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Aranui Cave

Explore the Aranui Cave and its unique limestone formations in Waitomo. Discover the beauty of nature's handiwork on our guided tour. Book now for a captivating experience!

4.6/5

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Aranui Cave
Family exploring illuminated Aranui Cave on guided tour, New Zealand.
Visitors exploring lush entrance of Aranui Cave, New Zealand.
Guided tour group exploring limestone formations inside Aranui Cave, Waitomo, New Zealand.
Family exploring stalactites in Aranui Cave, Waitomo during guided tour.
Family exploring Aranui Cave on guided tour, admiring rock formations.
Visitors exploring stalactites and stalagmites in Aranui Cave during a guided tour.
Glowworms illuminating the ceiling of Aranui Cave during a guided tour in New Zealand.
Glowworms illuminating the ceiling of Aranui Cave during a guided tour in New Zealand.
Guide explaining flora to tourists on Aranui Cave Guided Tour trail.
4.2(13)
Outdoor Activities
Free cancellation
1 hr
Mobile ticket
  • Take a guided tour through the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve to see its magnificent cave, beautiful rock formations, and cave weta colonies.

  • Explore the Maori legends and myths of Aranui Cave with your guide and discover their anecdotes and secrets.

  • Get a glimpse of the long, narrow chambers of the Waitomo cave and the high chambers of the Aranui cave, as well as the white, pink, and brown stalactites that adorn this cave.

  • Take a stroll at the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve for scenic walks among the native wildlife and an enchanted forest.

  • Fun fact: The cave was discovered by a local Māori hunter chasing a wild pig. Ask your guide about this story - each guide has a slightly different version!

More details

  • Take a guided tour through the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve to see its magnificent cave, beautiful rock formations, and cave weta colonies.

  • Explore the Maori legends and myths of Aranui Cave with your guide and discover their anecdotes and secrets.

  • Get a glimpse of the long, narrow chambers of the Waitomo cave and the high chambers of the Aranui cave, as well as the white, pink, and brown stalactites that adorn this cave.

  • Take a stroll at the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve for scenic walks among the native wildlife and an enchanted forest.

  • Fun fact: The cave was discovered by a local Māori hunter chasing a wild pig. Ask your guide about this story - each guide has a slightly different version!

from
NZ$81
Person walking through illuminated Ruakuri Cave passage in New Zealand.
Visitors exploring Ruakuri Cave on a guided tour, New Zealand.
Family exploring stalactites in Ruakuri Cave during guided tour.
Visitors exploring stalactites in Ruakuri Cave, New Zealand.
Ruakuri Cave passage with illuminated walkway and limestone formations.
Spiral walkway inside Ruakuri Cave during guided tour, New Zealand.
Visitors exploring Ruakuri Cave's illuminated formations on a guided tour in Waitomo.
Ruakuri Cave illuminated passageway with textured walls, New Zealand.
Walkway through illuminated Ruakuri Cave, New Zealand, showcasing rock formations.
Visitors exploring stalactites in Ruakuri Cave, New Zealand.
Visitor walking on illuminated path inside Ruakuri Cave, New Zealand.
4.5(286)
Outdoor Activities
Free cancellation
1 hr 30 min
Mobile ticket
  • Stroll through the solar-powered Ruakuri Cave, a natural wonder adorned with glowworms.

  • Venture down the dramatic spiral entrance and witness tiny creatures that make the cave sparkle like a night sky up close.

  • Join the longest underground walking tour in Waitiomo Caves and learn about the myths and legends of the cave from the local guide.

  • With photography allowed, you’ll be able to capture your memories of this remarkable underground world.

  • Did you know? Ruakuri Cave is one of the few wheelchair and pushchair-accessible caves in the world!

More details

  • Stroll through the solar-powered Ruakuri Cave, a natural wonder adorned with glowworms.

  • Venture down the dramatic spiral entrance and witness tiny creatures that make the cave sparkle like a night sky up close.

  • Join the longest underground walking tour in Waitiomo Caves and learn about the myths and legends of the cave from the local guide.

  • With photography allowed, you’ll be able to capture your memories of this remarkable underground world.

