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‘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
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.
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 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
Reviews
309 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The guides were really...
Monika A,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00The guides were really friendly and explained everything. Made this a great experience for all in the group.
Wonderful experience!
christineaR3918RN,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic time with Black Water Rafting Co. The staff were very professional and we felt safe even though we were a bit nervous about jumping off the waterfalls. Top notch equipment, well-trained and safety-oriented staff, and beautiful caves made for a wonderful time. Thank you!
Amazing experience- staff are awesome!
jodiek202,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00amazing experience on the abyss tour! The guides are so knowledgable but also great fun- we had Sarah and Evie! Would highly recommend the trip- super exciting, a real adventure but really fun! Sparkle magic ✨
Do it! Do it! Just book it!
Trent M,
Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I have never rafted in a cave in my entire life but after this adventure, I would do the five hour tour. My friends and I booked the shorter tour and it was amazing. a very unique adventure. if you’re considering doing it, just do it. It was amazing.
Awesome
Dexter K,
Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome and fun hands on experience. It was so cool to explore a cave and see the glowworms. Xavier and Matty were great and energetic guides.
Spectacular! Abseilung...
Rene Z,
Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Spectacular! Abseilung and Hot drinks in Cold Water. Zip lining in total darkness. Really recommended, if you are fit enough to go.
Awesome experience
869allisonk,
Oct 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience with Matty and Xavier! I was a little scared about the descent and water temperature but their gear is top notch and warm! It was such a cool experience seeing the glowworms and exploring the caves!
Amazing
Daniel R,
Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Bring towels and soap for after!! The water is cold but it is worth it. The staff is amazing!!! I’ll be back soon.
A unique experience
Tom D,
Aug 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the Black Abyss, 5 hour cave tour. It was an incredible and challenging experience. Our guides, Matt and Ciarne, were charming and thoughtful; they noticed one of us was struggling with the cold and provided suitable extra clothing, as well as occasional top-ups of hot water poured into the wetsuit. They also provided gluten free snacks for us and another coeliac member of the tour. The tour itself will last for a long time in our memories - the highlights for me were the abseiling into the cave, and lying back on a tube moving down the underground river with thousands of glowworms surrounding us. Climbing the waterfalls at the end was hard and scary but it felt great to have achieved it (this was optional - one of us decided against it). If you're feeling adventurous and don't mind being wet and cold for around 3 hours, then I can't recommend the Black Abyss highly enough.
Short kings
gregory g,
Aug 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was hands down the best tour I’ve been on in a long time! The guides were fantastic, the experience was unforgettable, and it was worth every cent. Everything was well organised, fun, and exceeded my expectations. If you’re looking for something truly special, you absolutely have to try this you won’t regret it!
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Operated by THL - Waitomo Caves Group