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.