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1-Hour Guided Tour of Aranui Cave Waitomo

32 Reviews 4.53 out of 5 stars Based on 32 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 91% of reviewers
91% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Waitomo, New Zealand
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from $48.28 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
1-Hour Guided Tour of Aranui Cave Waitomo Image 1
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1-Hour Guided Tour of Aranui Cave Waitomo Image 4
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 16 (0) days in advance.
1 hour (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Overview

Discover serenity in the most delicate and intimate of the main caves in Waitomo. Begin your tour with a guided walk through an enchanted forest before discovering the most beautiful collection of decorative formations. Cave has a natural cave entrance and is the smallest and most delicate of Waitomo's three main caves. As a dry cave without a running river through it, it houses very little life past its entrance. Walk through the cave with your guide on this 1-hour tour, with an additional 15-minute guided bush walk. Visit soon to see the richly varied cave formations within close-up view and enjoy an experience you will never forget. Choose from one of seven departure times when you book.

What's Included

  • Local guide
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
See 3 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point
End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Aranui Cave

Set in the forest of the Ruakuri scenic reserve, the beautifully delicate formations in Aranui Cave create a place for quiet contemplation and a time to reflect on the wonders of nature. Aranui Cave is a magical, mystical place that is steeped in Maori myth and legend. As such, it occupies a very special place in the hearts of the people of the Waitomo district.Aranui Cave is set in the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve, 5 minute drive from the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. It is named after Ruruku Aranui, the local Maori man who first discovered this previously hidden gem back in 1910.Aranui Cave has a natural cave entrance and is the smallest and most delicate of Waitomo's three main caves. As a dry cave without a river running through it, it houses very little life past its entrance.  However, just inside the entrance is a colony of native New Zealand cave wetas and further into the cave is the most beautiful collection of stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones and decorative formations.On this guided tour, explore the ancient cave formations, high chambers and huge stalactites and stalagmites of Aranui Cave, one of Waitomo’s best kept secrets. These small-group tours are led by experienced guides who can provide information on the cave's unique geology and history.
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Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Due to high demand and limited capacity, if you are late or miss your scheduled tour time your ticket(s) are forfeited and non refundable. New bookings will incur the full tour cost and are subject to availability
  • Your own transport is required
  • You must check in 30 minutes before the tour departs

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the 1-Hour Guided Tour of Aranui Cave Waitomo?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-3930P8

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.53
32 reviews

Average 4.53 out of 5 stars based on 32 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
23
4 stars
6
3 stars
0
2 stars
3
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 16 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the 1-Hour Guided Tour of Aranui Cave Waitomo?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Local guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Food and drinks.
  • Gratuities.
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 4. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the 1-Hour Guided Tour of Aranui Cave Waitomo is as follows:

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for 1-Hour Guided Tour of Aranui Cave Waitomo will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Local guide
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • All you will need are comfortable shoes and a warm jacket.
  • Not suitable for those who have difficulty navigating stairs
  • Due to high demand and limited capacity, if you are late or miss your scheduled tour time your ticket(s) are forfeited and non refundable. New bookings will incur the full tour cost and are subject to availability
  • Your own transport is required
  • You must check in 30 minutes before the tour departs
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

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Activity name