Private Practice Yoga on a motu islet & Lagoon Experience 3 Hrs

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Aranui Cave is set in the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve, 5 minutes 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 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. 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. Visit soon to see the richly varied cave formations within close up view and enjoy an experience you will never forget.

Highlights

Learn about New Zealand trees and plants on the easy and enchanting forest walk Catch a glimpse of the cave dwelling weta Beautiful collection of stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones and decorative formations

Itinerary

Aranui Cave is one of the most richly decorated caves in Waitomo. There is very little of the ceiling in this cave that has not been decorated by the dripping water. A guide will take you along safe boardwalks into narrow chambers to see the finest cave formations of all the caves in Waitomo. The high chambers, magnificent limestone formations and the pale brown, pink and white shades of the huge stalactites in the Aranui Cave are truly spectacular. Just inside the entrance to Aranui Cave is a colony of cave weta - large insects unique to New Zealand, which date back to the dinosaur age. Wetas are closely related to the cricket and locust and the word literally translates from Maori as the 'ugly one' or the spiny one. Cave wetas differ from other wetas in the size of their limbs and antennae, in relation to their bodies. They have very long legs and antennae, to help them find their way around their dark habitat. They do have eyes but these are only really used to avoid light. Leaving the Aranui Cave at night they will forage on the forest floor for food. If there is a full moon, they will not leave the shelter of the cave as there is too much light.

Includes

Expert guide Includes additional 15 minute guided bush walk Theatre is included with all cave tickets shown above