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From happy customers

Loved by 45 million+
Daniel Vermette
CA

Daniel

Canada
Dec 2025
5/5
The tour began in a cave with an interesting guide. Then the boat tour to see glow worms was a first for us and we were impressed to see all those little points of light that looked like stars. We'll be recommending it to friends if they're in the area.
Adele Tankard
NZ

Adele

New Zealand
Nov 2025
5/5
Tour guide was great. Well organised and on time. Pity about the noisy child, tour guide plus everyone else did plenty of shushing - maybe not let kids who can't be quiet in the boat?
William Robert Greer
AU

William

Australia
Sep 2025
5/5
Excellent knowledgeable guides, who gave a n outstanding descriition of the caves and their cultural snd geological significance.
Susan Holland
AU

Susan

Australia
Aug 2025
5/5
My daughter did this and absolutely loved it. I left straight away as I was feeling very claustrophobic and overwhelmed
Maximilian Mayerhofer

Maximilian

Dec 2025
4/5
Very recomended! 4 stars because no cameras allowed. the guides take pictures, which are not invluded and very expensive.
Kevin Hibbins
AU

Kevin

Australia
Sep 2025
5/5
This was a truly awesome experience. Our guides Katie, Kallie and Lachie were fantastic and made the whole experience phenomenal. Combination of fun and some challenges particularly with the water running high & fast after some rain. We would highly recommend this tour.
Gregor Schmidle
AT

Gregor

Austria
Nov 2025
5/5
The tour is considerably more expensive than the classic "Gloworm Cave Tour" in Waitomo. However, it is worth every penny. The small group size and the experienced tour guide Ash make this couple of hours unforgettable. From logistics, safety, friendlyness, empathy, professinal photos, all adds up to a perfect package. And for those who struggle a bit in dark confined spaces, Ash literally walks and talks you through so that every step is a safe one. Highly recommended!
CHAMPS Maeana
FR

Champs

France
Nov 2025
5/5
An incredible experience at Waitomo Caves! The caves are superb and our guide was warm, professional and adorable. An unforgettable experience! 🌟

Aranui Cave tours: Stalactites, flowstones & gentle walks

Hidden beneath the Waitomo landscape, Aranui Cave offers a calm underground world of stalactites, stalagmites, and glittering flowstones. This dry cave features gentle walking through spacious chambers, making it one of the most accessible and peaceful in the region.

Guided tours follow wide pathways, with expert commentary bringing the cave’s geology and cultural stories to life.

Ready to explore? Scroll down for top highlights and tips for your visit to Aranui Cave.

Top reasons to add Aranui Cave in your itinerary

Tourists exploring lush forest near Ruakuri Cave, Waitomo, New Zealand.
Boardwalk through lush greenery at Ruakuri Bush, Waitomo, New Zealand.
Visitors exploring stalactites in Ruakuri Cave, New Zealand.
Person walking through illuminated Ruakuri Cave tunnel, New Zealand.
Visitors exploring stalactites in Ruakuri Cave, New Zealand.
Visitors exploring Waitomo Glowworm Caves illuminated by bioluminescent glowworms.
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Scenic forest walk

Your adventure begins with a gentle stroll through the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve. Surrounded by lush native forest, limestone cliffs, and birdsong, the approach sets the perfect mood before you step underground.

Highly accessible

Aranui Cave is accessed via smooth forest tracks and boardwalks, making it suitable for families, seniors, and all fitness levels.

Unique limestone formations

See sparkling stalactites, flowstones, and formations in shades of white, pink, and pale brown, some of the most beautiful in the Waitomo region.

Fewer crowds

Unlike the busier glowworm cave, Aranui attracts fewer visitors. You can enjoy the cave’s beauty in a quieter, more personal setting.

Rich cultural and geological stories

The tour is led by a guide who shares Maori legends alongside fascinating geological insights, adding depth and cultural richness to your visit.

Great add-on to other Waitomo experiences

Aranui Cave pairs perfectly with the Glowworm Cave or Ruakuri Cave, giving you a complete Waitomo experience in a single trip.

