Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to bring on each tour?

On the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Ruakuri Cave and Aranui Cave tours, you will need comfortable shoes and a warm jacket. For the Black Labyrinth and Black Abyss tours, you will need swimwear and a towel, wetsuits will be provided.

 

How many people can go on each boat tour?

There are 23 people or under on each boat tour.

 

Are kids free?

Under 4 year olds go free, but they must be booked to secure a place on the tour.

 

Can I include a child aged over 14 as a child in a family pass?

No you can not, you will need to book them as an adult. Proof of age may be required.

 

What is the check-in time and location for each tour?

Waitomo Glowworm Cave tours depart daily from the Waitomo Glowworm Caves Visitor Centre, located at 39 Waitomo Village Rd.

Aranui Cave tours check-in at the Visitors Centre, then self-drive to Ruakuri Bush Walk for your tour, follow the signs down to the lower car park located at the corner of Ruakuri Rd and Tumutumu Rd.

Black Labyrinth and Black Abyss tours depart daily from the Legendary Black Water Rafting Co., located at 585 Waitomo Caves Rd. Check-in for Ruakuri Cave tours at the Ruakuri Visitor Centre on Tumutumu Rd. *Check in 30 minutes prior to tour departure for all tours.

 

If I am doing Ruakuri Cave or Aranui Cave first as part of a cave combo, can I drive straight to the cave?

We would recommend checking-in for your tour prior at either the Visitors Centre at 39 Waitomo Village Rd for Aranui Cave tours, or at the Ruakuri Visitor Centre for Ruakuri Cave tours.

 

Are towels supplied for tours with the Legendary Black Water Rafting Co.?

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.

 

Can you take photos or video on tours?

You are able to take your cameras and GoPros on Ruakuri Cave and Aranui Cave tours. Photography is not permitted inside the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Legendary Black Water Rafting Co. tours. You can purchase your tour photos after our experience.

 

Do you need a jacket on cave tours?

We recommend comfortable walking shoes and a warm jacket on walking tours. You will not need a jacket on black water rafting tours as you will be in a wetsuit!

 

Do you need to pre-book your tour?

We recommend booking your tour to avoid disappointment, however if you are driving through the area, we will do our best to secure your spot on a tour, with many departing daily.

 

What is the minimum age for the Legendary Black Water Rafting Co. tours?

You must be over 12 years old 45 kg for the Black Labyrinth tour and over 16 years old (and over 45 kg) for the Black Abyss tour.

 

Are children / infants allowed on cave tours?

Yes they are. However, please take into account that during part of the tours, quiet is needed. Some small children do become unsettled in the caves and if this happens, and you are not able to settle your child, your guide will advise you on what to do. If you are late, are you able to be booked on the next tour? We will always do our best to move you onto an alternative tour, however during peak season this is not always possible. If you are late and have not contacted us, a fee will incur to change your tour time. Please refer to our t&cs for our full cancellation policy.

 

Can you take photos in the Waitomo Glowworm Cave?

Photography and video are not permitted inside the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, but is allowed on Ruakuri Cave and Aranui Cave tours.

 

What does a family pass consist of?

Two adults and two children.

 

All of the group / family bookings are under one name, is this okay?

Yes this is fine – we only require the name of the lead traveller in our bookings.

 

Are there lifejackets on the boat ride?

No- due to the nature of the boat experience these are not necessary.

 

Do you see glowworms on a Legendary Black Water Rafting Co. tour?

Yes, you do! The entire cave is a glowworm-studded wonderland.

 

Are the caves wheelchair and pushchair friendly?

The Waitomo Glowworm Cave and Aranui Cave is accessible to those with reasonable mobility, with good handrails and paths but does not have wheelchair access. Ruakuri Cave is wheelchair and pushchair friendly.

 

How many stairs are their inside the Waitomo Glowworm Cave?

There are two levels inside the Waitomo Glowworm Cave which are 16 metres apart and have 100 stairs in between them.

 

There are people with mobility issues in the group, can we still do the tour?

The Waitomo Glowworm Cave and Aranui Cave is accessible to those with reasonable mobility, with good handrails and paths but does not have wheelchair access. Ruakuri Cave is wheelchair and pushchair friendly.

 

What is the temperature inside the Waitomo Glowworm cave?

16 ºC year round

 

Do you have changing rooms and lockers at the Legendary Black Water Rafting Co.?

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 is the driving distance between each cave?

Roughly 5 minutes drive.

 

How can I confirm my tour bookings if I am confused, especially for combo tours?

If you are confused about a certain tour time, you can confirm your bookings and times by phoning the contact centre on 0800 456 922.