Black Water Rafting Experience Waitomo Caves Tour
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co.
The Legendary Blackwater Rafting Co., is the check-in point for both of our Blackwater Rafting tours. From here, your guides will take you to go get geared up for your tour. Free lockers are available for your belongings.
Ruakuri Cave
Both of our Blackwater Rafting Tours take you through our glowworm-studded Ruakuri Cave. For those on the Black Labyrinth tour, you can expect to spend up to an hour and a half inside of the cave system. On the Black Abyss tour, participants will spend up to three hours inside the cave.
What‘s Included
Complimentary hot shower
The use of equipment such as tubes, wetsuits, boots, helmets, abseiling devices (if option chosen) and safety equipment
Snacks
Abseiling techniques training (Black Abyss only)
Entry to Waitomo Cave Museum
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop off
Towels and Toiletries for Showers
Options
The Black Abyss (24/25)
Black Abyss (2024/2025): Five-hour adventure caving tour. Includes abseiling and a zip-line. Prices are valid for tours between 01/10/24 and 30/09/25.
The Black Labyrinth 25/26 & 26
Black Labyrinth (2025/2026): Three-hour adventure caving tour. Prices are valid for tours between 01/10/25 and 30/09/26
The Black Abyss 25/26 & 26/27
Black Abyss (2025/2026): Five hour adventure caving tour. Includes abseiling and a zip-line. Prices are valid for tours between 01/10/25 and 30/09/26
The Black Labyrinth (24/25)
Black Labyrinth (2024/2025): Three-hour adventure caving tour. Prices are valid for tours between 01/10/24 and 30/09/25.
Reviews
413 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing experience
MagsMorgan,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was so much fun. Our guides were brilliant and put us all at ease and I strangely only hesitated for a moment before leaping backwards into the water- the practice jump really helped settle any nerves. Floating through the caves in our Eel formation was a very magical moment, looking up at the Glowworms whilst our front guide sung in Maori was so moving. Thank you so much - it was amazing.
Must do!
Alex F,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This has been one of my favourite experiences in NZ! Stacey and Jonty were brilliant, super friendly, made everything feel so safe and gave you lots of information about the glow worms. But even BETTER than that was the caves also had tonnes of frogs which made it so much more fun for me (and the guide). Can’t wait to get back later in the year and try out the longer excursion! Thanks again
What a fun, unique adventure in New Zealand!
Nicole G,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an absolute highlight of my trip to New Zealand. What a beautiful experience! Our guides, Anna and Cole, were so lovely. They made our group feel super safe throughout the cave and shared a lot of fun information about the cave history and the nature of the glow worms. We were given wetsuits and boots, which we definitely needed as the water was quite crisp. Got to enjoy some chocolate fish in the caves and then some tasty, hot soup after our tour and warm showers. Highly recommend this tour if you’re looking for a unique adventure while in New Zealand.
Amazing
Amy O,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely amazing! It was like seeing constellations in a cave. The guides were amazing! I have some physical disabilities and they helped me experience things I wouldn’t have otherwise been able to!
Unforgettable Adventure!<3
miarB7036GE,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We really recommend this tour to anyone looking to see the Waitomo Caves! From the receptionist to our instructor/guide Cici we felt welcomed and well looked after throughout the experience! We found out it was just the two of us for our time slot, but Cici made sure we had the same experience as a group of more, taking time to answer our many questions in the caves and encourage us along the way. The sweet treats were a nice touch too when it got a bit chilly and we are grateful for the cool pics she took!! Thank you for the mini girls trip :))
Adventuring through the...
Danielle B,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Adventuring through the cave and seeing the amazing glow worms! They provide all the gear you need to go down into the cave. It was such a blast tubing through and seeing everything. Jumping off some little waterfalls was a bonus! Sam and Jayden were awesome tour guides!
Do the worm cave!
Marla H,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was challenging and so much fun in every way! Hugo and Alex were terrific and so knowledgeable. They helped us understand everything and feel comfortable and safe the entire time. Loved every minute!
Awesome experience,...
Rowena N,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Awesome experience, brilliant knowledgeable guides and would definitely do it again. Glow worms were great to see
Fantastic Adventure
Mia N,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Highly recommend this tour. I was initially scared because I didn’t know what to expect being in a cave. I’m sooooo happy my friends and I decided to do this tour. The glow worms were beautiful, rafting was amazing and water, although cold felt great. 10 out of 10 recommend.
Incredible adventure!
Ginger J,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Incredible experience! Caving and floating was fun- and the glow worms were just incredible! Highly recommend! Our guides really made it special with joking around and having fun- and signing traditional songs during the float made it an exceptionally spiritual peaceful experience!
From NZ$193.00
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Operated by THL - Waitomo Caves Group