The Waitomo region is home to three caves that are open to the public: The Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Ruakuri Cave and Aranui Cave...     Waitomo Glowworm Caves     Formed over 30 million years ago there are two levels to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves which are 16 metres apart. The upper level is dry and includes the entrance to the cave, the Catacombs and the Organ Loft. The lower level consists of stream passages and the Cathedral.     Aranui Cave     Located in Ruakuri Scenic Reserve, Aranui is a dry cave. There is only one entrance to Aranui and without a river flowing through it houses very little life past the entrance. However, just inside the entrance is a colony of cave wetas. Aranui is famous for its beautiful arrays of stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones and unusual formations.     Ruakuri Cave     Ruakuri translated from the Maori language means �eden of dogs�f. The cave is the longest and most complex of all three tourist caves with some unusual features. Some of these include an ancient Maori burial ground inset high in the cliff above the entrance to the cave, and fossil shells inside that cave that are over 30 million years old. The cave entrance leads into a large chamber known as Holdens Cavern, named after James Holden who rediscovered the caves. Key points of interest include the Ghost Walk, the Bridal Chamber and the Mirror Pool.       Back to TOP

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