  • Did you know? Ruakuri Cave is one of the few wheelchair and pushchair-accessible caves in the world!

from
NZ$116
Person ziplining through lush forest at Waitomo Caves Zipline Park.
Women on zipline platform at Hanuman World Phuket surrounded by lush trees.
People ziplining through trees at Hanuman World Phuket.
Person ziplining through lush forest at Waitomo Caves Zipline Park.
Person ziplining through lush forest at Waitomo Caves Zipline Park.
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
2 hr
1 more
  • Soar through native forests and limestone cliffs in the Waitomo Caves region on 10 zip lines, covering a 1km circuit.

  • Learn how to control your zipline gear with the help of professional guides and challenge yourself with ziplines ranging from low and easy to high and fast.

  • Work your way up to the longest zipline, which is 280 meters long and reaches speeds up to 80 kilometers an hour.

  • Discover the local Maori culture while enjoying the thrill of ziplining. Learn about the region's history and traditions as you glide through the canopy.

  • Did you know? Some of the forests in the Waitomo region are home to ancient kauri trees, which can live for thousands of years.

More details

  • Soar through native forests and limestone cliffs in the Waitomo Caves region on 10 zip lines, covering a 1km circuit.

  • Learn how to control your zipline gear with the help of professional guides and challenge yourself with ziplines ranging from low and easy to high and fast.

  • Work your way up to the longest zipline, which is 280 meters long and reaches speeds up to 80 kilometers an hour.

  • Discover the local Maori culture while enjoying the thrill of ziplining. Learn about the region's history and traditions as you glide through the canopy.

  • Did you know? Some of the forests in the Waitomo region are home to ancient kauri trees, which can live for thousands of years.

from
NZ$125
Guide instructing participants on safety gear for ziplining in Waitomo.
Person abseiling in a dark cave during a guided black water rafting experience in Waitomo.
Caver descending in Waitomo cave during Black Abyss tour with zip lining and rafting.
Person ziplining in Waitomo Cave with glowworms illuminating the cave walls.
Person ziplining through a cave during a Black Water Rafting experience in Waitomo.
Person black water rafting under glowworms in Waitomo cave.
Group enjoying a break during Black Water Rafting in Waitomo cave.
Adventurers black water rafting under glowworms in Waitomo cave.
Adventurers black water rafting in a cave during a guided experience in Waitomo.
Person in wetsuit and helmet holding an inner tube in Waitomo cave for black water rafting experience.
Caver exploring narrow passage during black water rafting in Waitomo cave.
Adventurer exploring Waitomo cave during Black Water Rafting tour.
Adventurers in wetsuits prepare for black water rafting in Waitomo cave.
Group of people in wetsuits with inner tubes at Black Water Rafting, Waitomo.
Free cancellation
5 hr
Mobile ticket
  • Join a thrilling cave adventure in New Zealand's Waitomo Caves and explore the amazing Ruakuri Cave's Black Abyss.

  • With an expert guide, learn basic abseiling and tubing skills and start exploring this intricate natural wonder.

  • Start your adventure by abseiling 35 meters down into the dark cave and then zip-lining through a narrow passage lit up by thousands of glow worms.

  • Have a snack break and then continue your journey by tubing under a dazzling sky of glow worms and rafting over fast-flowing waters.

  • Fun fact: Some of the cave passages are over 30 million years old, adding a historic twist to your adventure.

More details

  • Join a thrilling cave adventure in New Zealand's Waitomo Caves and explore the amazing Ruakuri Cave's Black Abyss.

  • With an expert guide, learn basic abseiling and tubing skills and start exploring this intricate natural wonder.

  • Start your adventure by abseiling 35 meters down into the dark cave and then zip-lining through a narrow passage lit up by thousands of glow worms.

  • Have a snack break and then continue your journey by tubing under a dazzling sky of glow worms and rafting over fast-flowing waters.

