Aranui Cave Guided Tour

Why visit Aranui Cave

A magical, mystical place steeped in Maori legend and myth, Aranui Cave is a truly remarkable sight. This previously hidden gem was discovered by a local Maori man in 1910, Ruruku Aranui. Explore Aranui Cave by taking a scenic stroll through an enchanted forest at Ruakuri Scenic Reserve, 5 minutes from the visitor center. The only life inside Aranui Cave is a colony of native New Zealand cave wetas found just inside the cave's natural entrance. The cave has no river running through it.

What to expect

Enter the cave and explore the exquisite interior decorations. The best cave formations are found in Waitomo's narrow chambers, which can only be reached on safe boardwalks. There is nothing quite like the Aranui cave's high chambers, majestic limestone formations, and huge stalactites in shades of brown, pink, and white. This cave system boasts delicate, sparkling forms in pale brown, pink, and white around almost every corner.

Aranui Cave Guided Tour

Discover Aranui Cave, a stunning natural wonder in the Waitomo region of New Zealand, on this guided tour that includes exploration through its intricate cave systems and scenic reserve walks. The Ruakuri Scenic Reserve surrounds the cave, offering visitors a chance to see native wildlife and experience an enchanted forest setting. This 1-hour 30-minute tour is led by knowledgeable guides who provide insights into Maori legends and myths associated with the site, ensuring a rich cultural experience in addition to geological wonders. The tour supports multiple languages including English, Māori, and Japanese, making it accessible for international visitors. With an easy access route through the cave's entrance, this tour is suitable for most travelers, though some physical activity is required as you traverse narrow passages and climb stairs within the cave system.

Explore Aranui Cave

Your tour stops at Aranui Cave where guests can marvel at its magnificent rock formations and diverse stalactite varieties. Discovered in 1972 by a local Māori hunter chasing a wild pig, this natural wonder has been open to the public since 1980. Spanning over 3 kilometers in length, Aranui Cave features long, narrow chambers alongside high-ceilinged grottos that showcase stunning white, pink, and brown stalactites. Visitors spend approximately 45 minutes exploring these intricate formations while learning about Maori legends and myths from their knowledgeable guide. Unlike other Waitomo caves, Aranui's unique layout offers a more intimate experience with fewer crowds, allowing for a deeper connection to the cave’s history and natural beauty.

Walk Ruakuri Scenic Reserve

At Ruakuri Scenic Reserve, guests can take scenic walks among native wildlife and an enchanted forest setting. Covering over 60 hectares of land, this reserve offers a diverse ecosystem with ancient trees and unique flora that have been preserved for centuries. Visitors spend about 15 minutes walking through the reserve, enjoying panoramic views of the Waitomo region while learning about its cultural significance from Maori legends and myths shared by their guide. Unlike other scenic reserves in New Zealand, Ruakuri provides a direct connection to Māori heritage with its sacred sites and spiritual importance to local communities.

Tour Highlights

• Take a guided tour through the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve
• Explore Maori legends and myths of Aranui Cave
• See long, narrow chambers and high-ceilinged grottos
• Discover white, pink, and brown stalactites in Waitomo caves
• Walk scenic reserve for native wildlife viewing
• Learn Māori history and cultural significance at Ruakuri
• Access easy route through Aranui Cave entrance
• Enjoy multiple languages support including English and Japanese

Perfect for nature enthusiasts, history buffs, and adventure seekers, this guided tour provides a comprehensive exploration of Waitomo's natural wonders. The 1-hour 30-minute format allows you to walk scenic trails in Ruakuri Scenic Reserve, marvel at Aranui Cave’s rock formations, and learn about Maori legends from knowledgeable guides, giving you an immersive experience of New Zealand's unique geology and cultural heritage.