Black Water Rafting Experience Waitomo Caves Tour

Why choose this tour ?

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.


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What makes Black Water Rafting Experience Waitomo Caves Tour a unique experience ?

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.

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.

You'll arrive back at The Legendary Blackwater Rafting Co., once you've completed your tour. Hot showers and hearty soup are available for you, free of charge.

Tour Description & 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.
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Options To Choose for Your Trip:

  • The Black Labyrinth 25/26
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    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)
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    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
    Add
    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)
    Add
    Black Labyrinth (2024/2025): Three-hour adventure caving tour. Prices are valid for tours between 01/10/24 and 30/09/25.

Black Water Rafting Experience Waitomo Caves Tour Inclusions:

Included with Your Ticket

  • Complimentary hot shower
  • The use of equipment such as tubes, wetsuits, boots, helmets, abseiling devices (if option chosen) and safety equipment
  • Abseiling techniques training (Black Abyss only)

Not Included

  • Entry to Waitomo Cave Museum
  • Hotel pickup and drop off
  • Towels and Toiletries for Showers

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Special Instructions:

    • You must check in 30 minutes before the tour departs . • Due to high demand and limited capacity if you are late or 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 • Please bring swimwear, a towel and a sense of adventure! • Please ensure you watch the safety video prior to taking part in this experience: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/pd21i2nio0et20c/AAC0SWKP_MG7P1-XIZtBMS0Ta?dl=0&preview=BWR+Safety+Vid+(V3).mp4

    Please be advised..

  • This Tour is Provided by THL - Waitomo Caves Group.
  • Tour Timezone & Starts at Pacific/Auckland.
  • Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
  • This Tour is Rated 5 Stars based on 277 valid reviews on VIATOR.
  • Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
  • Maximum 9 Travelers is accepted for booking.