Your Aranui Cave experience: What to expect on the day

Stream flowing through lush greenery in Ruakuri Bush and Scenic Reserve, Waitomo.

Scenic forest walk

Start with a short walk through the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve. Native bush, limestone cliffs, and birdsong create a peaceful lead-in to your cave adventure.

Guide explaining flora to tourists on Aranui Cave Guided Tour trail.

Welcome & introduction

Meet your guide at the cave entrance. You’ll get a brief overview of Aranui Cave’s history, its cultural significance, and what to look forward to inside.

Visitors exploring Ruakuri Cave on a guided tour, New Zealand.

Enter the cave

Follow easy boardwalks through chambers of glittering stalactites, stalagmites, and delicate flowstones, while hearing Māori legends and geological insights that bring the formations, culture, and history to life.

Guided tour group exploring limestone formations inside Aranui Cave, Waitomo, New Zealand.

Peaceful, intimate experience

With smaller groups and fewer visitors, the tour feels calm and intimate, giving you time to pause, admire the beauty, and take photos.

Visitors exploring lush entrance of Aranui Cave, New Zealand.

Return to the forest

After around an hour, you’ll come out of the cave, wrapping up a journey that combines scenic nature with underground wonder.

Wildlife you may see on your walk to Aranui Cave

Cave wētā on rocky surface in New Zealand cave.

Cave wētā

Large, harmless insects often seen near cave entrances. Their spindly legs and unique appearance make them a fascinating find for visitors.

Pīwakawaka perched on a branch in New Zealand forest.
Tūī bird perched on a branch in New Zealand forest.
Parrot perched on a branch in New Zealand forest.
Bird perched on a branch in a lush New Zealand forest.

Aranui Cave’s geology: Key formations to spot

Stalagmites and stalactites in Ruakuri Cave, Waitomo, New Zealand.

Stalactites & stalagmites

Formed over thousands of years as minerals drip and build up, these striking formations grow from cave ceilings and floors, sometimes meeting to create dramatic columns.

Limestone cave formations with stalactites and stalagmites.

Flowstones & draperies

Thin sheets of calcite resemble frozen waterfalls or delicate curtains, created by water trickling over cave walls and leaving smooth, layered mineral deposits.

Ruakuri Cave limestone formations, Waitomo, New Zealand.

Fossil impressions

Hidden in the limestone are traces of ancient marine life, shells, corals, and tiny creatures that reveal the cave’s origins beneath an ancient seabed.

Cave tunnel with flowing water and lush greenery, Ruakuri Bush and Scenic Reserve, Waitomo, New Zealand.

Karst

While not strictly inside the cave, the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve (the forest walk to Aranui) sits within a karst landscape, eroded limestone terrain with cliffs, sinkholes, and natural arches that reveal how these caves formed over millions of years.

Plan your visit

Family exploring Aranui Cave on guided tour, admiring rock formations.
  • Open daily: 9am – 5pm
  • Tour duration: 1 hour
  • Tours run: Several times a day, in smaller groups for a quieter, more personal experience.

  • By car: 2.5–3 hours from Auckland via SH1 & SH39, 45 minutes from Hamilton, or 2 hours from Rotorua. Free parking is available at the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve carpark, from where a short bush walk leads to the cave entrance.

  • By bus: InterCity services connect Auckland, Hamilton, and Rotorua to Waitomo Village. From the village, it’s a short taxi or shuttle ride to the Aranui Cave entrance.

  • By bike: Experienced cyclists can ride from Waitomo Village to Ruakuri Scenic Reserve along scenic rural roads, making cycling a viable option for adventurous visitors.

Visitors exploring stalactites and stalagmites in Aranui Cave during a guided tour.

  • Photography: Non-flash photography is permitted inside Aranui Cave. However, flash photography and tripods are not allowed to protect the environment.

  • Accessibility: The cave is not wheelchair accessible. Access requires a short bush walk followed by stairs, making it unsuitable for visitors with mobility issues.

  • No touching formations: Stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones are fragile and must not be touched, as oils from hands can cause long-term damage.

  • Stay on marked paths: Visitors must remain on the designated tracks and boardwalks both outside and inside the cave.

