Itinerary 1 itinerary
Day 1
Meet at meeting point: Ruakuri Bushwalk 205 Ruakuri Road, Waitomo Caves 3985, New Zealand Drive from the Waitomo Glowworm Caves along Waitomo Village Road. Turn left at the roundabout on to Tumutumu Road. Continue a further 1.8kms turing right down to the Ruakuri Scenic reserve. Park and wait for your guide at the small shelter. Departure Point: Ruakuri Scenic Reserve Car ParkMeet at meeting point: Waitomo Glowworm Caves 39 Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo Caves 3977, New Zealand,Waikato,New Zealand Check in 30 minutes prior to tour departure at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves Visitor center. A frontline staff member will provide a map and directions to the cave departure location. Note tour does not depart from this location.
Attractions and Activities: Aranui Cave (Ticket included) Set in the forest of the Ruakuri scenic reserve, the beautifully delicate formations in Aranui Cave create a place for quiet contemplation and a time to reflect on the wonders of nature. 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. Aranui Cave is set in the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve, 5 minute 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, 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. On this guided tour, explore the ancient cave formations, high chambers and huge stalactites and stalagmites of Aranui Cave, one of Waitomo's best kept secrets. These small-group tours are led by experienced guides who can provide information on the cave's unique geology and history.
Guests leave on their own: Ruakuri BushwalkEnd the tour on your own and bring your trip to a happy conclusion 205 Ruakuri Road, Waitomo Caves 3985, New Zealand Drive from the Waitomo Glowworm Caves along Waitomo Village Road. Turn left at the roundabout on to Tumutumu Road. Continue a further 1.8kms turing right down to the Ruakuri Scenic reserve. Park and wait for your guide at the small shelter. Departure Point: Ruakuri Scenic Reserve Car Park
Guests leave on their own: Waitomo Glowworm CavesEnd the tour on your own and bring your trip to a happy conclusion 39 Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo Caves 3977, New Zealand,Waikato,New Zealand Check in 30 minutes prior to tour departure at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves Visitor center. A frontline staff member will provide a map and directions to the cave departure location. Note tour does not depart from this location.
*Itinerary times are in the local time of the place of visit and may be subject to changes due to weather conditions, road conditions, and other factors. We appreciate your understanding.