Black Water Rafting Experience Waitomo Caves Tour

4.8 (440 reviews) 3–5 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

440 reviews

4.8

Black Water Rafting Experience Waitomo Caves Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Black Water Rafting Experience Waitomo Caves Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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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At a glance

Duration: 3–5 hours
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 12 people
People per booking: 1–9
Guide: English
Operated by: THL - Waitomo Caves Group

Ages: Adults (16–99 years)

What is included

Included

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

Not included

Not included: Entry to Waitomo Cave Museum
Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Hotel pickup and drop off
Not included: Towels and Toiletries for Showers

Itinerary

The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co.

30 min

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

2 hours Admission included

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.
Stop 3

30 min

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.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Departure Point: The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co, 585 Waitomo Caves Road, Waitomo 3977

Return point: Returns to original departure point

End point

Departure Point: The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co, 585 Waitomo Caves Road, Waitomo 3977

Return point: Returns to original departure point

Using your ticket

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

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

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.

Options

The Black Abyss 25/26 & 26/27

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 25/26 & 26

Black Labyrinth (2025/2026): Three-hour adventure caving tour. Prices are valid for tours between 01/10/25 and 30/09/26