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
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 25/26
Black Labyrinth (2025/2026): Three-hour adventure caving tour. Prices are valid for tours between 01/10/25 and 30/09/26
The Black 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
383 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Awesome adventure!
NoelS58,,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a very fun adventure! We’ve both been in caves before but this was the first time we’ve floated through one. And yes, the glow worms are very cool. We may have been twice the age of the next youngest person in our group but fortunately our knees, backs and bodies are still in good enough shape to get over, around and through all the obstacles. Highly recommended for anyone with a strong sense of adventure and in decent shape.
Fantastic family experience
Shaun L,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Exceptional experience, from go to stop, just amazingly well organised and run. Whole family loved the experience
worst part was putting on...
rich m,,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00worst part was putting on wet suit. but worth the effort. bit concerning walking on the stones in a current worried about rolling an ankle.
Excellent, phenomenal, stunning and beautiful experience, highly recommended
Esdodge,,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Super fun, excellent service, easy booking, kind , happy and helpful staff.. everything provided, wonderful guides and an amazing experience
The guides were really...
Nick M,,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The guides were really good and friendly. I would highly recommend doing this activity. Awesome sight when lights are turned off.
Must do
Annabelle D,,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Had such an amazing experience, im scared of heights and tight spaces but the guides we had which was leo (Aus) and the guy from Wales made the experience very comfortable! 1000/10
Water tubing in cave was...
France H,,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Water tubing in cave was a great way to experience an already very unique nature phenomena! It’s exciting and safe even if you are not in the best of shape.
Just book it! You won’t regret it ☺️
Eleni K,,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What a day! I’m on a solo road trip around NZ and wanted to see the famous glow worm caves and the Abyss experience did not disappoint. The guys were top tier tour guides, and I loved the mix of fun and adrenaline combined with knowledge sharing and history of the caves etc. As a solo traveler, it can be hard to integrate but the guys made us all feel like such a team that it didn’t matter who was solo, a couple or friends. Additionally, they adapt the experience/have options depending on what you’re comfortable with/level of fitness etc. 10/10 would do it again.
Black Water Adventure
Ian B,,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience. Great people . Great place. I would highly highly recommend a Weekend at Waitomo. Will definitely be back for sure.
Unlike anything we've ever done....
98peteb,,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was one of the most unique experiences we've ever had! And the guides were so fun and personal and treated us like we were their only tour that day, even though they do this 3 times a day. The unusual beauty of it was astounding.
From NZ$193.00
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Operated by THL - Waitomo Caves Group