Black Water Rafting Experience Waitomo Caves Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

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‘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 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

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 (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.

Reviews

4.80

293 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

257

An amazing experience.
Nicole M,
Apr 11, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Great experience, felt safe throughout the whole experience and there were different options for the different levels within the group. Highly recommend it. It can get cold, especially as winter approaches, but don't let that stop you as it's well worth it
Overall, it was very...
Sami F,
Apr 1, 2025
- Viator
4.00
Overall, it was very cool! The beginning made us apprehensive but it was a once in a lifetime and we’re so glad we did it. Our guides were great and made the experience so much fun.
Incredible Adventure at Waitomo Caves!
Jorge N,
Mar 28, 2025
- Viator
5.00
We had an amazing experience at the Waitomo Caves! The adventure was thrilling, breathtaking, and absolutely worth it. As two people in our 40s who work out regularly, we found it challenging but manageable—you definitely need to be in decent shape to fully enjoy the experience at our age. A huge shoutout to Sarah and Ellen, who were both professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly supportive. They made sure we felt safe at all times while also keeping the experience exciting. Their enthusiasm and expertise truly made the tour unforgettable. The glowworms were magical, the cave formations were stunning, and the overall adventure was well-organized. If you’re up for an active and unique experience, we highly recommend this tour! By the way, we did the Abyss tour. 😀
Black Water Rafting Tour
Daniel D,
Mar 25, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Very cool and unique experience, guides were top notch. Would recommend to anyone. Definitely worth the trip
Very fun way to watch the...
RAFAEL V,
Mar 14, 2025
- Viator
4.00
Very fun way to watch the glow worms. Great experience when the cave goes totally dark and silent and you are just admiring the worms like a starry night. One of the guides wasn't very welcoming, though. Though we can speak English, it's not our first language (like many other visitors), and we felt sort of left out and like she wasn't even trying to make herself understood.