Aranui Cave Guided Tour

Your experience

Note: Aranui Cave will be temporarily closed from 11 August 2026 - 14 September 2026 while scheduled maintenance work is carried out.

Experience the tranquil charm of Aranui Cave on a 1-hour guided tour through its smaller chambers filled with stunning limestone and Māori heritage.

Getting started

Your ticket includes a 1-hour guided tour of Aranui Cave. Arrive 30 minutes early to check in and meet your guide before beginning your forest walk to the cave entrance.

What to expect

• Scenic forest walk: Take a tranquil stroll through the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve’s native forest to find the hidden entrance to Aranui Cave.

• Intimate cave chambers: Explore smaller, narrow chambers featuring some of Waitomo’s most delicate and spectacular stalactites in soft browns, pinks, and whites.

• Māori cultural stories: Listen to your guide share rich Māori myths and the cave’s cultural significance, discovered by local Māori Ruruku Aranui in 1910.

• Quiet, crowd-free tour: Enjoy a serene and personal experience, perfect for photographers and those seeking a calm exploration.