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Waikato

Waikato

The Top 11 Caves in Waikato

Looking to visit a cave in Waikato on your next adventure? To help you better plan your next outdoor experience, we’ve collected Waikato’s 11

best caves for you. Based on the experiences of other users, each is a recommendation you know you can trust — so you can better plan your next adventure.

Last updated: November 2, 2025

Cathedral Cove Arch

Highlight • Natural Monument

Update December 2024:
Cathedral Cove is accessible on foot again! A new section of trail has been built.

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Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Highlight • Cave

Absolute must! The glowworms are simply awesome, like stars in the sky

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Orakei Korako Geothermal Park & Cave

Highlight (Segment) • Natural Monument

A very unusual place with a stench of sulfur, geysers, bubbling mud holes and in amazing colors.

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Ruatapu Cave and Pool of Mirrors

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The Ruatapu cave extends over 36 m in volcanic tuff to the hot pool "Waiwhakaata" or "Pool of Mirrors".

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Piripiri Caves

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After a short walk and exactly 108 steps you get from the free parking lot to the cave. Inside there are stalactites and stalagmites as well as an easy-to-access staircase. The short hike is worth it.

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Nikau Cave Café

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Philip and Anne who run the cafe/accommodation are great. The roast their own coffee and it taste great. Simple accommodation, clean and tidy. Stop for a visit, or a stay, …

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Aranui Cave

Highlight • Cave

Aranui Cave: Aranui Cave is a jewel - and yet it is probably the least known of the Waitomo caves, which, in addition to Aranui, also include Ruakuri Cave, the very well-known Glowworm Cave and the Blackwater Rafting experience.

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Waterfall at Waitawheta Cave

Highlight (Segment) • Waterfall

Dickey's Camp is a wonderful place to camp with a tent. However, the nearest shop is 12 km away. So if you are on foot or by bike, plan enough …

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Mangapohue Natural Bridge

Highlight • Natural Monument

A complex that is difficult to describe. It doesn't look the same in the pictures as it does in real life.

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Spellbound Glowworm Caves

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Guided tours of two caves, including a short boat ride and plenty of glowworms. The second cave is a stalactite cave, with hardly any glowworms (but there is light, and …

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Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones in Waikato:

West Coast (New Zealand)Canterbury

The Top 11 Caves in Waikato

Cathedral Cove Arch

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Orakei Korako Geothermal Park & Cave

Ruatapu Cave and Pool of Mirrors

Piripiri Caves

Nikau Cave Café

Aranui Cave

Waterfall at Waitawheta Cave

Mangapohue Natural Bridge

Spellbound Glowworm Caves

Other adventures in Waikato

Most popular routes in Waikato

Most popular attractions in Waikato

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

Explore more

Get ready to conquer new peaks

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