Many limestone caves in the Waitomo area were used for burials or depositing other taonga but few were suitable for dwelling purposes. One exception was Te Anaureure which was dry, roomy, level and easy access. A stream flowed past the entrance. This cave was the home of the great chief Maniapoto in his latter years. A natural limestone platform supported by limestone columns was Maniapoto's sleeping place. Te Anauruere is the most significant historic place of the iwi that remains intact that is associated with the life of their eponymous ancestor Maniapoto. Thus the cave is of great significance to all hapu and iwi of the Ngati Maniapoto whanui tonu. [This information is from the paper presented to the Maori Heritage Committee at the time of registration]