Waitomo Black Water Rafting: Breathtaking Glowworm Cave Adventure
Price From $113.18 per person
Lowest Price Guarantee
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
Leanne_C, 12/6/2025 1:01:05 AM
You have to be comfortable with being in confined spaces in the dark with cold water, but be prepared to be amazed and awestruck with another world. BRILLIANT!!!
Dolores_C, 12/5/2025 9:23:10 PM
Phenomenal time! Awatea and Maddie were excellent guides—they kept us having fun and comfortable while also ensuring our safety. We LOVED being in the caves and the darkest part with the brightest glowworms were breathtaking. The hot showers and tomato soup after were the perfect end. It’s definitely an active walk and you have to be mindful but if you follow instructions you’ll be golden.
Merissa_H, 12/3/2025 11:07:51 AM
The guides were excellent and the staff at the counter delivered amazing customer service. Would definitely recommend this to others.
Carolyn_G, 12/2/2025 9:03:13 PM
This was excellent!!! I feared it would be a gimmick, and I’m so glad I was wrong. Our guides were funny, professional and also made me feel safe. Highly recommend! Bring your own soap and shampoo for the hot shower afterwards.
Kimberley_S, 11/27/2025 6:18:52 PM
This was such an amazing experience! I one that it sounded great but to experience it… wow. This is a bucket list item for sure. It’s an active 5 hour tour and so worth every second. Rappelling, spelunking, tubing, zip lining- oh my. WOW. Do not miss this opportunity!!
Michelle_S, 11/25/2025 2:04:39 AM
The water is cold, the footing uneven, but all of it is worth it to go on this adventure with awesome guides ( thanks Jetta and Sammy!) and literally chill with the glow worms!
Gary_S, 11/24/2025 2:03:48 AM
Awesome water tubing through caves. Had wetsuit and boats on . Hot shower and soup afterwards. Would do it again🤙
Q5568SYlisac, 11/21/2025 3:18:05 PM
It was fun. They took safety seriously and presented challenges that made it a fun adventure. Great to see the glow worms this way and get a sense of exploring a cave differently.
Lauren_M, 11/20/2025 1:37:27 AM
Definitely recommend the ABYSS tour - it was phenomenal and the guides were fantastic! The guides made everything feel very safe and the snacks & hot drinks were a nice touch!
Greta_T, 11/19/2025 3:07:19 PM
What an excellent experience! Be prepared for a significant amount of walking through the cave, through running water over rocks--maybe more of this than the actual tubing itself. But the guides were extremely helpful and reassuring, and gave me confidence to do it. Floating in the dark, seeing the glow worms was other-worldly! Absolutely amazing experience and worth every penny!
- 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