  • Fun fact: Some of the cave passages are over 30 million years old, adding a historic twist to your adventure.

from
NZ$322
Hobbiton house with round door and garden on guided tour from Auckland.
Hobbiton Movie Set with hobbit holes and lush green landscape near a reflective pond.
Guided boat tour through glowworm-lit Waitomo Caves, New Zealand.
Glowworms illuminating Waitomo Caves ceiling, New Zealand.
Hobbiton Movie Set with lush green hills and round doors, New Zealand.
Hobbiton Movie Set with round door and lush greenery, part of Auckland's guided tour.
View from Hobbiton house window overlooking lush green hills, part of Auckland tour.
Hobbiton Movie Set with illuminated hobbit houses and lush green landscape, New Zealand.
Interior of the Green Dragon Inn at Hobbiton Movie Set with wooden tables and chairs.
Mugs of ale and cheese platter at Hobbiton Movie Set, New Zealand.
Tour group arriving at Hobbiton Movie Set, Auckland, with guide welcoming visitors.
Family exploring Waitomo Caves with a guide, featuring limestone formations.
Group enjoying boat tour in glowworm-lit Waitomo Caves, part of Waitomo Caves & Rotorua Tour from Auckland.
Glowworms illuminate Waitomo Caves' ceiling, casting a blue glow over the water below.
Tourists exploring stalactites in Waitomo Caves, Auckland, New Zealand.
Transfer vehicle for Auckland to Hobbiton Movie Set tour.
Luxury vehicle interior for Auckland to Hobbiton, Waitomo Caves, Te Puia transfer.
Free cancellation
12 hr
Mobile ticket
3 more
  • Join a guided day tour of the Hobbiton movie set and the historic Waitomo Caves formed over 30 million years ago.

  • Benefit from round-trip transfers from Auckland, experiencing the magical world of Middle Earth and the luminescent glowworms in Waitomo.

  • Explore the Hobbiton Movie Set, admire the iconic Hobbit Holes and The Mill, and savor a refreshing drink at the pub featured in the movie.

  • Discover Waitomo Caves' beauty, featuring age-old rock formations, and a boat ride beneath a canopy of twinkling glowworms.

  • Fun fact: The Hobbiton set has 44 hobbit holes, with the holes for the actors playing hobbits built at 90% scale, and the holes for Gandalf built at 60% scale.

More details

  • Join a guided day tour of the Hobbiton movie set and the historic Waitomo Caves formed over 30 million years ago.

  • Benefit from round-trip transfers from Auckland, experiencing the magical world of Middle Earth and the luminescent glowworms in Waitomo.

  • Explore the Hobbiton Movie Set, admire the iconic Hobbit Holes and The Mill, and savor a refreshing drink at the pub featured in the movie.

  • Discover Waitomo Caves' beauty, featuring age-old rock formations, and a boat ride beneath a canopy of twinkling glowworms.

  • Fun fact: The Hobbiton set has 44 hobbit holes, with the holes for the actors playing hobbits built at 90% scale, and the holes for Gandalf built at 60% scale.

from
NZ$399
Glowworm-lit cave interior during Waitomo small group guided tour, New Zealand.
Glowworm-lit cave interior during Waitomo small group guided tour, New Zealand.
Glowworms illuminating the Waitomo Caves ceiling during a small group guided tour.
Visitors exploring Waitomo Glowworm Caves with glowing ceiling in New Zealand.
Waitomo glowworm caves with small group on guided tour exploring unique formations.
Glowworms illuminating the Waitomo Caves ceiling during a small group tour.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves small group tour exploring illuminated cave formations.
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
3 hr
1 more
  • Take this 3-hour tour to hidden glowworm caves on a private farm far from the tourist trails. It's the perfect spot for a unique, quiet adventure.

  • This tour keeps things cozy with a cap of 8 people. It starts with a scenic walk through lush forests and the Mangapu Gorge, led by your guide.

  • Spend 2 hours climbing boulders, crossing streams, and exploring limestone caves. Inside, millions of glowworms light up the space in blue.

  • After your cave adventure, switch out of your gear and enjoy some well-deserved snacks with tea and coffee to wrap up your day.

  • Fun fact: Glowworms can actually dim their light! They control the amount of light they produce by contracting or expanding a light-emitting organ. See it for yourself at this cave.

More details

  • Take this 3-hour tour to hidden glowworm caves on a private farm far from the tourist trails. It's the perfect spot for a unique, quiet adventure.

  • This tour keeps things cozy with a cap of 8 people. It starts with a scenic walk through lush forests and the Mangapu Gorge, led by your guide.

  • Spend 2 hours climbing boulders, crossing streams, and exploring limestone caves. Inside, millions of glowworms light up the space in blue.

  • After your cave adventure, switch out of your gear and enjoy some well-deserved snacks with tea and coffee to wrap up your day.

