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 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 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 (24/25)
Black Labyrinth (2024/2025): Three-hour adventure caving tour. 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
Reviews
420 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful cave and Tubing experience ‐ Highly recommend
Jared J,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It wasn't clear to me before this experience that there are several caves in the area. All the tours are not the same and do have equal value. If you want a more intimate, immersive experience then this is a great option. It was better than what I imagined. The glow worms are quite magically and unique but the trek through the cave while seeing the worms takes the experience to another level. Highly recommend. The tour guides were fantastic, they were helpful, funny and knowledgeable. Thank you for the great experience.
Bucket list experience
Jane G,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The Black Abyss was an awesome adventure with excellent friendly guides, who were knowledgeable, considerate and fun. Abseiling, zip lining, tubing under amazing glow worms and climbing waterfalls made the tour a bucket list experience. The whole process was well run and very professional, we felt well cared for and very safe.
"An Epic Underground Adventure Beneath the Glowworms"
Rodendo O,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely unforgettable experience! The black abyss tour at Waitomo caves was hands-down one of the most incredible adventures me and my wife has done. From the moment we arrived, our guides Oscar and Stacy were friendly, knowledgeable, and made us feel completely safe and excited for what was ahead. The cave was such a thrill, and floating through the underground river surrounded by thousands of glowing glowworms felt like something out of another world. Everything was so well-organized, and the guides really went above and beyond to make the experience fun, memorable, and comfortable for everyone in the group. You can tell they genuinely love what they do. If you're looking for a unique, adrenaline-filed adventure with stunning natural beauty, this is an absolute must-do. Worth every second - 5 stars all the way!!
Absolutely Incredible
9crystald,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a bucket list experience! Rafting through the caves and seeing thousands of glow worms was mesmerising. Our singing guide had a soulful voice and serenaded us as we floated in our choo choo train down the river. The waterfall jumps were heaps of fun! PSA I am short (5'2) and plump (s16 au) and of a reasonable fitness level and I did everything!
Guides were friendly,...
Jennifer C,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Guides were friendly, caring and informative. Expected more glowworms from publicity pics. Overall, great fun with just enough challenge to make it exciting. Being a bit picky - Tomato soup, really? If you build it as a feature maybe something a bit more interesting would suit.
Awesome time on the labyrinth tour!
Nikki T,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing experience, absolutely loved the three hour Labyrinth tour. Great tour guides, will come back with the children!
Memorable way to see Waitomo glow worms
katherinelG2166YX,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Amazing and unique experience. We didn't fancy travelling more than two hours from Auckland only to take a passive boat ride through Waitomo glow-worm caves. Chose The Black Water Rafting 3 hour Labrynth Tour which was so much fun. Ruben and Rico were the most patient, friendly and encouraging tour guides throughout our time there.
Just do it!
Fearless68313503907,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Black water rafting at Waitomo: What a phenomenal experience! I was a bit anxious going in but from the time we met our guides (Alex and Leo) it felt so easy peasy lemon squeezy :) kudos to our guides, this wouldn’t have been as great an experience if it weren’t for them <3
Highlight of our trip!
Elizabeth G,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Matt and Xavier were excellent guides! This was such a fun adventure and the glow worms were amazing! We would highly recommend. So fun!
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.
From NZ$193.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by THL - Waitomo Caves Group