Water activity

Waitomo Caves: Labyrinth Black Water Rafting Experience

4.8 / 5

239 reviews

Activity provider: THL - Waitomo Caves Group
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    Water activity

    Waitomo Caves: Labyrinth Black Water Rafting Experience

    Activity provider: THL - Waitomo Caves Group
    Likely to sell out

    From US$ 84.56 per person

    Likely to sell out

    Join the original Waitomo black water rafting tour. Explore the Ruakuri Cave on an exhilarating underground adventure that involves climbing, black water tubing, floating, and leaping over cascading underground waterfalls.

    About this activity

    Free cancellation
    Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
    Reserve now & pay later
    Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
    Covid-19 precautions
    Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details. Learn more
    Duration 3 hours
    Check availability to see starting times.
    Live tour guide
    English

    Experience

    Highlights
    • Float down the underground river in rubber tubes while admiring the glowworm displays above
    • Jump into cascading underground waterfalls, reflecting the glowworms above
    • Enjoy a hot shower and complimentary snacks after your tour
    • Journey safely through the stunning underworld with experienced, trained guides
    • Marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites that decorate the cavern walls
    Full description

    Float down an underground river, slip into fast waters, jump off a small waterfall and take in the magic of the glowworm grotto of Ruakuri Cave on this Black Labyrinth adventure. Put on your gear and learn from professionally trained guides that will take you ziplining, rafting, and caving. 

    Check in for your black water adventure in Waitomo. Get all your equipment and instructions from your guide before you begin the subterranean journey. Leap over cascading waterfalls and weave and climb through a glowworm-studded wonderland.

    After an energized trip, float serenely down the underground river. Enjoy the glow worm show on the vaulted limestone galleries up above. Ride a stream that twists and turns through a canyon, and tumble down a hidden waterfall and rock slide before emerging into the sun-dappled Waitomo forest.

    The rafting base is located a short distance outside Waitomo Caves village. This is the booking and assembly point for all black water rafting expeditions. It is also the home of the Long Black Cafe, where you'll find delicious food, coffee, and friendly Kiwi service. 

    Includes
    • Access to Ruakuri Cave
    • Access to Waitomo Glowworm Caves
    • Live tour guide
    • Transport for activity duration: Raft, bus / coach
    • Helmet
      Covid-19 precautions
      Safety measures in place
      • All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
      Traveler requirements
      • All participants must also bring a valid government-issued photo ID (e.g. passport, driver's license, etc)
      • All participants who are over 12 years and 3 months old must present proof of full vaccination

      Select participants and date

      Participants

      Date

      Meeting point

      Meet your guide at The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co, Waitomo Homestead, located just before the Waitomo turn off.

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      Important information

      What to bring

      • Swimwear
      • Towel

      Not allowed

      • Cameras

      Know before you go

      • Participants must be 12 years or older and weigh at least 45 kilograms
      • Tours run year round at 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM, and 3:00 PM. During summer, tours run every 30-minutes from 7:00 AM
      • All tours are subject to availability. Pending available time slots, your tour time may be different to the one requested
      • Water temperature is 10-14 degrees celsius (wetsuits and footwear are provided)
      • Cameras and GoPro's cannot be taken on this tour
      • There is a maximum of 12 participants per tour and a minimum of 2 participants required for the tour to run.
      • The Waitomo Caves are located 195-kilometres from Auckland and round-trip transport from Auckland is not included
      Customer reviews

      Overall rating

      4.8 /5

      based on 239 reviews

      Review summary

      • Guide
        4.9/5
      • Transportation
        4.7/5
      • Value for money
        4.6/5
      • Safety
        4.6/5

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      It was a thrilling experience! I do NOT recommend if you get anxious in small spaces or hate your movement being restricted as I felt a little like I couldn't breathe in the wet suit. However, such an amazing and beautiful adventure and such an upclose experience in the Waitomo caves! The guides we had were informative and energetic. So kind and patient! It was excellent!

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      April 27, 2022

      G
      GetYourGuide traveler – New Zealand Verified booking

      Helpful?

      I did not know that my new friend was terrified of the water after nearly drowning in a boating accident 10 years ago. The guides were absolutely amazing in the way they assisted and encouraged her. She was able to complete the trip in spite of her fear and even eventually appreciated the experience

      March 14, 2021

      B
      Brian – New Zealand Verified booking

      Helpful?

      This tour was brilliant. The glow worms were an amazing sight to behold. The guides had a funny way of telling you about their life cycle It was cute. The tour involves getting into full wet suit gear- this can be restrictive if you have weight issues BUT they do have them in larger sizes (I know) We went into the cave, and it’s really large tunnel system, through a very small opening. The guides took lots of photos throughout our day. There are 3 “drops” or backward jumps you can do for the thrill of it. From the sounds of laughter everyone loved it. The guides were very encouraging with me but very compassionate when I couldn’t do it. So I just climbed in. But if you can, you should “let go” and enjoy. There are times you travel through caverns were the ceiling is a few inches from your nose this is the time to lie back chill. I was lucky to be on the back of the floating chain when you float single file and our guide was singing so it was very special. Ask for Max and Luke.

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      January 27, 2020

      G
      GetYourGuide traveler – Ireland Verified booking

      Helpful?

      Product ID: 140739