Duration
Open today
Free cancellation
Guided tour
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Take a 1-hour guided tour of Aranui Cave, featuring fragile limestone formations and deep-rooted Māori stories.
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Explore quiet, narrow passages filled with beautiful stalactites in shades of pink, brown, and white.
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Listen to your knowledgeable guide share Māori myths and the story of Ruruku Aranui, the cave’s discoverer.
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1-hour guided tour of Aranui Cave
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English-speaking guide of Maori descent
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You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- 13 reviews4.2
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Hannah
Jan 2025Verified booking5/5
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Jan 2025Verified booking4/5
Karen
Dec 2024Verified booking5/5
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Dec 2024Verified booking4/5
Thorsten
Jan 2025Verified booking4/5
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
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Scenic forest walk: Take a tranquil stroll through the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve’s native forest to find the hidden entrance to Aranui Cave.
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Intimate cave chambers: Explore smaller, narrow chambers featuring some of Waitomo’s most delicate and spectacular stalactites in soft browns, pinks, and whites.
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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.
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Quiet, crowd-free tour: Enjoy a serene and personal experience, perfect for photographers and those seeking a calm exploration.
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What to bring
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Bring a warm jacket as the cave can get cool.
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When you visit, make sure you've got a credit card or your phone set up for contactless payments (like Apple Pay or Google Pay).
What's not allowed
- Smoking, food, drink or litter are not allowed inside the cave.
Accessibility
- This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
Additional information
- Photography and video are permitted in the cave.
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Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
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Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.
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Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your visit to avoid any delays.
Meeting Point
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Meet your guide at Visitors centre.
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Address: 39 Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo Caves 3977, New Zealand.
Get Directions to the Meeting Point
Getting There
By Bus
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The closest bus stop is Waitomo Glowworm Caves. It is a quick 1-minute walk to the meeting point.
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Board bus Auckland - Central to get you there.
By Car
- Take route 'New Zealand State Highway 37' and drive on Waitomo caves road.
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