How can I book tickets for the Waitomo Caves Zipline or Black Abyss tours?

Tickets can be purchased online through our website. Booking online in advance is recommended, especially during weekends, school holidays, and peak tourist seasons, to secure your preferred tour time.

Is the Black Abyss tour suitable for pregnant visitors?

Adventure activities are not recommended for pregnant guests due to physical strain and safety risks.

Is the Black Abyss tour suitable for seniors or elderly visitors?

The Black Abyss tour is usually accessible to adults with high to moderate fitness levels. If unsure, consult your provider for more information on your fitness level.

Is swimming ability required for the Black Abyss tour?

Swimming ability is not required, but participants should be comfortable in water as parts of the tour involve floating and small water challenges.

How long are the Zipline and Black Abyss experiences?

The Zipline tour generally lasts 1.5 to 2 hours, including a safety briefing and transit between lines, while the Black Abyss underground adventure takes about 5 hours, incorporating abseiling, climbing, and tubing through the caves.

Can I do both the Zipline and Black Abyss on the same day?

It is possible for adventurous visitors, but keep in mind the Black Abyss takes about 5 hours, so combining both will make for a full and physically demanding day. Booking in advance and checking tour times is recommended.

Are the tours suitable for people with limited mobility?

Zipline and Black Abyss require walking, climbing, and balance, so they may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.

Do both tours include guides?

Yes, professional guides lead both experiences, ensuring safety and sharing local insights.

How many people are in a group for each tour?

Zipline groups are usually small (6–10 per guide) for safety. Black Abyss groups vary but are kept manageable for supervision.

Do both experiences include unique Waitomo scenery?

Absolutely. Zipline takes you above native bush and scenic valleys, while Black Abyss explores glowworm-lit caves and underground waterways.

Waitomo Caves Zipline Tickets

Types of Waitomo Caves zipline experiences available

Waitomo Zipline Park Tickets

Price: NZD$125
Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours
What’s included: Guided zipline adventure across the Waitomo forest canopy, with 10 ziplines, including a 280m line reaching speeds up to 80 km/h. Safety gear, expert briefing, and staff guidance included..
Fitness level: Moderate as it involves some uphill walking on uneven terrain.
Perfect for: Adventurers and nature lovers who want a thrilling yet accessible zipline experience, while enjoying Waitomo’s scenery

Recommended experience

Waitomo Caves Zipline Park Tickets

Ruakuri Cave Black Water & Ziplining Guided Experience

Price: NZD$322
Duration: 5 hours
What’s included: Full guided underground adventure through Ruakuri Cave combining black water rafting, tubing, waterfall climbs, abseiling, and ziplining beneath glowworms. All safety gear, expert briefing, and post-tour facilities, including hot showers and snacks, are provided.
Fitness level: Good fitness and comfort level with heights, climbing, and water activities.
Perfect for: Adventurers looking for an all-in-one underground experience, combining caving, water challenges, and ziplining in a glowworm-lit cave.

Recommended experience

Ruakuri Cave Black Water & Ziplining Guided Experience

What is the Black Abyss zipline experience?

The Black Abyss zipline experience is a one-of-a-kind underground adventure inside Ruakuri Cave. Part of the Black Water rafting experience, it combines ziplining, abseiling, and climbing through glowworm-lit passages, cascading waterfalls, and limestone formations.

For the full adventure, learn about the Black Water rafting experience here and plan your ultimate underground experience.

What to expect in your Waitomo Caves zipline adventure

Check-in

Zipline Adventure Park: Arrive at the park, complete check-in, and meet your guides. Safety requirements are confirmed before you start.
Black Abyss: Check in at Ruakuri Cave, complete waivers, and meet your guides for a quick introduction to the underground adventure.

Briefing

Zipline Adventure Park: Learn harness use, braking, and safety protocols. Guides ensure you’re confident before stepping onto the platforms.
Black Abyss: Receive instructions for abseiling, tubing, and climbing through the cave. Safety tips and cave etiquette are emphasized.

Suiting up

Zipline Adventure Park: Gear up with a helmet, harness, and gloves. Guides check all equipment for a secure fit.
Black Abyss: Put on a wetsuit, helmet, harness, and headlamp. Guides ensure everything is snug for safe cave exploration.

The adventure

Zipline Adventure Park: Glide across 10 ziplines with views of native forest, waterfalls, and limestone cliffs.
Black Abyss: Descend 35m into the cave, float along underground rivers, climb waterfalls, and pass through glowworm-lit passages.

End of experience

Zipline Adventure Park: Remove gear, take photos, and enjoy the views from the treetops.
Black Abyss: Exit the cave, remove gear, and share stories with your guides.

