Black Water Rafting Experience Waitomo Caves Tour | 3 hours to 5 hours

274 Reviews | Waitomo
Select Date and Travelers
You can select up to 9 travelers in total.
Adult (16-99) Minimum: 1, Maximum: 9
2
Free Cancellation For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
The Black Abyss (24/25)
2 Adults x $183.27
$366.54
Approx Total
$366.54
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)
2 Adults x $109.73
$219.46
Approx Total
$219.46
Black Labyrinth (2024/2025): Three-hour adventure caving tour. Prices are valid for tours between 01/10/24 and 30/09/25.

Inclusions / Exclusions

  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English
  • 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

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.

Itinerary

  • 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

  • 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

  • N/A

    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.

    30 minutes

Sample Menu

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.

Free Cancellation

June 18100% refund
June 19No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews

4.8

274 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
  • 5 stars
    242
  • 4 stars
    21
  • 3 stars
    6
  • 2 stars
    2
  • 1 star
    3

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 242 reviews with 5 stars

Worth the $ as long as you are up for adventure

Published on Feb, 2025

The wet suit kept me warm enough… others got a little cold. Certain amount of adrenaline activities - probably not for the unadventurous. Guides were great.

Very well spent half day !

Published on Feb, 2025

It way a great trip. We have done the combined tour, which I recommend. The abseiling into the cave is a bit special, as there is one (short) fairly narrow passage, and it's unusual to descend into the dark. It all is very safe and we had a great time. It does make sense that bringing you own cameras isn't allowed by the way, because the whole experience would be spoiled with people flashing away, trying to capture the atmosphere.

Adventurous, fun, great guides

Published on Feb, 2025

Lara and Beth were our guides. They were phenomenal! Couldn’t imagine the tour being any better! They made it fun, easy and enjoyable. Coming to the experience itself, it was adventurous for me. But I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you are in two minds, just leave your worries and go for it!

Thinking of the Abyss blackwater rafting? Do it!

Published on Feb, 2025

We did the blackwater rafting abyss experience. Ollie and Lydia were great guides, they had the perfect balance between professional and laid back. I felt like I learned something, got to do some cool adventure stuff and got to experience a fun day.

Do it! You won’t regret it!

Published on Feb, 2025

It was an unforgettable experience! I loved it! Harry and Xena were amazing. I went solo but had an amazing group with me.

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