Black Water Rafting Experience Waitomo Caves Tour

Name: Black Water Rafting Experience Waitomo Caves Tour
Price: 193 NZD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.83 (351 reviews)

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 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.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

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.

2 hours • Admission Included

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 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 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 (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

4.83

351 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

313

Great activity
Fearless64692069767,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What a fun experience! Thoroughly enjoyed this activity and the tour guides were friendly and very informative. Amazing way to see the glow worms.
Definitely Worth the Experience
MaryAnne C,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
It might seem daunting at first, but the staff are well trained, patient, enthusiastic, funny, and knowledgeable. They also want you to have fun! The glow worms are spectacularly beautiful.
5/5 lovely experience!
Noelle S,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
If you have the phobias listed on the discription, do not attend! Other than that it was amazing! Had a nice and adventurous crew and our guides were more than fun!
A great experience
Matt J,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
One of the best experiences we've had in New Zealand. Our guides, G and Jonti, were so lovely, fun, and helpful throughout. A magical experience Hot showers and soup are included. Bring your own soap/shampoo.
Amazing honeymoon adventure!
Emma H,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Alex & Warren were amazing guides, we had the best time on our honeymoon! We felt safe the entire time whilst having a lot of fun!
Excellent guide, river, and trip
David G,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Excellent rafting trip. Well organized. Great guide Kai. Good rage of rapids levels. Safe drivers over challenging road entry.
Definitely one of the...
Tracey T,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Definitely one of the highlights of our holiday in New Zealand so far, the whole family loved it. We did the black water rafting and our tour guides Xavier, Leo and Lydia were all amazing. Thanks guys!
“Hey you guyyyssss!” -The Goonies
Tracy K,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Hands down my favorite adventure of our three week trip! Book early and don’t miss it! Even if you are afraid of heights like myself, I would still choose the Black Abyss! This was so much fun!
Greater experience with...
coen h,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great experience with very good guides. ............... ............................................
Most Memorable NZ Experience
Christina O,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Our family of 4 did the 3 hour cave tour and enjoyed every moment of the adventure. It is a physical expedience, wading through rushing water, crawling through tight spaces and jumping backwards off ledges into the inner tube with s deep plunge. The boots, wet suits and helmets provided and the guides have you always feel safe. The gentle floating through the glow worm tunnel was magical and something we will never forget.