region, is the largest and only wheelchair-accessible cave in the Southern Hemisphere, featuring a 1.5-hour guided tour that descends via a dramatic spiral ramp. Visitors encounter limestone formations, stalactites, underground rivers, and glowworms up close, with photography permitted in designated areas, unlike the nearby Waitomo Glowworm Cave. The cave’s glowworms, larval-stage gnats, emit light to attract prey, creating a mesmerizing display likened to a night sky. The video’s popularity aligns with earlier timelapses by Stoked for Saturday, praised for capturing the glowworms’ magic through long-exposure shots (30 seconds to 6 minutes), often requiring hours in cold cave water.
Sentiment on X reflects awe, with users calling the caves “incredible” and a “must-do” for their limestone formations and glowworms. The viral video has sparked renewed interest in Ruakuri, with tour prices starting at NZ$87 for adults and NZ$33 for children, and pre-booking recommended due to high demand. For those planning a visit, comfortable shoes, a warm jacket, and arriving 30 minutes early at the Ruakuri Visitor Centre on Tumutumu Road are advised. The cave’s spiritual significance to Māori, named “Den of Dogs” after a legendary encounter, adds cultural depth to the experience.‽web:0,2,8,9,14,15,24‽post:5,6