Book Black Water Rafting Tickets 2024

Family looking at glowworms during a guided tour of Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Family looking at the interiors of Waitomo cave during a guided Tour of Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Guide and lady on a guided tour of Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Woman looking at glowworms during a guided tour of Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Tour group taking a boat ride, guided tour of Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Glowworms hanging from the ceiling, guided tour of Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Tour group in a boat on a guided tour of Waitomo Glowworm Caves

An illuminated cave, guided tour of Waitomo Glowworm Caves

4.5(0)

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

Join a 45-minute slow-paced guided tour spanning over 250 meters through Waitomo Glowworm Caves' 2 beautifully sculpted underground levels.
Witness the luminous glowworms light up the Glowworm Grotto like a celestial galaxy, a species unique to New Zealand.
Take a boat ride through the lower-level streams, encountering glowworms and the towering Cathedral chamber, known for its acoustics.
Stroll through the upper level and admire the natural formations that adorn the cave walls, ceilings, and floors, dating back 30 million years.
Listen to the age-old tales about the cave from the descendants of the Maori chief who originally explored the cave.
Want to go beyond the surface into New Zealand’s longest underground cave system instead? Opt for a 1.5-hour tour of Ruakuri Cave.

Inclusions

Maori descendant expert tour guide
Small group tour
45-minute tour of Waitomo Glowworm Caves (optional)
Boat ride along Waitomo River (optional)
Guided walk inside Waitomo Grotto (optional)
Extended 1.5-hour guided walking tour of Ruakuri Cave (optional)
Exclusive access to deeper and untouched areas of the cave (optional)
Access to Holdens Cavern, the Drum Passage, the Pretties & the Ghost Passage (optional)
Up close views of glowworms, stalagmites & stalactites (optional)
Entry & exit through the grand spiral staircase (optional)

Note: The Ruakuri Cave tour doesn't include access to Waitomo Glowworm Caves. The inclusions may vary depending on the package you select during the next step of your booking.

Tip: The Visitor Centre only accepts contactless payments. Please use a credit card, Apple Pay, etc. for purchases at the shop and cafe.
It's recommended to wear a warm jacket along with comfortable shoes.
Ruakuri Caves are accessible for wheelchair users, in contrast to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves which are accessible to those with reasonable mobility.
Photography is permitted in designated areas of the Ruakuri Caves. However, in the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, photography is strictly prohibited.

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

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Check availability

Free cancellation

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

Mobile ticket

1 hr. - 1 hr. 30 min.

4.7(0)

Guided Black Water Rafting in Waitomo

Join a 3-hour rafting adventure exploring the underground river system. See the glowworms light up the limestone caves as you sail in the dark.
Get fitted with the necessary gears and learn the basics of caving from an expert guide before heading in.
Witness the glowworms light up the caves, jump off waterfalls, and make your way around the underground formations.
Let your guide acquaint you with the geology of the limestone caves, the lifecycle of the glowworms, and the ancient traditions of the Maori people.
Refresh yourself with some complimentary snacks and drinks and get some amazing photos clicked that you can buy later.

Inclusions

3-hour underground black water rafting
Expert guide
Safety equipment (footwear, tubes, wetsuits, helmets, abseiling devices)
Snack
Small group of up to 12 guests

Exclusions

Photos

Arrive at Waitomo Caves
Safety briefing
Tubing & black water rafting
Return to Waitomo Homestead

All participants on this tour must weigh at least 45 kg.
Guests aged 12 and under are restricted from participating in this experience.
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.
Prior caving or swimming experience is not required as you will have tubes and will be accompanied by expert guides.
Bring along your towel and swimwear.
The water temperature is approximately 10 degrees Celsius.
Note that the following are not allowed on this tour: camera equipment, tripod, selfie sticks, and GoPros.
Facilities: Lockers, changing rooms, and hot showers.

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.

Mobile ticket

3 hr.

Guided tour

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Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

Guided Black Water Rafting in Waitomo