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From happy customers

Loved by 47 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
Stefan Killenberg
DE

Stefan

Germany
Jan 2026
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review-image
A great mix of action (abseiling, ziplining, climbing, and crawling through the cave passages) and enjoying the glowing webs of fly larvae on the cave ceiling.
Janet Thain
CA

Janet

Canada
Jan 2026
‌
review-image
Amazing limestone formations and excellent tour guide! The ramp construction in the cave was excellent and easy to navigate.
Gregor Schmidle
AT

Gregor

Austria
Nov 2025
‌
review-image
The tour is considerably more expensive than the classic "Gloworm Cave Tour" in Waitomo. However, it is worth every penny. The small group size and the experienced tour guide Ash make this couple of hours unforgettable. From logistics, safety, friendlyness, empathy, professinal photos, all adds up to a perfect package. And for those who struggle a bit in dark confined spaces, Ash literally walks and talks you through so that every step is a safe one. Highly recommended!
Marc Völker
DE

Marc

Germany
Feb 2026
Spannende, abwechslungsreiche Tour mit tollen Eindrücken (im Dunkeln Glühwürmchen sehen, ins Wasser springen, dieHöhle erkunden).
Bernadette Bridle
AU

Bernadette

Australia
Jan 2026
The guides Molly, Jonti and team were absolutely fantastic. They had great knowledge of the caves. At all times they made us feel safe and confidently guided us through the tricky parts of the caves. Thank you. I highly recommend the black water rafting adventure.
Wendy L Williams
NZ

Wendy

New Zealand
Jan 2026
My 5 year old grandson loved the boat ride Glow worm experience. The guide was excellent showed care to his group and was very informative. I've been to the caves 3 times and would go again. Totally recommend.
Alexandra Palcic
NZ

Alexandra

New Zealand
Jan 2026
Thank you to all the team the made such a magical memory for us as a family. Especially thank you to Papa our wonderful guide. A highlight of our holiday.
Margaret Walden-Evans
US

Margaret

United States
Jan 2026
Gaff was a great tour guide, and very knowledgeable about the cave and the region. Being able to talk to locals about the land they know so well is one of the best parts of going on tours.

Black water rafting tours in Waitomo: Caving, climbing & tubing beneath the earth

Venture underground in Waitomo, where glowworm-lit caves, rushing streams, and limestone formations create the ultimate adventure playground. Black water rafting, exclusively offered in Ruakuri Cave, combines caving, climbing, and tubing as you journey through hidden passages and waterfalls.

Whether you choose the beginner-friendly Black Labyrinth or the adrenaline-packed Black Abyss with abseiling, climbing, and more, this is Waitomo at its most thrilling. Scroll down for top highlights, types of black water rafting at Ruakrui Cave and tips to plan your adventure.

Types of black water rafting at Ruakuri Cave

The Black Labyrinth

  • Price: NZ$193
  • Duration: 3 hours

The original and more accessible of the two signature tours, this three-hour adventure features floating past limestone formations, jumping small waterfalls, and drifting beneath a blanket of glowworms through Ruakuri Cave’s underground river.

Highlights

  • Float in a rubber tube through semi-dark passages illuminated by thousands of glowworms.

  • Leap off small cascading waterfalls.

  • See limestone formations like stalactites and stalagmites as you drift through the cave.

  • Wrap up with a hot shower and complimentary snacks or soup.

Best for

  • First-timers and moderately spirited adventurers.

  • Those seeking a fun but not overwhelming underground experience.

  • Travelers who are short on time or prefer  a lighter physical challenge.

The Black Abyss

  • Price: NZ$322
  • Duration: 5 hours

The Black Abyss is a five-hour adventure through Ruakuri Cave. It features  tubing, glowworm spotting, abseiling, zip-lining, climbing, and caving challenges.

Highlights

  • Abseil 35 m into the depths of the cave, an exciting descent into darkness.

  • Zip-line through the cave under a canopy of glowworms.

  • Climb underground waterfalls, scramble through rocks, and float on tubes through rapids and pools.

  • Finish with a hot shower and soup to warm up after your adventure.

Best for

  • Thrill seekers and experienced adventurers.

  • Those who are reasonably fit and are  comfortable with heights and physical activity.

  • Visitors looking for a unique, underground adventure.

Things to know before booking your black water rafting adventure

  • Fitness level: The Black Labyrinth only requires moderate fitness and no caving experience, while the more intense Black Abyss calls for good fitness due to abseiling, climbing, and other vertical challenges.
  • Age & weight limits: The Black Labyrinth is open to ages 12+ with a minimum weight of 45 kg (99 lbs). The Black Abyss is for ages 16+ with the same weight requirement.
  • Safety & gear: A full safety briefing is provided, and all equipment is supplied for both tours, including wetsuit, boots, helmet, and tube. The Black Abyss also includes abseiling and zip-lining gear.
  • Water temperature: Expect chilly underground rivers at 10–14 °C (50–57 °F) year-round. Wetsuits are included to keep you comfortable.
  • Photography: Photography and videos are not permitted during either tours. Guides take photos throughout the experience, which are available for purchase afterward.
  • Pro tip: If time allows, combine black water rafting with nearby caves like Waitomo Glowworm Cave or Aranui Cave. Ruakuri Cave’s central location makes it easy to enjoy multiple tours in a single day without backtracking.

