Waitomo Caves: Labyrinth Black Water Rafting Experience

Top rated
4.8593183 out of 5 stars
4.9
4.8593183 out of 5 stars
1379 reviews
Activity provider:THL - Waitomo Caves Group
Waitomo Caves: Labyrinth Black Water Rafting Experience
Likely to sell out
Top rated
4.8593183 out of 5 stars
4.9
4.8593183 out of 5 stars
1379 reviews

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

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
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Duration 3 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

H
Heather – United Kingdom

We had a great time in the caves with our guides. They were very on it with safety and checking we weren't all too cold and made sure we had a great time.

H
Henry – United Kingdom

An amazing experience. A fantastic way to see the beautiful glowworms. Great fun climbing though the caves and jumping down waterfalls. Floating through the caves in complete darkness is something I will remember for a long time. The guides were excellent, knowledgeable and kept everyone safe and having fun. Could not recommend this experience more. I want to go and do it again already.

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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 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

  • 3-hour tubing experience
  • Guide
  • Use of equipment (tubes, wetsuits, boots, and helmets)
  • Shower facilities

Not suitable for

  • Children under 12 years
  • People under 99 lbs (45 kg)

Meeting point

Meet your guide at The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co., 6 KM from the State Highway 3 turnoff.

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Important information

What to bring

  • Swimwear
  • Towel

Not allowed

  • Cameras
  • Video recording

Know before you go

  • 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 due to high demand and limited capacity tours are subject to availability
  • You must check in 30 minutes before my tour starts
  • Participants must be 12 years or older and weigh at least 45 kilograms
  • 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

4.9 /5

based on 1379 reviews

Review summary

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

Customer photos

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H
Heather – United KingdomMay 28, 2025 – Verified booking
We had a great time in the caves with our guides. They were very on it with safety and checking we weren't all too cold and made sure we had a great time.
H
Henry – United KingdomMay 26, 2025 – Verified booking
An amazing experience. A fantastic way to see the beautiful glowworms. Great fun climbing though the caves and jumping down waterfalls. Floating through the caves in complete darkness is something I will remember for a long time. The guides were excellent, knowledgeable and kept everyone safe and having fun. Could not recommend this experience more. I want to go and do it again already.
P
Paul – United StatesMay 25, 2025 – Verified booking
An absolute blast! There was a bit more wandering through the cave than floating, but it was an adventure worth taking. Our guide was also very knowledgeable and funny making the experience so awesome.

Product ID: 140739

Activity provider:THL - Waitomo Caves Group

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