New Zealand’s maximum-adrenaline Black Water Rafting tour
Float down an underground river, slip into fast waters, jump off waterfalls and take in the magic of the glow worm studded Ruakuri Cave. Allow 3 hours for this adventure.
After checking in and meeting your friendly and passionate guides, it’s time to gear up and test your tubing skills. Once you’re comfortable in your tube, you’ll enter the cave through a hole in the rock and be straight into the underground waters. Spend your time underground weaving around and climbing over rocks, jumping off not-too-high waterfalls, floating beneath a sky of glow worms, and most importantly, having the most fun you’ve ever had in the dark.
Allow a total of 3 hours for this adventure.
A minimum weight of 45kg is required
After your trip, warm up with a hot shower and enjoy our on-site cafe at The Base, where this tour starts/ends.
Compare all experiences to find the best tour for you.
Glowworms
Wet
Waterfall
Tubing
Prices
-
NZD$188 Adult
-
NZD$145 Youth (12-15)
-
NZD$557 Family
Essential Information
Essential Information
- 585 Waitomo Caves Road, Waitomo 3977
- 0800 228 464
- Open daily 8am - 5:30pm
- Pre-Booking Essential
- blackwater.rafting@waitomo.com
Departure Information
Current Departure Times:
Open daily
Check in 30-minutes prior to departure
Allow 3 hours for this tour
Pre-Booking is essential
A minimum weight of 45kg is required for this tour
Check-in at; The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co. located at 585 Waitomo Caves Road, Waitomo 3977
Closed on Christmas Day
Preparation
- Bring swimwear & a towel
Bring shower gel and shampoo if desired, a change of clothes, a towel and your sense of adventure.
No prior caving experience is needed; however, a moderate level of fitness is required.
A minimum weight of 45KG is required for this tour.
Please note: The Black Water Rafting base is a cashless site. We strongly advise booking your tour online, and make sure you bring a contactless method of payment (credit card, apple pay etc) for the gift shop and cafe.
Reviews
FAQs
What do I need to bring on the tour? Swimwear and a towel. We will provide you with your full kit: wetsuits, socks, shoes, helmet, light and of course your black water rafting tube!
What is the check-in time and location? Black Labyrinth tours depart from the Legendary Black Water Rafting Co. Located at 585 Waitomo Caves Road, Waitomo 3977. Check-in is 30 minutes before tour departure.
How long is the tour? Allow 3 hours for this adventure. This includes a safety briefing, drive time, getting kitted out in your underground gear, prep and training or, of course being underground.
Can you take photos or video this tour? Sorry, cameras and GoPros can't be taken on this tour for safety reasons. However, your guide will take photos of you on your tour, which can be purchased after the tour.
Are towels supplied for tours? Towels are NOT supplied; you must bring your own. However, in case you forget, we sell towels in the retail store – they’re pretty cool too!
Do you need to be able to swim to do a black water rafting tour? You do need to be comfortable in the water, however swimming is not a necessity. You will have a tube to aid you in floating as well as expert guides.
What is the minimum age for Black Labyrinth tours? You must be over 12 years old and over 45 kg.
Do you see glowworms? Yes, you do! The entire cave is a glowworm-studded wonderland.
Do you have changing rooms and lockers? Yes, there are separate changing rooms for males and females complete with hot showers for after your underground experience. There are also lockers to safely stow your belongings while you are underground.
What does a family pass consist of? Two adults and two youth.
How old is a youth? 12 -15 years old - and they must meet the minimum weight requirement