Black Water Rafting Tours in Waitomo

From happy customers

Loved by 42 million+

Grillet

France

May 2025

5/5

Our guide was exceptional and what we saw had a touch of mystic. We could feel the mana of the cave and learned about its importance in Maori culture!

Ashley

New Zealand

Apr 2025

5/5

Very enlightening and educational. The tour guide had great communication skills and explained everything clearly. A great tour ending with boat ride out of the caves.

Megan

United Kingdom

Mar 2025

5/5

+1 more

The was truly a once in a lifetime experience! It was a fantastic combination of adrenaline rush fun, interesting local and cultural knowledge, and marveling at the natural world. Our guides were knowledgeable, fun, and kind. We felt at ease and well looked after throughout. I would highly recommend this experience.

Murtuza

United Arab Emirates

Dec 2024

5/5

It was really an awesome experience and Jon is the best person to guide us with this wonderful tour. Each process was simple from the hotel pick up to drop off.

Roxana

Belgium

May 2024

5/5

Had a lovely time on the tour, Chris was a wonderful guide, sharing a lot of interesting facts and adding in some extra sights along the drive. Communication and scheduling was easy and precise, I appreciated the punctuality.

Sophia

New Zealand

Jul 2024

5/5

Fantastic time zip lining through the trees. Great laughs together as we worked our way through the course. Our guide was excellent.

Kath

New Zealand

Mar 2023

5/5

We had a wonderful time at the waitomo cave zip line park - we were well looked after by our wonderful instructors who made our day fun, exciting & safe. Explaining to our mixed ability group so that everyone felt comfortable & able to take part & really enjoy the adventure - happy to recommend this & plan to return with family.

Gianfranco

Nov 2024

5/5

Lovely! I will be back 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪

Types of black water rafting at Ruakuri Cave

Adventurers with tubes exploring a cave during a black water rafting tour in Waitomo.

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.

Person ziplining through a cave during a Black Water Rafting experience in Waitomo.

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.

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.

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

How do I book a tour?

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

What types of tickets are available?

There are two main tours: Black Labyrinth, a 3-hour beginner-friendly tubing adventure, and Black Abyss, a 5-hour advanced tour with abseiling, ziplining, and waterfall climbs.

How long is the overall experience?

Tours range from 3 hours (Black Labyrinth) to 5 hours (Black Abyss), including briefing, gear fitting, and the underground adventure.

Can I do both Black Labyrinth and Black Abyss in the same trip?

It’s possible but usually not recommended on the same day due to the physical intensity of the tours.

Can I wear glasses or contact lenses?

Glasses can be worn but may be at risk of damage or loss. Contact lenses are generally safe, but it's advisable to consult with the tour operator beforehand.

Are there trained guides?

Yes, all tours are led by certified guides trained in cave safety, first aid, and Black Water Rafting techniques.

Is there a place to change afterward?

Yes, changing facilities with showers are provided at the tour base.

Is there parking at the tour base?

Yes, parking is available for tour participants.

Can I bring my pet?

No, pets are not allowed in the caves.

Are tours available year-round?

Yes, tours run in summer and winter. Wetsuits ensure comfort in colder months.

Are tours suitable for people afraid of heights?

The Black Labyrinth is fine. The Black Abyss involves abseiling and some climbs, so may not suit those with a fear of heights.

Short on time? Enjoy a 3-hour black water rafting adventure with expert guides.

Everything you get: A 3-hour underground rafting experience through Ruakuri Cave, including tubing along the river, floating beneath thousands of glowworms, and navigating gentle rapids. Expert guides provide safety gear and training before you begin. Warm up afterward with a hot shower and complimentary soup.
Why choose this: Ideal for thrill-seekers short on time, this tour delivers the essence of black water rafting without the longer physical commitment. You’ll still get the glowworms, the tubing, and the underground river excitement, all packed into a more manageable adventure.
Upgrades: Choose the 5-hour black water rafting adventure for a longer, more challenging experience packed with extra activities like abseiling, ziplining, and waterfall climbs.

