Black Water Rafting Safety
Your safety is our team's top priority. Please watch our safety video below before booking an underground adventure with us.
Here at the Lengendary Black Water Rafting Co. we want to get underground into the fun as much as you, but safety is at the forefront of our operations. Please read on to find out how to help us, help you to keep safe whilst on the adventure of a lifetime. undefined
To avoid dissapointment please make sure you fit into the following guidelines:
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Minimum weight requirement of 45kg, maximum weight of 130kg.
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Have a reasonable level of fitness that allows you to engage fully in the experience.
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Minimum age requirements: At least 12 years of age for our Black Labyrinth experience & at least 16 years of age for our Black Abyss experience.
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Be comfortable in fast running water, darkness and be able to walk in and around uneven terrain and natural obstacles.
Please make sure you also meet these following requirements whilst wearing a wetsuit & gumboots:
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You must be able to step up to 50cm unaided.
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You must be able to climb onto an object 1m high unaided.
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You must be able to climb a ladder unaided.
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You must be able to walk uphill for 10 minutes.
Physical abilities and pre-existing medical conditions:
Some of the following conditions may prevent you from participating
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Epilepsy
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Diabetes
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Pregnancy
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Heart conditions
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Head injuries
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Spinal injuries
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Recent or regular dislocations
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Artificial limbs
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Serious mobility issues
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Neurological disorders
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Serious visual or auditory impairment
If you have any of the above physical and/or pre existing medical conditions, please contact our team before booking your experience. In order to keep you and any other guests out of any risk during the experience, Legendary Black Water Rafting Co reserves the right to refuse participation.
The ultimate underground experience and the most fun you’ll have in the dark!
An adventure like no other, Black Water Rafting is a must-do on your bucket list and is guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping. Head 80 metres below ground, explore an underground river, jump off waterfalls and float below a sky of glow worms, all whilst exploring one of New Zealand’s most diverse cave systems. What are you waiting for, BOOK NOW!
Which experience is for me?
The Black Labyrinth
The Black Labyrinth, the perfect 3 hour introduction to black water rafting and will leave you wanting to come back for more. Zip into a wetsuit, throw on your gumboots, protect your head with a helment and embark on a tubing exploration around the caves. This experience begins as we enter the underground wonderland through a hole in the rock (no not the one up north), and dive right into the underground waters. Get your adrenaline pumping by jumping off not-too-high underground waterfalls and then grab your tube and look up as you float under a sky full of glowworms. Want to find out more? Click here
The Black Abyss
The Black Abyss is a 5 hour adventure for those wanting to get their adrenaline pumping and see more of what the cave has to offer. Begin your decent into the cave by strapping into a harness and abseiling into the cave where adventure awaits. The adrenalin thrill does not end there, as you get hooked up to a zip line and soar through the pitch-black cave. Next up, time to float under a sky full of glowworms through the underground river. Think the thrill ends there? Think again. The Black Abyss gives you the maximum cave experience that will have you climbing up waterfalls and crawling through holes. Keen to find out more? Click here
FAQ
Who is Black Water Rafting for?
By providing the 2 different experience options, we have ensured that there is an experience for most types of people. The Black Labyrinth is an excellent choice for those a little nervous abut heading underground but still craving some adventure. The Black Abyss is ideal for those seeking adrenaline and wanting to maximise their time exxploring underground. For both experiences, no prior cave experience is needed however you must have a reasonable level of fitness and be comfortable on difficult terrain. We ask that you come with energy and enthusiasm and be ready to push yourself slightly out of your comfort zone.
What should I bring with me?
Good vibes, a pair of swimwear and a towel is all you will need to bring with you. All caving equipment you will need like wetsuit, gumboots, helmet, headlight and your tube will be provided by us. After the experience, hot showers will be waiting for you so a small bottle of shower gel will come in handy.
What can I expect before entering the cave?
Once you have arrived at the Black Water Rafting base, head inside where our friendly team will get you all checked in and ready for some fun. Next up it is time to meet the Legendary Black Water Rafting Co adrenaline junkies, AKA your guides who will have you in their capable hands throughout whichever experience you have opted for. These guides are some of the most passionate cavers you will meet and they know the cave like the back of their hands. Follow them as they will help you get kitted out in all the gear required for some fun. Last thing before we continue, prepare your best and most enthusiastic smile as your guides will snap some pics along the way.
Before we head to the cave, lets practice. For guests doing the Black Labyrinth, this means perfecting your jump with your tube into the water. For guests on the Black Abyss, it is time to practise your abseiling skills ahead of your 35-metre abseil into the caves. For both experiences, lets now hop into the van and get this adventure started!
How do we enter the cave?
Entering the cave varies for both experiences. For guests on the Black Abyss, we enter the cave via a 35-metre abseil and then a short zip-line journey through the pitch-black cave. For guests on the Black Labyrinth, entering the cave is simply through a hole in the rock formation.
What can I expect after entering the cave?
Welcome to the cave! Whilst we are underground, we will spend time with and without our tubes, crawling through spaces, jumping off waterfalls and for those on the Black Abyss, climbing up waterfalls too. A great way to spend time in this underground wonderland is by also checking out the glowworms and what a better way to do that than hop in your tube and marvel at the ceiling as you float down the underground river with the rest of your crew.
Can I take photos and video during the experience?
We know you would love to capture your experience, but trust us when we say there is nothing we love more than keeping our guests safe and for everybody to leave feeling satisfied with their experience. Hence, any sort of photography or filming is strictly prohibited at any point during the experience. Our guides will be on hand to take photos throughout which will then be available for viewing and purchasing.
Do I need to book in advance?
To avoid disappoitment, we absolutley reccomend booking in advance as both experience have a maximum number of people. This is especially important to note during our peak summer season. Click here to book.
The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co has a Safety Management System audited and certified by OutdoorsMark against the Safety Audit Standard for Adventure Activities.