Aranui Cave Waitomo: 1-Hour Guided Tour of Delicate Formations

Step into an enchanted forest before exploring a hidden underground wonder

A 1-hour guided tour of Aranui Cave in Waitomo's Ruakuri Scenic Reserve, led by an experienced local guide through the smallest and most delicate of the three main caves. The tour includes a 15-minute guided walk through the surrounding forest before entering the cave to see stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones and decorative formations. Children from age 4 are welcome. Comfortable shoes and a warm jacket are all you need.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided tour of Aranui Cave and forest walk

• Guided walk through enchanted forest
• Explore Aranui Cave formations
• Learn about cave geology and history

The experience

Aranui Cave sits in the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve, a 5-minute drive from the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, and was discovered in 1910 by local Maori man Ruruku Aranui. It's the smallest and most delicate of Waitomo's three main caves, and as a dry cave without a river running through it, the environment inside is quiet and still. Just past the natural entrance, a colony of native New Zealand cave wetas lives in the rock, and deeper in, the cave opens into high chambers filled with ancient stalactites, stalagmites and flowstones.

Your guide leads you through the cave formations on foot, pointing out the geology and history as you move through the chambers. The tour runs for one hour inside the cave itself, and you'll also walk a guided 15-minute loop through the forest above before or after, depending on the departure time you choose. Seven different start times are available when you book, so you can fit the tour into the rest of your day. Comfortable shoes and a warm jacket are essential. The cave stays cool year-round and the path has steps and uneven ground.

You'll need your own transport to reach the cave, and check-in happens 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. If you arrive late, your ticket is forfeited and non-refundable, so plan to arrive with time to spare. The tour suits all fitness levels, though it's not suitable for anyone who has difficulty with stairs.

What’s included

• Local guide leading the cave walk and the 15-minute guided bush walk through Ruakuri Scenic Reserve.
• access to the cave formations and chambers.
• seven departure times to choose from when you book.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00, 11:30, 13:00 and 14:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (4 to 14 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 21

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by THL - Waitomo Caves Group

Is this one for you?Your own transport is required to reach the cave, so this tour works best if you're renting a car or staying within a short drive of Waitomo. The 5-minute journey from the Glowworm Caves makes it easy to combine with other attractions in the area on the same day.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 14 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What is Aranui Cave like compared to the other caves in Waitomo?

Aranui Cave is the smallest and most delicate of Waitomo's three main caves. It's a dry cave without a river running through it, so it has very little life past its entrance, but it houses the most beautiful collection of stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones and decorative formations. The cave sits in a quiet, contemplative setting within the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to get there?

Yes, your own transport is required to reach Aranui Cave. The cave is located in the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve, a 5-minute drive from the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off included with this tour.

What should I bring and wear for the tour?

Bring comfortable shoes and a warm jacket. The cave stays cool year-round and the path includes steps and uneven ground, so sturdy footwear is important. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, but it's not suitable for anyone who has difficulty navigating stairs.

What happens if I'm late for my scheduled departure time?

If you are late or miss your scheduled tour time, your ticket is forfeited and non-refundable. New bookings will incur the full tour cost and are subject to availability. You must check in 30 minutes before the tour departs.