Ruakuri Cave Black Water Rafting Guided Experience

Experience New Zealand’s most famous underground tubing adventure, the 3-hour Black Labyrinth at Ruakuri Cave. Float, jump, and weave your way through glowworm-lit waters on this rafting tour with expert guides.

Getting started

Meet your guide at the Ruakuri Cave base, where you’ll be given a safety briefing and fitted with your wetsuit, helmet, and tubing gear. Your guide will walk you through basic tubing techniques before you head underground.

What to expect

• Enter the cave through a rock hole: Slip into the cool waters and instantly feel the excitement as you’re surrounded by the cave’s natural limestone walls.

• Underground tubing & gentle rapids: Float through twisting channels, navigate small rapids, and drift quietly beneath a glittering ceiling of thousands of glowworms (Arachnocampa Luminosa).

• Local legends & glowworm facts: Hear fascinating Maori legends and learn about the glowworms’ unique life cycle as you journey through the dark.

• Waterfall jumps: For an extra rush, take the plunge from low underground waterfalls, perfectly safe yet thrilling enough to get your adrenaline pumping.

• Snack break: Pause mid-tour to enjoy complimentary snacks and recharge before the final stretch.

• Return & refresh: After your adventure, enjoy a hot shower back at The Base, then relax at the on-site café.

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

• Camera equipment, tripod, selfie sticks, and GoPro are strictly prohibited in Ruakari Cave.

• Guests aged under 12 years and under 45kg and over 130kg are restricted from participating in this experience.

• Smoking, food, drink or litter are not allowed inside the cave.

• Pets are not allowed inside the cave.

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

• Facilities: Lockers, changing rooms, hot showers.

• This experience operates only with a minimum of 2 guests.

• No prior caving experience is needed. However, a good level of fitness is required.

• You do need to be comfortable in the water. However, swimming is not a necessity. You will have a floating tube and expert guides for this experience.

• Your guide will take photos of you on your tour, which you can purchase after the tour.