Inclusions Black Water Rafting

3-hour black water rafting tour at Ruakuri Cave
Rafting & tubing at Ruakuri Cave
Expert guide
Safety briefing, training & equipment kit (footwear, tubes, wetsuits, helmets, abseiling devices)

Black Water Rafting, Ziplining & Abseiling (as per option selected)

5-hour black water rafting tour at Ruakuri Cave
Ziplining, abseiling & tubing at Ruakuri Cave
Expert guide
Safety briefing, training & equipment kit (footwear, tubes, wetsuits, helmets, abseiling devices)

What to bring

Bring your towel, swimwear, shower gel, and shampoo for the adventure.
When you visit, make sure you've got a credit card or your phone set up for contactless payments (like Apple Pay or Google Pay).

What's not allowed

Camera equipment, tripod, selfie sticks, and GoPro are strictly prohibited in Ruakari Cave.
Guests aged under 12 years and under 45kg and over 130kg are restricted from participating in this experience.
Smoking, food, drink or litter are not allowed inside the cave.
Pets are not allowed inside the cave.

Accessibility

The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users, pram/stroller users, people with mobility issues, people with back and neck problems, and guests who don't have a moderate fitness level or are too small.

Additional information

Facilities: Lockers, changing rooms, hot showers.
This experience operates only with a minimum of 2 guests.
No prior caving experience is needed. However, a good level of fitness is required.
You do need to be comfortable in the water. However, swimming is not a necessity. You will have a floating tube and expert guides for this experience.
Your guide will take photos of you on your tour, which you can purchase after the tour.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

A 5-hour Ruakuri Cave adventure; zipline, abseil, tube with expert guides & full gear.

Everything you get: A 5-hour black water adventure through Ruakuri Cave, including a 35m abseil, ziplining beneath glowworms, tubing through underground rapids, climbing waterfalls, and floating on fast-flowing waters. Expert guides provide gear, safety tips, and support. Snacks included, plus a hot shower and soup at the end.
Why choose this: This isn’t just one activity; it’s a multi-adventure underground journey. Abseil, zip, tube, and climb through a glowworm-lit cave with expert guidance for an unforgettable, adrenaline-filled experience.

Inclusions

5-hour black water rafting tour at Ruakuri Cave
Ziplining, abseiling & tubing at Ruakuri Cave
Expert guide
Safety briefing, training & equipment kit (footwear, tubes, wetsuits, helmets, abseiling devices)

What to bring

Bring your towel, swimwear, shower gel, and shampoo for the adventure.
When you visit, make sure you've got a credit card or your phone set up for contactless payments (like Apple Pay or Google Pay).

What's not allowed

Camera equipment, tripod, selfie sticks, and GoPro are strictly prohibited in Ruakari Cave.
Guests aged under 16 years and under 45kg are restricted from participating in this experience.
Smoking, food, drink or litter are not allowed inside the cave.
Pets are not allowed inside the cave.

Accessibility

The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users, pram/stroller users, people with mobility issues, people with back and neck problems, and guests who don't have a moderate fitness level or are too small.

Additional information

Facilities: Lockers, changing rooms, hot showers.
This experience operates only with a minimum of 2 guests.
No prior caving experience is needed. However, a good level of fitness is required.
You do need to be comfortable in the water. However, swimming is not a necessity. You will have a floating tube and expert guides for this experience.
Your guide will take photos of you on your tour, which you can purchase after the tour.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Short on time? Enjoy a 3-hour black water rafting adventure with expert guides.

Everything you get: A 3-hour underground rafting experience through Ruakuri Cave, including tubing along the river, floating beneath thousands of glowworms, and navigating gentle rapids. Expert guides provide safety gear and training before you begin. Warm up afterward with a hot shower and complimentary soup.
Why choose this: Ideal for thrill-seekers short on time, this tour delivers the essence of black water rafting without the longer physical commitment. You’ll still get the glowworms, the tubing, and the underground river excitement, all packed into a more manageable adventure.
Upgrades: Choose the 5-hour black water rafting adventure for a longer, more challenging experience packed with extra activities like abseiling, ziplining, and waterfall climbs.

