Rafting

Black Water Rafting Guided Experience in Waitomo

Name: Black Water Rafting Guided Experience in Waitomo
Brand: Headout
SKU: 18911
Price: 188 NZD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.6 (66 reviews)

Adventurers rafting through Waitomo Caves' underground river on Black Water Rafting Guided Experience.

Adventurers rafting through Waitomo Caves' underground river on a Black Water Rafting Guided Experience.

Dive into the underground river systems on the Black Labyrinth tour and swim under the gentle radiance of glowworms as you learn about the stories of the limestone caves and Maori culture.

Highlights

Experience a 3 or 5-hour rafting tour inside the limestone caves as you float under a sky of glowworms.
Learn the basics of caving and gear up to weave your way around the rocks on an exhilarating journey.
Get the adventure of a lifetime while traveling through the caves, and jumping off waterfalls, and upgrading to include ziplining and absceiling.
Dig into complimentary refreshments on board and take your time to admire the surreal beauty of the caves.
Did you know? The Māori call glowworms "titiwai," which translates to "stars reflected in water."

Inclusions

3 or 5-hour black water rafting tour (based on option selected)
Underground tour of Ruakuri Cave
Ziplining, abseiling, rafting and tubing (based on option selected)
English-speaking guide
Small group of up to 8 or 12 people (based on option selected)
Helmet, light, and black water rafting tube (based on option selected)
Safety equipment
Wetsuits, socks and shoes
Safety briefing and training
Changing rooms with hot showers

Exclusions

Photos

Cancellation policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Reviews

4.6

66 ratings

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Headout Guest

5/5

Nov, 2024

This was an unbelievable experience. The glow worms were very cool to see, but more notably, we had a great group and excellent guides! I was a bit worried my mother would struggle but the guides did a great job helping her! The chauffeur they provided to the rafting sight was very comfy, and their entire staff was welcoming and made it a worthwhile trip!

Headout Guest

5/5

Nov, 2024

My partner and I had a great time doing this! I’m somewhat apprehensive when it comes to water (especially in the dark) but really wanted to do something different to see the glow worms and I’m so glad I did. Felt completely safe the whole time and had great fun. Definitely recommend.

Headout Guest

5/5

Nov, 2024

Excellent tour with excellent guides Hannah and Katie. Despite being in our sixties and a little nervous ( although reasonably fit) we had a great afternoon. The guides explained everything and were attentive and watchful and we felt in safe competent hands. The highlight was floating through the black caves seeing the vivid glowworm show above us.

Antje

5/5

Sep, 2024

Really good guides, I felt safe the whole time! Small group! Nice hot showers and a hot soulmate the end of the Tori:) Git nice pictures!

Tamina

5/5

Aug, 2024

The experience was amazing. Super friendly tour guides and the caves were stunning, such a cool little adventure and the best way to see the glowworms

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Your experience

Introduction to Black Labyrinth rafting

Join a tour of a lifetime with the Black Labyrinth Tour, designed for everyone seeking a little adventure. This 3-hour rafting tour spends one hour underground in the company of the waves and the glowworms. Meet your English-speaking guide, and learn the basics to help you go caving smoothly. Before heading into the underground river system, get a feel of all the caving equipment needed. Grab your wetsuit, helmet, and footwear, and get a rundown on all the tubing skills you need to navigate.

Start your glowing underwater journey

Descend into the underground waters by passing through a rock hole, once you’re snug in your tube. Weave around rocks to find yourself under a blanket of glowworms for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure amid nature. Your guide will also enrich you with local legends and folklore of the Maoris and how the limestone caves came into existence. Surrounded by the soft light of the glowworm, learn about their intriguing life cycle. Take your adventure to the next level as you jump off some waterfalls (that are not dangerously high) and munch on some complimentary snacks. Create memories of a lifetime on this enchanting underwater tour.

Know before you go

What to bring

Bring your towel, swimwear, shower gel, and shampoo for the adventure.
When you visit, make sure you've got a credit card or your phone set up for contactless payments (like Apple Pay or Google Pay).

What's not allowed

The following are not allowed in this experience: Camera equipment, tripod, selfie sticks, and GoPro.
Guests aged under 16 years are restricted from participating in the 5-hour black water rafting experience.
Guests aged 12 and under are restricted from participating in the Black Labyrinth rafting experience, while guests aged 16 and under are restricted from participating in the Black Abyss rafting experience.
Guests weighing under 45kg are restricted from participating in this experience.

Accessibility

The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users, pram/stroller users, people with mobility issues, people with back and neck problems, and guests who don't have a moderate fitness level or are too small.

Additional information

This experience operates only with a minimum of 2 guests.
Facilities: Lockers, Changing Rooms, Hot showers.
No prior caving experience is needed.
You do need to be comfortable in the water, however, swimming is not a necessity. You will have a floating tube and expert guides.

My tickets

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.
Please arrive at the meeting point 30 minutes before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.