Aranui Cave Guided Tour

A guide will take you along safe boardwalks into narrow chambers to see the finest cave formations of all the caves in Waitomo.  The high chambers, magnificent limestone formations and the pale brown, pink and white shades of the huge stalactites in the Aranui Cave are truly spectacular

As you enter, the first cavern in the Aranui Cave is called the Butcher Shop and was named this following the discovery by the local Maori pig-hunter Ruruku Aranui. Other key points of interest include the Cathedral Majestic, The Temple of Peace and the Eastern Scene in Aladdins Cave. Aranui Cave is home to one of the largest stalactites, which is estimated to be 2.5 tonnes and 6 metres long.

New Zealand Cave Weta - Aranui Cave

Just inside the entrance to Aranui is a colony of cave wetas - large insects unique to New Zealand, which date back to the dinosaur age.  Wetas are closely related to the cricket and locust and the word literally translates from Maori as the 'ugly one' or the spiny one. 

Cave wetas differ from other wetas in the size of their limbs and antennae, in relation to their bodies.  They have very long legs and antennae, to help them find their way around their dark habitat.  They do have eyes but these are only really used to avoid light.  Leaving the Aranui Cave at night they will forage on the forest floor for food.  If there is a full moon, they will not leave the shelter of the cave as there is too  much light.

Tour Departures:

• Tours depart daily at: 10.00am, 11.00am, 1.00pm, 2.00pm and 3.00pm (bookings are essential).
• Tours are approximately 45 minutes in duration.
• Two Cave Combo tours are available for Waitomo Glowworm Caves & Aranui Cave

Hours of Operation:

• Aranui Cave is open 364 days per year and is closed Christmas Day ( 25 December).

Additional Tour Information:

• Bring comfortable walking shoes and a warm jacket.
• Aranui cave has no wheelchair access and is therefore not suitable for visitors with mobility problems.

• Prices and tour times are valid until 15 March 2010 and are subject to change without notice.
• The 10% discount offer is valid for bookings made via this website only.
• Tours are subject to availability and weather conditions. 3 of the Best Cave Pass includes guided tours of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Aranui Cave and Ruakuri Cave.
• Child age is 4-14 years inclusive. Children under 4 are free.
• Family Pass is for 2 adults and 2 children. Additional children can be added at a reduced rate.
• No smoking, food, drink or litter are permitted inside the caves.
• Photography and video are not permitted inside the Glowworm Caves.
• Management reserve the right to refuse entry to the caves.