Waitomo Caves: Labyrinth Black Water Rafting Experience

Top rated
4.8594437 out of 5 stars
4.9
4.8594437 out of 5 stars
1366 reviews
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Waitomo Caves: Labyrinth Black Water Rafting Experience
Likely to sell out
Top rated
4.8594437 out of 5 stars
4.9
4.8594437 out of 5 stars
1366 reviews

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 for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 3 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

V
Viviana – United States

It was an awesome experience. We felt inside a Harry Potter movie and it was a whole adventure but at the time we felt safe and taken care.

K
Kevin – United Kingdom

It wasn’t quite what we expected, it was much better. You get very wet and a little cold but it’s quite an experience. One thing to note you have to be reasonably fit to complete the whole experience but you can miss out bits to make it easier. The guide was very knowledgable with a great sense of humour. Highly recommend it.

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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 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

  • 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 1366 reviews

Review summary

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

Customer photos

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Recommended
V
Viviana – United StatesMay 12, 2025 – Verified booking
It was an awesome experience. We felt inside a Harry Potter movie and it was a whole adventure but at the time we felt safe and taken care.
K
Kevin – United KingdomMay 8, 2025 – Verified booking
It wasn’t quite what we expected, it was much better. You get very wet and a little cold but it’s quite an experience. One thing to note you have to be reasonably fit to complete the whole experience but you can miss out bits to make it easier. The guide was very knowledgable with a great sense of humour. Highly recommend it.
M
María del Carmen Pérez – SpainMay 1, 2025 – Verified booking
It was a great experience! They give you all the necessary material for the rafting (including the transport to Waitomo caves). The guides explain everything previously and during the trip. Waitomo caves are really amazing! I strongly recomend this activity!

Product ID: 140739

Activity provider:THL - Waitomo Caves Group

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