Rafting

Black Water Rafting Guided Experience in Waitomo

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.

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."

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

Photos

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

How do we collect reviews?
4.6
111 ratings
5/5
81
4/5
23
3/5
5
2/5
1
1/5
1
Guests from Australia, United Kingdom, Germany and over 15 countries have loved this experience
James
5/5
Jun, 2024
One of the best things i've ever done in NZ. Such a unique experience and amazing friendly instructors we had such a good time!
Alison
5/5
Apr, 2024
Everything was perfect A really different experience Great guides
Megan
5/5
Mar, 2025
The was truly a once in a lifetime experience! It was a fantastic combination of adrenaline rush fun, interesting local and cultural knowledge, and marveling at the natural world. Our guides were knowledgeable, fun, and kind. We felt at ease and well looked after throughout. I would highly recommend this experience.
Carol
5/5
Mar, 2025
Ticketing ahead of time was easy and everything ran smoothly. The adventure itself was over the top fun because it's such a unique experience and more than a little exciting. We had two great gals Hailey and Grace as our fearless leaders and they kept the jokes coming and we all felt confident following their instructions -even when they had us flinging ourselves backwards over a waterfall. What's not to love?? We had the A Team ! Highly recommend this trip - do it while you can.
Michelle
5/5
Feb, 2025
It was really well organised and our two guides did an amazing job! It was an adventurous experience and the glowwormes were amazing.
Show all reviews

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.

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.

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.

Meeting Point

Meet your guide at The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co.

Address: 585 Waitomo Caves Road, Waitomo Caves 3977, New Zealand.

Get Directions to the Meeting Point

Getting There

By Car

Take route 'New Zealand State Highway 3' to reach the meeting point.