  • Supervise children: Children should be closely supervised, particularly along the bush track and stairs leading to the cave.

Backpack, water bottle, and leather boots on forest floor for hiking and camping.

  • Clothing: Wear light layers, as the cave maintains a cool year-round temperature of around 13°C (55°F).

  • Footwear: Closed-toe shoes with good grip are recommended for the bush track and cave stairs.

  • Daypack: A small daypack for water, snacks, and personal items is useful during the walk and tour.

  • Medication: Carry any personal medications or essentials you may need.

Luxury hotel room with king-size bed, modern decor, and large window.

See variety of Waitomo Caves accommodations, from cozy lodges to convenient motels, ideal spots to rest and recharge after your adventure.

Budget hotels

Mid-range hotels

Luxury hotels

Braised lamb shank on mashed potatoes with herbs, served on a wooden table.

Explore a variety of Waitomo Caves restaurants, from charming cafés to hearty eateries, with this curated list of spots to enjoy a meal during your visit.

  • Bosco Café: About 15 minutes from Waitomo, this stylish café offers wood-fired pizzas, fresh salads, and a mix of European and Kiwi fusion dishes.
  • Fat Kiwi Café: A popular stop about 20 minutes away, serving hearty breakfasts, fresh sandwiches, and homemade baking in a cheerful setting.
  • The General Store Waitomo: A rustic café in Waitomo Village serving all-day breakfasts, cabinet food, and good coffee, ideal if you’re after a simple, relaxed bite.
  • Huhu Café: A local favourite just minutes from the caves, known for fresh, seasonal New Zealand cuisine like lamb shanks, fish of the day, and gourmet vegetarian options, with views over the valley.

Visiting Aranui Cave: Essential tips

  • Arrive early for quieter tours: Aranui Cave offers smaller group tours compared to the Glowworm Cave, but they can still fill up during peak season. Arriving earlier in the day gives you a better chance at a relaxed, less-crowded visit.
  • Avoid strong perfumes or sprays: Scents can impact the delicate cave environment and disturb the natural ecosystem. For the best experience, keep fragrances to a minimum while exploring.
  • Combine with Ruakuri Scenic Reserve trails: After your Aranui Cave tour, explore the nearby Ruakuri Scenic Reserve. The trails wind through native forest, past limestone formations, arches, and sinkholes, offering a longer, immersive nature experience.
  • Combine with other caves: Consider visiting nearby caves like the Waitomo Glowworm Cave or Ruakuri Cave to make the most of your trip.
  • Consider renting a car for multiple cave visits: Public transport in Waitomo is limited, so a car lets you explore Aranui, Glowworm, and Ruakuri Caves at your own pace and make the most of your day.

Frequently asked questions about Aranui Cave tours

What is the cost of an Aranui Cave tour?

The ticket costs NZD$81, while it is free for children under 3.

Are Aranui Cave tours available year-round?

Yes, tours operate year-round, including most public holidays. However, availability may vary during major events.

How many people are in each tour group?

Each tour accommodates a maximum of 21 people to ensure a personalized experience.

Is there a guided tour in languages other than English?

Currently, tours are conducted in English. It's advisable to check with the operator for availability of multilingual guides.

Is there parking available?

Yes, free parking is available at the Ruakuri Visitor Centre, located on Tumutumu Road.

Are pets allowed on the tour?

No, pets are not permitted inside the cave to protect both the animals and the cave environment.

Is smoking allowed on-site?

No, smoking is prohibited within the cave and surrounding areas to maintain air quality and safety.

Are there any age restrictions for the tour?

The tour is suitable for all ages; however, children should be supervised at all times due to the cave's uneven surfaces.

More to read

Visitors on a boat tour admire glowworms illuminating the Waitomo Caves ceiling.

Waitomo Glowworm Cave

Visitors exploring Ruakuri Cave's illuminated formations during a guided tour in Waitomo.

Ruakuri Cave

Adventurers black water rafting in Waitomo cave with glowworms above.

Black Water Rafting

Person ziplining through a cave during a Black Water Rafting experience in Waitomo.

Waitomo Cave Ziplining