1-Hour Guided Tour of Aranui Cave Waitomo

4.3 (39 reviews) one hour Free cancellation

out of 5

39 reviews

4.3

1-Hour Guided Tour of Aranui Cave Waitomo — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

1-Hour Guided Tour of Aranui Cave Waitomo, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Discover serenity in the most delicate and intimate of the main caves in Waitomo. Begin your tour with a guided walk through an enchanted forest before discovering the most beautiful collection of decorative formations. Cave has a natural cave entrance and is the smallest and most delicate of Waitomo's three main caves. As a dry cave without a running river through it, it houses very little life past its entrance. Walk through the cave with your guide on this 1-hour tour, with an additional 15-minute guided bush walk. Visit soon to see the richly varied cave formations within close-up view and enjoy an experience you will never forget. Choose from one of seven departure times when you book.

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At a glance

Duration: one hour
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 21 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: THL - Waitomo Caves Group

Ages: Children (4–14 years) · Adults (15–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Local guide

Not included

Not included: Food and drinks
Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off

Itinerary

Aranui Cave

Admission included

Set in the forest of the Ruakuri scenic reserve, the beautifully delicate formations in Aranui Cave create a place for quiet contemplation and a time to reflect on the wonders of nature. Aranui Cave is a magical, mystical place that is steeped in Maori myth and legend. As such, it occupies a very special place in the hearts of the people of the Waitomo district.

Aranui Cave is set in the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve, 5 minute drive from the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. It is named after Ruruku Aranui, the local Maori man who first discovered this previously hidden gem back in 1910.

Aranui Cave has a natural cave entrance and is the smallest and most delicate of Waitomo's three main caves. As a dry cave without a river running through it, it houses very little life past its entrance. However, just inside the entrance is a colony of native New Zealand cave wetas and further into the cave is the most beautiful collection of stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones and decorative formations.

On this guided tour, explore the ancient cave formations, high chambers and huge stalactites and stalagmites of Aranui Cave, one of Waitomo’s best kept secrets. These small-group tours are led by experienced guides who can provide information on the cave's unique geology and history.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Drive from the Waitomo Glowworm Caves along Waitomo Village Road. Turn left at the roundabout on to Tumutumu Road. Continue a further 1.8kms turing right down to the Ruakuri Scenic reserve. Park and wait for your guide at the small shelter. Departure Point: Ruakuri Scenic Reserve Car Park
Check in 30 minutes prior to tour departure at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves Visitor center. A frontline staff member will provide a map and directions to the cave departure location.

Note tour does not depart from this location.

End point

Drive from the Waitomo Glowworm Caves along Waitomo Village Road. Turn left at the roundabout on to Tumutumu Road. Continue a further 1.8kms turing right down to the Ruakuri Scenic reserve. Park and wait for your guide at the small shelter. Departure Point: Ruakuri Scenic Reserve Car Park
Check in 30 minutes prior to tour departure at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves Visitor center. A frontline staff member will provide a map and directions to the cave departure location.

Note tour does not depart from this location.

Using your ticket

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
All you will need are comfortable shoes and a warm jacket.
Not suitable for those who have difficulty navigating stairs
Due to high demand and limited capacity, if you are late or miss your scheduled tour time your ticket(s) are forfeited and non refundable. New bookings will incur the full tour cost and are subject to availability
Your own transport is required
You must check in 30 minutes before the tour departs