Inclusions Black Water Rafting

3-hour black water rafting tour at Ruakuri Cave
Rafting & tubing at Ruakuri Cave
Expert guide
Safety briefing, training & equipment kit (footwear, tubes, wetsuits, helmets, abseiling devices)

Black Water Rafting, Ziplining & Abseiling (as per option selected)

5-hour black water rafting tour at Ruakuri Cave
Ziplining, abseiling & tubing at Ruakuri Cave
Expert guide
Safety briefing, training & equipment kit (footwear, tubes, wetsuits, helmets, abseiling devices)

What to bring

Bring your towel, swimwear, shower gel, and shampoo for the adventure.
When you visit, make sure you've got a credit card or your phone set up for contactless payments (like Apple Pay or Google Pay).

What's not allowed

Camera equipment, tripod, selfie sticks, and GoPro are strictly prohibited in Ruakari Cave.
Guests aged under 12 years and under 45kg and over 130kg are restricted from participating in this experience.
Smoking, food, drink or litter are not allowed inside the cave.
Pets are not allowed inside the cave.

Accessibility

The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users, pram/stroller users, people with mobility issues, people with back and neck problems, and guests who don't have a moderate fitness level or are too small.

Additional information

Facilities: Lockers, changing rooms, hot showers.
This experience operates only with a minimum of 2 guests.
No prior caving experience is needed. However, a good level of fitness is required.
You do need to be comfortable in the water. However, swimming is not a necessity. You will have a floating tube and expert guides for this experience.
Your guide will take photos of you on your tour, which you can purchase after the tour.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

A 5-hour Ruakuri Cave adventure; zipline, abseil, tube with expert guides & full gear.

Everything you get: A 5-hour black water adventure through Ruakuri Cave, including a 35m abseil, ziplining beneath glowworms, tubing through underground rapids, climbing waterfalls, and floating on fast-flowing waters. Expert guides provide gear, safety tips, and support. Snacks included, plus a hot shower and soup at the end.
Why choose this: This isn’t just one activity; it’s a multi-adventure underground journey. Abseil, zip, tube, and climb through a glowworm-lit cave with expert guidance for an unforgettable, adrenaline-filled experience.

Inclusions

5-hour black water rafting tour at Ruakuri Cave
Ziplining, abseiling & tubing at Ruakuri Cave
Expert guide
Safety briefing, training & equipment kit (footwear, tubes, wetsuits, helmets, abseiling devices)

What to bring

Bring your towel, swimwear, shower gel, and shampoo for the adventure.
When you visit, make sure you've got a credit card or your phone set up for contactless payments (like Apple Pay or Google Pay).

What's not allowed

Camera equipment, tripod, selfie sticks, and GoPro are strictly prohibited in Ruakari Cave.
Guests aged under 16 years and under 45kg are restricted from participating in this experience.
Smoking, food, drink or litter are not allowed inside the cave.
Pets are not allowed inside the cave.

Accessibility

The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users, pram/stroller users, people with mobility issues, people with back and neck problems, and guests who don't have a moderate fitness level or are too small.

Additional information

Facilities: Lockers, changing rooms, hot showers.
This experience operates only with a minimum of 2 guests.
No prior caving experience is needed. However, a good level of fitness is required.
You do need to be comfortable in the water. However, swimming is not a necessity. You will have a floating tube and expert guides for this experience.
Your guide will take photos of you on your tour, which you can purchase after the tour.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

NaN

Ruakuri Cave Black Water Rafting Guided Experience

Short on time? Enjoy a 3-hour black water rafting adventure with expert guides.

