Black Water Rafting Experience Waitomo Caves Tour
Overview
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.
What's Included
- Snacks
- 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)
- Entry to Waitomo Cave Museum
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop off
- Towels and Toiletries for Showers
Meeting Location
585 Waitomo Caves Road
Waitomo Caves 3977, New Zealand
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
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The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co.
30 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Ruakuri Cave
2 hours Admission Ticket Included
The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co, Waitomo
30 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- 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.
- 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!
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (9)
Q: Will I get seasick on Black Water Rafting Experience Waitomo Caves Tour?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
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Activity code: C-3930WAIGLOW
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.87 out of 5 stars based on 431 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (9)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
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If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Snacks.
- 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).
- Entry to Waitomo Cave Museum.
- Gratuities.
- Hotel pickup and drop off.
- Towels and Toiletries for Showers.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 16..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Black Water Rafting Experience Waitomo Caves Tour is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- 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.
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Black Water Rafting Experience Waitomo Caves Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Snacks
- 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)
- Entry to Waitomo Cave Museum
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop off
- Towels and Toiletries for Showers
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- 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.
- 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!
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