Reasons to go black water rafting at Ruakuri Cave

Guided black water rafting under glowworms in Waitomo Cave, New Zealand.

Float beneath glowworms

Drift through the underground river as glowworms light up the cave ceiling, creating a magical, starry-sky effect.

Guide instructing participants on safety gear for ziplining in Waitomo.
Person abseiling in a dark cave during a guided black water rafting experience in Waitomo.
Adventurers in wetsuits and helmets explore a cave during a black water rafting tour in Waitomo.
Adventurers in wetsuits and helmets navigate rocky stream in Waitomo cave.

The glowworm experience: Nature’s underground lights at Ruakuri Cave

Glowworms aren’t actually worms at all, but the glowing larvae of a fungus gnat. Their light comes from a natural chemical reaction—bioluminescence—used to lure prey into their sticky silk threads. The darker the cave, the brighter their glow, creating an underground galaxy effect that feels almost otherworldly.

In Waitomo, glowworms thrive only in the Waitomo Glowworm Cave and Ruakuri Cave. For the most spectacular display, the Glowworm Cave is unmatched, with thousands clustered densely above the boat ride. Ruakuri, on the other hand, lets you get up close on foot and even see them during the adrenaline-packed Black Abyss adventure, where ziplining and abseiling lead you through glowworm-lit chambers and underground streams.

Plan your visit

Participants exploring cave during Black Water Rafting in Waitomo.

  • Open daily: 8am to 5.30pm

  • Tour duration: The Black Labyrinth lasts around 3 hours, while the Black Abyss is a full 5-hour adventure.

  • By car: Approx. 2.5–3 hours from Auckland (via SH1 & SH39), 2 hours from Rotorua, or 1 hour from Hamilton. Free parking available at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves Visitor Centre.
  • By bus: InterCity services connect from Auckland, Rotorua, and Hamilton to Waitomo Village. Shuttle transfers to the rafting base are available.
Girl tying her hair with a scrunchie.
  • Participants should have basic swimming skills to safely navigate tubing and pool sections.
  • Always listen to guides and stay on marked paths for safety.
  • Inform guides of any medical conditions, including respiratory, heart, or joint issues, that may affect your participation.
  • Listen to guides when entering rapids, pools, or tubing sections; do not attempt jumps or climbs without instruction.
  • Long hair should be tied back, and loose jewelry should be removed to prevent snagging or loss during tubing, climbing, or abseiling.
Woman drinking water while hiking with mountain view in background.

  • Choose the right tour: Black Labyrinth is ideal for first-timers or those wanting a moderate adventure; Black Abyss is best for adventure seekers comfortable with heights and physical challenges.

  • Check weather & water conditions: Tours run rain or shine, but water levels may vary. Always check conditions before booking.

  • Hydrate & eat lightly: Have a light meal and drink water beforehand as the cave environment can be physically demanding.

  • Club your visit with other caves: If time allows, combine the rafting tour with nearby caves like Waitomo Glowworm Cave or Aranui Cave for a full underground experience.

Swimwear display with colorful one-piece suits and shorts in a shop.

  • Wear swimwear under your wetsuit and bring a towel for drying off afterward.

  • Pack a fresh set of clothes to change into once your adventure is complete.

  • Closed-toe shoes are a must for navigating wet and slippery cave surfaces safely.

  • Bring a waterproof  bag to keep your valuables dry during the tour.

  • Carry any essential medication, including motion sickness remedies if needed.

Person entering hotel room with suitcase, door hanger visible.

Here’s a variety of accommodations, from cozy lodges to convenient motels, perfect places to rest and recharge after your adventure.

Budget hotels

Mid-range hotels

Luxury hotels

Torreznos pork belly slices stacked on a white plate in a restaurant setting.
  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves Café & Restaurant:** Located at the cave entrance, offering light meals and beverages. Popular dishes include roast beef wraps, bao buns, and rich hot chocolate.
  • Huhu Café:** Cozy café just a short walk from the caves, known for fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Signature dishes include braised beef with cauliflower purée, curried pumpkin doup, and crispy pork hock.
  • Stoked Eatery:** Located in Te Kuiti, this place offers signature dishes like pork hock with kumara purée, seafood chowder, Korean fried chicken, and gourmet burgers, with sticky date pudding for dessert.
  • Waitomo Homestead:** Refurbished eatery on SH3 offering classic breakfast options like crepes and omelettes, plus an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet with meat, fish, and vegetarian dishes.

Frequently asked questions about Black water rafting tours in Waitomo

Tours can be booked online through our website. It's recommended to book in advance, especially during peak seasons.

More to read

Waitomo Glowworm Cave

Ruakuri Cave

Aranui Cave

Waitomo Caves Ziplining