Top 13 Caves 와이카토

A beautiful landscape with spectacular remnants of mining, including the abandoned buildings and machinery of the Talisman Battery and the old gold mine tunnels.

Fascinating colors, magnificent nature.

Beautiful nature within easy reach,

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. It is not for nothing that the information board for Aranui describes that when it was discovered it was classified as more spectacular than Ruakuri and Glowworm Cave. It is very varied, with a wide variety of beautiful stalactite formations spread over several sections. The "Cathedral" with its two end "chambers" is particularly beautiful. There is also a highlight in the entrance area: Cave Weta! A smaller species of the well-known but now rare "dinosaur of insects" of New Zealand. Why is the once very popular cave so unknown today? Perhaps because it is the only one of the three Waitomo caves that can (no longer) advertise with the keyword "Glowworm"? And, unfortunately, it is not wheelchair accessible. Access: Only possible with a guide. A corresponding tour can be booked online and at the relevant Waitomo centers (also in combination with the other Waitomo caves). On our tour in the high season, we only had three participants - so it's an absolute must! And we hope everyone has a guide as great with lots of knowledge and a love of storytelling as the one we were able to enjoy.

A path leads down to the river. In the shallow water, just a few centimeters from the bank, there are two large, flat rocks that are easily accessible. You can see and photograph the portal from the first one.

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

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.

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