Aranui Cave

In Waitomo, visit the spectacular Aranui Cave, which is located within a natural forest reserve. The old cave formations, towering chambers, and massive stalactites and stalagmites are all worth seeing. Discover one of Waitomo's best-kept secrets by venturing off the usual path.

Aranui Cave is a 5 minute drive from the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and is located in the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve. Ruruku Aranui, a Maori man from the area, was the first to find this hitherto unknown jewel in 1910.

Aranui Cave is the smallest and most fragile of Waitomo's three main caverns, with a natural cave entrance. It has virtually little life beyond its entrance because it is a dry cave with no water running through it.

A colony of native New Zealand cave weta can be found immediately inside the entrance, and further down the cave is the most spectacular collection of stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, and ornate formations. An unique, enchanting site steeped in Maori legend and myth is Aranui Cave.

Location: 39 Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo Caves, New Zealand.

Opening time: 9:00 - 17:00

Prices: $25.00 - $55.00