1-Hour Guided Tour of Aranui Cave Waitomo

Waitomo , New Zealand

1-Hour Guided Tour of Aranui Cave Waitomo

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(33 reviews)

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

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

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.

Available options

Aranui Cave Tour (24/25)

Aranui Cave Tour

Aranui Cave Tour 25/26

Aranui Cave (2025/2026): Walking Cave tour exploring chambers and viewing spectacular formations. Prices valid for tours between 01/10/25 to 30/09/26

What's included

Local guide

Detailed itinerary

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.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Gratuities

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.3

30 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

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

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

Important notes

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

About Waitomo

Waitomo is renowned for its breathtaking limestone caves and underground waterways. The area is famous for its glowworm grottos, where thousands of bioluminescent glowworms create a mesmerizing starry effect in the cave ceilings. This unique natural phenomenon makes Waitomo a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

Top Attractions

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are the most famous attraction in the area. Visitors can take a guided tour through the caves, marveling at the stunning limestone formations and the magical glowworm grottos. The highlight is a boat ride through the underground river, where thousands of glowworms light up the ceiling like a starry night sky.

Nature 1.5 to 2 hours Moderate

Ruakuri Cave

Ruakuri Cave is another stunning cave system in Waitomo, featuring impressive limestone formations and a unique glowworm experience. The cave is home to the famous 'Spiral Entrance' and offers a variety of tours, including the 'Lost World' adventure tour.

Nature 1.5 to 2.5 hours Moderate

Pirita Glowworm Cave

Pirita Glowworm Cave is a smaller, more intimate cave system that offers a unique and less crowded glowworm experience. Visitors can enjoy a personal and informative tour with a smaller group, making it a great alternative to the more popular caves.

Nature 1 to 1.5 hours Moderate

Waitomo Village

The charming Waitomo Village is the heart of the area, offering a mix of local shops, cafes, and restaurants. Visitors can explore the quaint streets, learn about the local Maori culture, and enjoy the warm hospitality of the community.

Cultural 1 to 2 hours Free to explore

Must-Try Local Dishes

Hangi

A traditional Maori feast cooked in an underground earth oven, featuring meats and vegetables with a unique smoky flavor.

Dinner Contains meat, vegetarian options available

Kiwi Pavlova

A popular New Zealand dessert made with a meringue base, topped with whipped cream and fresh fruits like kiwifruit, strawberries, and passionfruit.

Dessert Vegetarian, contains dairy

Whitebait Fritters

A traditional New Zealand snack made with tiny whitebait fish mixed with eggs and flour, then fried into a patty.

Snack Contains fish and eggs, not suitable for vegetarians

Popular Activities

Caving Black water rafting Hiking Hot pool relaxation Scenic walks Cultural experiences Maori cultural performances Hangi feasts

Best Time to Visit

December to February (Summer)

Summer is the peak tourist season in Waitomo, offering warm weather and long daylight hours. This is the best time to explore the caves and enjoy outdoor activities. However, it can be crowded during this period.

20-25°C 68-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English, Maori
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

Time Zone

GMT+12

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Waitomo is a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming community. However, visitors should still take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious when walking alone at night
• Stay on marked trails when hiking or exploring caves

Getting there

By air

Hamilton International Airport • 60 km (37 miles)

By bus

Hamilton, Auckland

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are available for travel between Waitomo and nearby cities, but within Waitomo itself, public transport is limited. Taxis and rental cars are more convenient for getting around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Local taxi services

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Waitomo Caves Waitomo Village

Day trips

Hobbiton Movie Set

100 km (62 miles) • Full day

The Hobbiton Movie Set is a must-visit for fans of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. The set features the iconic hobbit holes and the Green Dragon Inn, offering a unique and immersive experience.

Rotorua

80 km (50 miles) • Full day

Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland, known for its hot springs, geysers, and Maori cultural experiences. Visitors can explore the geothermal parks, relax in the hot pools, and learn about the local Maori culture.