6 reasons to try ziplining in Waitomo

Person ziplining through lush forest canopy.

Native forests

Glide through ancient New Zealand bush filled with towering kahikatea and rimu trees, with dense ferns covering the forest floor.

Person ziplining in Waitomo Cave with glowworms illuminating the cave walls.

Family observing glowworms in Waitomo Caves, New Zealand.

Geyser eruption at Te Puia cultural site, Rotorua, with geothermal activity, small group tour from Auckland.

Tūī bird perched on a branch in New Zealand forest.

Plan your visit

Open daily: The Black Abyss tour at Ruakuri Cave runs from 8am – 5:30pm, while the Waitomo Caves Zipline Adventure Park operates from 9am – 6:30pm with sessions at 9am, 11:30am, 2pm, and 4:30pm.
Tour duration: The Black Abyss lasts around 5 hours, while the Waitomo Caves zipline adventure runs for 90 minutes to 2 hours.

Ruakuri Cave (Black Abyss Tour)

By car: Approx. 2.5–3 hours from Auckland via SH1 & SH3, 2 hours from Rotorua, and 1 hour from Hamilton. Free parking is available at the cave entrance. Visitors check in at the Waitomo Visitor Centre before being transferred to the Ruakuri Cave start point.
By bus: InterCity buses connect Auckland, Rotorua, and Hamilton to Waitomo Village, with local shuttle or taxi transfers available to the cave.

Waitomo Caves Zipline Adventure Park

By car: About 5 minutes from Waitomo Village along Puketawai Road. Free parking is available on-site, accessible from State Highway 3.
By bus: InterCity services connect from Auckland, Rotorua, and Hamilton to Waitomo Village. From there, a short local shuttle or taxi ride takes you directly to the Zipline Adventure Park.

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

Ruakuri Cave (Black Abyss)

Age/weight: 16+ years, 45–120 kg.
Fitness: Moderate to high
Gear: Provided; bring swimwear & towel.
Other: No cameras, drones, food, drink, smoking, or pets; follow guide.

Waitomo Caves Zipline Adventure Park

Age/weight: 7+ years, max 120 kg
Fitness: Light to moderate
Gear: Provided; follow all safety instructions.
Other: No cameras/drones; guests under 18 must be with an adult.

Tie back long hair and remove loose jewelry or items that could get caught during climbing, abseiling, or ziplining.
Early morning or late afternoon sessions offer softer light and quiet surroundings for photos and views on the zipline.
Guides take photos during the tours, which you can purchase afterward. Personal cameras are not permitted.
Begin on shorter lines to build confidence before tackling the longer, faster zips.
Some sections, like "the throat" during your Black Abyss tour require squeezing through narrow passages. If you're claustrophobic, inform your guide beforehand.

Packing suitcase with clothes and travel essentials for a trip to London in February.

Clothing: Wear comfortable, flexible layers. Caves stay cool (12–14 °C), and the zipline can be breezy. Quick-dry fabrics are ideal for the Black Abyss.
Footwear: Sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip are essential for both activities, as you’ll encounter uneven and sometimes slippery terrain.
Swimwear & towel: Required for the Black Abyss, as tubing and waterfall sections can get you wet. Bring a spare set of clothes for after the tour.
Small waterproof bag: Handy for storing personal items like ID, cash, or a phone safely while keeping your hands free.
Optional extras: Lightweight gloves for zipline grip or a change of socks/shoes if you expect wet conditions.

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

Korean fried chicken drumsticks on a white plate with dipping sauces in the background.

Explore a range of dining options, from charming cafés to hearty restaurants, with this curated list of spots to enjoy a meal during your visit.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Café & Restaurant:** Situated right at the cave entrance, this café serves light meals and drinks. Popular choices include roast beef wraps, bao buns, and indulgent hot chocolate.
Huhu Café:** Just a short walk from the caves, this cafe is known for fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Standout dishes include braised beef with cauliflower Purée, curried pumpkin soup, and crispy pork hock.
Stoked Eatery:** Located in Te Kuiti, this eatery features hearty options like pork hock with kumara purée, seafood chowder, Korean fried chicken, and gourmet burgers, with sticky date pudding for dessert.
Waitomo Homestead:** On SH3, this refurbished spot offers classic breakfasts such as crepes and omelettes, plus an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet featuring meat, fish, and vegetarian options.

More to read

Waitomo Glowworm Cave

Ruakuri Cave

Aranui Cave

Black Water Rafting

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.

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)

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

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.

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)

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

Rafting

Ruakuri Cave Black Water Rafting & Abseiling Guided Experience

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.

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Check availability

Free cancellation

5 hr.

Guided tour

Book Waitomo Caves Zipline Tickets