Everything you get: A 3-hour underground rafting experience through Ruakuri Cave, including tubing along the river, floating beneath thousands of glowworms, and navigating gentle rapids. Expert guides provide safety gear and training before you begin. Warm up afterward with a hot shower and complimentary soup.
Why choose this: Ideal for thrill-seekers short on time, this tour delivers the essence of black water rafting without the longer physical commitment. You’ll still get the glowworms, the tubing, and the underground river excitement, all packed into a more manageable adventure.
Upgrades: Choose the 5-hour black water rafting adventure for a longer, more challenging experience packed with extra activities like abseiling, ziplining, and waterfall climbs.

Inclusions Black Water Rafting

3-hour black water rafting tour at Ruakuri Cave
Rafting & tubing at Ruakuri Cave
Expert guide
Safety briefing, training & equipment kit (footwear, tubes, wetsuits, helmets, abseiling devices)

Black Water Rafting, Ziplining & Abseiling (as per option selected)

5-hour black water rafting tour at Ruakuri Cave
Ziplining, abseiling & tubing at Ruakuri Cave
Expert guide
Safety briefing, training & equipment kit (footwear, tubes, wetsuits, helmets, abseiling devices)

What to bring

Bring your towel, swimwear, shower gel, and shampoo for the adventure.
When you visit, make sure you've got a credit card or your phone set up for contactless payments (like Apple Pay or Google Pay).

What's not allowed

Camera equipment, tripod, selfie sticks, and GoPro are strictly prohibited in Ruakari Cave.
Guests aged under 12 years and under 45kg and over 130kg are restricted from participating in this experience.
Smoking, food, drink or litter are not allowed inside the cave.
Pets are not allowed inside the cave.

Accessibility

The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users, pram/stroller users, people with mobility issues, people with back and neck problems, and guests who don't have a moderate fitness level or are too small.

Additional information

Facilities: Lockers, changing rooms, hot showers.
This experience operates only with a minimum of 2 guests.
No prior caving experience is needed. However, a good level of fitness is required.
You do need to be comfortable in the water. However, swimming is not a necessity. You will have a floating tube and expert guides for this experience.
Your guide will take photos of you on your tour, which you can purchase after the tour.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

3 hr. - 5 hr.

Guided tour

NaN

Ruakuri Cave Black Water Rafting & Abseiling Guided Experience

A 5-hour Ruakuri Cave adventure; zipline, abseil, tube with expert guides & full gear.

Everything you get: A 5-hour black water adventure through Ruakuri Cave, including a 35m abseil, ziplining beneath glowworms, tubing through underground rapids, climbing waterfalls, and floating on fast-flowing waters. Expert guides provide gear, safety tips, and support. Snacks included, plus a hot shower and soup at the end.
Why choose this: This isn’t just one activity; it’s a multi-adventure underground journey. Abseil, zip, tube, and climb through a glowworm-lit cave with expert guidance for an unforgettable, adrenaline-filled experience.

Inclusions

5-hour black water rafting tour at Ruakuri Cave
Ziplining, abseiling & tubing at Ruakuri Cave
Expert guide
Safety briefing, training & equipment kit (footwear, tubes, wetsuits, helmets, abseiling devices)

What to bring

Bring your towel, swimwear, shower gel, and shampoo for the adventure.
When you visit, make sure you've got a credit card or your phone set up for contactless payments (like Apple Pay or Google Pay).

What's not allowed

Camera equipment, tripod, selfie sticks, and GoPro are strictly prohibited in Ruakari Cave.
Guests aged under 16 years and under 45kg are restricted from participating in this experience.
Smoking, food, drink or litter are not allowed inside the cave.
Pets are not allowed inside the cave.

Accessibility

The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users, pram/stroller users, people with mobility issues, people with back and neck problems, and guests who don't have a moderate fitness level or are too small.

Additional information

Facilities: Lockers, changing rooms, hot showers.
This experience operates only with a minimum of 2 guests.
No prior caving experience is needed. However, a good level of fitness is required.
You do need to be comfortable in the water. However, swimming is not a necessity. You will have a floating tube and expert guides for this experience.
Your guide will take photos of you on your tour, which you can purchase after the tour.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

5 hr.

Guided tour

Book Black Water Rafting Tours in Waitomo

From happy customers