Aranui Cave

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Two hours drive west of Rotorua, near Te Kuiti and only five minutes drive from the popular Waitomo and Ruakuri glow worm caves is . It was named after a local Maori man, Ruruku Aranui, who discovered the cave system. In 1910, his dog chased a pig into the then unexplored cave and he subsequently returned to map out the cave by candlelight. Over the ensuing years the cave was developed into a tourist attraction.



Unlike some of the other caves in the area, photography is permitted in Aranui cave. There are no glow worms in this particular cave, as the absence of running water results in too few insects in the air for glow worms to prey upon. There are however colonies of cave weta clinging to shadows on the walls.



Upon entering the cave, strategically positioned lighting illuminates and transilluminates countless stalactites, stalagmites, palisades, flowstones, straws, pools of clear water and columns. Twinkling droplets cast ripples over glassy pools of water. Walkways are present and guides conduct regular tours throughout the day while explaining the various features of the cave and its history.



The Aranui cave is open from 10:00am to 3:00pm 7 days a week and closed on Christmas Day. Tours depart from a small park near the entrance and cost $46 NZD for adults and $21 NZD for children. A family pass (2 adults and 2 children) costs $115 NZD.

Two and three cave deals with Waitomo and Ruanui caves are also available.



If you're looking to visit a cave with an interesting history and where photography is permitted, the Aranui cave tour is well worth a visit.



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