  • Fun fact: Glowworms can actually dim their light! They control the amount of light they produce by contracting or expanding a light-emitting organ. See it for yourself at this cave.

from NZ$219
NZ$197.10

10% off

Group admiring glowworms in Waitomo Caves during Auckland tour.
Visitors exploring Waitomo Glowworm Caves in Auckland, viewing stalactites and stalagmites.
Group enjoying boat tour in Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand, with glowing ceiling.
Family exploring stalactites in Ruakuri Cave during guided tour.
Stalactites in Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand, on a guided tour from Auckland.
Group exploring Waitomo Glowworm Caves with light streaming through cave opening, Auckland tour.
Tourists on a boat admire glowworms in Waitomo Caves, Auckland.
Glowworms illuminating Waitomo Caves ceiling, New Zealand.
Glowworms illuminate Waitomo Caves' ceiling, casting a blue glow over the water below.
Hobbiton house with round door and garden on guided tour from Auckland.
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
7 hr
3 more
  • Enjoy a scenic drive from Auckland to the magical glowworm caves in Waitomo, with round-trip transfers and a serene cave boat ride.

  • With round-trip transfers from Auckland CBD and snacks and water, this trip lets you enjoy the sights, hassle-free.

  • Explore Waitomo Caves' underground wonders, adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, on a guided walk.

  • Upgrade your experience to visit the Hobbiton movie set and live out your Lord of the Rings fantasy.

  • Did you know? Waitomo’s underground rivers were formed over 30 million years ago by volcanic activity.

More details

  • Enjoy a scenic drive from Auckland to the magical glowworm caves in Waitomo, with round-trip transfers and a serene cave boat ride.

  • With round-trip transfers from Auckland CBD and snacks and water, this trip lets you enjoy the sights, hassle-free.

  • Explore Waitomo Caves' underground wonders, adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, on a guided walk.

  • Upgrade your experience to visit the Hobbiton movie set and live out your Lord of the Rings fantasy.

  • Did you know? Waitomo’s underground rivers were formed over 30 million years ago by volcanic activity.

from
NZ$279
Group enjoying boat tour in Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand, with glowing ceiling.
Family exploring stalactites in Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand.
Visitors exploring Waitomo Glowworm Caves with a guide holding a flashlight.
Glowworms hanging in Waitomo Caves during guided tour.
Visitors admiring glowworms in Waitomo Glowworm Caves during guided tour.
Family admiring glowworms and stalactites in Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
Glowworms illuminate Waitomo Caves' ceiling, casting a blue glow over the water below.
Glowworms illuminating the Waitomo Caves ceiling during a small group tour.
Tourists on a boat admire glowworms in Waitomo Caves, Auckland.
Glowworms illuminating Waitomo Caves ceiling, New Zealand.
Walkway inside Waitomo Glowworm Caves with illuminated rock formations.
Visitors exploring Waitomo Glowworm Caves with glowing ceiling in New Zealand.
Glowworms illuminating the Waitomo Caves ceiling during a small group guided tour.
Wooden walkway surrounded by lush greenery at Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
Free cancellation
1 hr
Mobile ticket
  • Enjoy a slow-paced 45-minute tour through 250 meters of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, exploring the ancient dual-level system.

  • Witness tiny creatures creating a celestial galaxy in the Glowworm Grotto with their radiant luminescence.

  • Walk through the upper chamber of the 30-million-year-old cave system, then sail through the lower level encountering glowworms and the Cathedral.

  • Care to explore more of this glowing haven? Opt for the 1.5-hour Ruakuri Caves tour, the longest underground walking experience available in this cave system.

  • Did you know? Glowworms found in New Zealand's Waitomo Caves are a unique species, and cannot be found anywhere else in the world!

More details

  • Enjoy a slow-paced 45-minute tour through 250 meters of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, exploring the ancient dual-level system.

  • Witness tiny creatures creating a celestial galaxy in the Glowworm Grotto with their radiant luminescence.

  • Walk through the upper chamber of the 30-million-year-old cave system, then sail through the lower level encountering glowworms and the Cathedral.

  • Care to explore more of this glowing haven? Opt for the 1.5-hour Ruakuri Caves tour, the longest underground walking experience available in this cave system.

