Waitomo Black Water Rafting: Breathtaking Glowworm Cave Adventure
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Price From $113.18 per person
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We offer two different Blackwater Rafting experiences through the Ruakuri Cave. The Black Labyrinth is the original, 3-hour Blackwater Rafting tour. You will jump off two small waterfalls (highest is 1.5 meters), float on a tube underneath an impressive display of glowworms and navigate through the cave’s natural streamway. All participants must be at least 12 years old and weigh at least 45kgs. The Black Abyss is the ultimate 5-hour Blackwater Rafting tour. Abseil 35 metres into the cave and zipline across a river under a grotto of glowworms. You'll then float on a tube through the caves' natural streamway. All participants must be at least 16 years old and weigh 45kgs. An average level of fitness and mobility is required for both of our tours. It is important to understand that these tours take you into a completely natural cave environment. Please understand that your guides have final discretion of whether you will be able to participate on our tours.
Reviews
Reviews and Rating (Tripadvisor)
5 stars
Reviews by Tripadvisor travelers
Trent_M, 10/20/2025 4:04:55 AM
I have never rafted in a cave in my entire life but after this adventure, I would do the five hour tour. My friends and I booked the shorter tour and it was amazing. a very unique adventure. if you’re considering doing it, just do it. It was amazing.
Dexter K, 10/18/2025 2:11:23 AM
Awesome and fun hands on experience. It was so cool to explore a cave and see the glowworms. Xavier and Matty were great and energetic guides.
Rene_Z, 10/17/2025 10:25:33 PM
Spectacular! Abseilung and Hot drinks in Cold Water. Zip lining in total darkness. Really recommended, if you are fit enough to go.
869allisonk, 10/11/2025 4:09:26 PM
Great experience with Matty and Xavier! I was a little scared about the descent and water temperature but their gear is top notch and warm! It was such a cool experience seeing the glowworms and exploring the caves!
Daniel_R, 9/25/2025 7:26:50 AM
Bring towels and soap for after!! The water is cold but it is worth it. The staff is amazing!!! I’ll be back soon.
Tom D, 8/16/2025 12:23:10 AM
We did the Black Abyss, 5 hour cave tour. It was an incredible and challenging experience. Our guides, Matt and Ciarne, were charming and thoughtful; they noticed one of us was struggling with the cold and provided suitable extra clothing, as well as occasional top-ups of hot water poured into the wetsuit. They also provided gluten free snacks for us and another coeliac member of the tour. The tour itself will last for a long time in our memories - the highlights for me were the abseiling into the cave, and lying back on a tube moving down the underground river with thousands of glowworms surrounding us. Climbing the waterfalls at the end was hard and scary but it felt great to have achieved it (this was optional - one of us decided against it). If you're feeling adventurous and don't mind being wet and cold for around 3 hours, then I can't recommend the Black Abyss highly enough.
gregory_g, 8/13/2025 12:42:49 AM
This was hands down the best tour I’ve been on in a long time! The guides were fantastic, the experience was unforgettable, and it was worth every cent. Everything was well organised, fun, and exceeded my expectations. If you’re looking for something truly special, you absolutely have to try this you won’t regret it!
T769DFrobertw, 7/29/2025 12:58:33 AM
Overall, this tour is perfect for thrill‑seekers, nature lovers, and anyone looking for an unforgettable underground adventure. it’s a must‑do in Waitomo!
michaelaR7972OO, 6/22/2025 10:34:50 AM
I didn't know what to expect and i was surprised - the guide was nice, the tour was nice, perfect length. It was a mixture of adventure and romantic chilling on a river
lynnieonana, 6/14/2025 3:51:19 AM
We went during late autumn when the temperature was probably below 10 degree. Before the trip I was worried of the coldness but fortunately we were nicely wrapped with fleece, thick wet suit and boots that kept me warm enough. We started off by abseiling down the cave, followed by the ziplining in the cave and plunging into the water with our tubs flowing along the water to see glowworm above us. We then had to cave back up to where we came from. It's a wonderful experience to see the waitomo glowworms, enjoying every bit of the experience from the abseiling, ziplining and tubbing experience.
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Your safety is our team's top priority.
- You must check in 30 minutes before the tour departs at 585 Waitomo Caves Road, Waitomo Caves
- All Participants for the Black Abyss must be at least 16-years-old and weigh at least 45kgs.
- All Participants for the Black Labyrinth must be at least 12-years-old and weigh at least 45kgs.
- Due to high demand and limited capacity if you miss your scheduled tour time your ticket(s) are forfeited and non refundable. New bookings will incur the full tour cost and are subject to availability.
- Water temperature sits at around 10-15 degrees Celsius.
- We require a minimum of two participants for a tour to operate - if you are the only participant confirmed, you may be asked to amend your tour time
- The Black Labyrinth (3-hour tour) does NOT include the abseil and zipline.
- Customers do not need to be able to swim, but these tours are best suited for those who are comfortable with at least standing in fast-moving water.
- Cameras and personal devices are not allowed on these tours
- Bring swimwear & a towel - we'll supply the rest!
- We ask those who have serious medical problems to contact us before booking onto our tours.
- Please understand that your guides have final discretion of whether you will be able to participate on our tours.
Departure point
Departure Point: The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co, 585 Waitomo Caves Road, Waitomo 3977 Return point: Returns to original departure pointReturn details
We offer two different Blackwater Rafting experiences through the Ruakuri Cave. The Black Labyrinth is the original, 3-hour Blackwater Rafting tour. You will jump off two small waterfalls (highest is 1.5 meters), float on a tube underneath an impressive display of glowworms and navigate through the cave’s natural streamway. All participants must be at least 12 years old and weigh at least 45kgs. The Black Abyss is the ultimate 5-hour Blackwater Rafting tour. Abseil 35 metres into the cave and zipline across a river under a grotto of glowworms. You'll then float on a tube through the caves' natural streamway. All participants must be at least 16 years old and weigh 45kgs. An average level of fitness and mobility is required for both of our tours. It is important to understand that these tours take you into a completely natural cave environment. Please understand that your guides have final discretion of whether you will be able to participate on our tours.Redemption
• You must check in 30 minutes before the tour departs . • Due to high demand and limited capacity if you are late or miss your scheduled tour time your ticket(s) are forfeited and non refundable. New bookings will incur the full tour cost and are subject to availability • Please bring swimwear, a towel and a sense of adventure! • Please ensure you watch the safety video prior to taking part in this experience: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/pd21i2nio0et20c/AAC0SWKP_MG7P1-XIZtBMS0Ta?dl=0&preview=BWR+Safety+Vid+(V3).mp424 hours before travel date - 100% refund
Less than 24 hours before travel date - 0% refund