  • Did you know? Glowworms found in New Zealand's Waitomo Caves are a unique species, and cannot be found anywhere else in the world!

from
NZ$81
Guided black water rafting under glowworms in Waitomo Cave, New Zealand.
Group of people in wetsuits with inner tubes at Black Water Rafting, Waitomo.
Participants exploring cave during Black Water Rafting in Waitomo.
Adventurers in wetsuits and helmets explore a cave during a black water rafting tour in Waitomo.
Adventurers black water rafting in Waitomo cave with glowworms above.
Guided black water rafting under glowworms in Waitomo cave.
Group enjoying Black Water Rafting in Waitomo cave, wearing helmets and wetsuits.
Person exploring illuminated cave during black water rafting in Waitomo.
Adventurers rafting under glowworms in Waitomo Cave, New Zealand.
Participants enjoying black water rafting in Waitomo cave stream.
Adventurers in wetsuits and helmets navigate rocky stream in Waitomo cave.
Adventurers with tubes exploring a cave during a black water rafting tour in Waitomo.
Person ziplining through a cave during a Black Water Rafting experience in Waitomo.
Free cancellation
3 hr
Mobile ticket
  • Experience a 3 or 5-hour rafting tour inside the limestone caves as you float under a sky of glowworms.

  • Learn the basics of caving and gear up to weave your way around the rocks on an exhilarating journey.

  • Get the adventure of a lifetime while traveling through the caves, and jumping off waterfalls, and upgrading to include ziplining and absceiling.

  • Dig into complimentary refreshments on board and take your time to admire the surreal beauty of the caves.

  • Did you know? The Māori call glowworms "titiwai," which translates to "stars reflected in water."

More details

  • Experience a 3 or 5-hour rafting tour inside the limestone caves as you float under a sky of glowworms.

  • Learn the basics of caving and gear up to weave your way around the rocks on an exhilarating journey.

  • Get the adventure of a lifetime while traveling through the caves, and jumping off waterfalls, and upgrading to include ziplining and absceiling.

  • Dig into complimentary refreshments on board and take your time to admire the surreal beauty of the caves.

  • Did you know? The Māori call glowworms "titiwai," which translates to "stars reflected in water."

from
NZ$193

Millions love heading out with us

Bipin Varghese
NZ

Bipin

5/5
New Zealand
The Ruakuri Cave tour was an stunning experience! From the ticket booking to the tour -- well planned and customer centric. The guide was well explained and friendly. Recommended...
Barbera Adriana Peters
NZ

Barbera

5/5
New Zealand
Our guided tour was amazing! The guide was knowledgeable and funny, and we much enjoyed it. Beautiful natural formations in the caves and few small areas with glow worms. Easy walks manageable for all.
Michelle McMann
US

Michelle

5/5
United States
This was a great start to my vacation! Having to change my clothes to participate was a bit of a surprise but I'm so happy I did! Ash, the tour guude, was so funny and his cousin Michelle were so friendly and welcoming. It was definitely a trek through rocks nd water that came up to my thighs, which I didn't expect, but it was well worth it to see the glow worms up close. Ash took some fantastic photos and I was shocked that I got access to them in just a few days. I HIGHLY recommend this tour to anyone who is up for an adventure. Also, having them provide tea and cookies (biscuits as the New Zealanders say) afterwards was a great finish to the tour!
Padmaja Marudadu Damodaran
AU

Padmaja

5/5
Australia
Well organised tour guided journey.At the cathedral I got an opportunity to singing a birthday song for my grandson's 10th birthday.
Ailsa Cordelia Schilling
AU

Ailsa

5/5
Australia
Our guide was very welcoming and gave us some great history and facts. The boat ride was the best way to observe the glow worms.
Pam Thompson
NZ

Pam

5/5
New Zealand
had a fabulous time doing this event. such caring people, made sure the children and old people were well looked after, felt like a family day out. just awesome. would highly recommend to everyone.
Melanie Macredie
NZ

Melanie

5/5
New Zealand
Epic experience! Our guides Isaac and Grace weee amazing. Our daughter Elly who is claustrophobic freaked out a little at the start and they were so good at calming and encouraging her and she was able to enjoy the experience. Gloworms and adventure all in one!!
Deborah Daniel
US

Deborah

5/5
United States
The cave was simply amazing. Ticketing was easy. It was much easier to find with morning meeting location when we had an address and the name of the hotel rather than the GPS coordinates that were initially provided.
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