Guided black water rafting under glowworms in Waitomo Cave, New Zealand.
Group of people in wetsuits with inner tubes at Black Water Rafting, Waitomo.
Participants exploring cave during Black Water Rafting in Waitomo.
Adventurers in wetsuits and helmets explore a cave during a black water rafting tour in Waitomo.
Adventurers black water rafting in Waitomo cave with glowworms above.
Guided black water rafting under glowworms in Waitomo cave.
Group enjoying Black Water Rafting in Waitomo cave, wearing helmets and wetsuits.

Ruakuri Cave Black Water Rafting Guided Experience

Waitomo
Rafting
Google Verified Seller
Duration

Duration: 5 hours

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Group Size

Group: up to 12

Guided tour

Expert local tour guide

Get your booking confirmed instantly

Join a 3-hour black water rafting adventure in Ruakuri Cave, combining underground tubing, small waterfall jumps, and magical glowworm displays.

Float beneath a glittering glowworm ceiling, weave through limestone passages, and take the plunge off low, safe waterfalls.

Learn about Maori myths, the glowworm’s unique life cycle, and caving techniques from your knowledgeable guide during the journey.

Pause mid-tour for complimentary snacks, then return to The Base for a hot shower after an unforgettable glowworm-lit rafting journey.

Opt for the 5-hour black water rafting tour for a bigger challenge, featuring added thrills like abseiling, ziplining, and scaling underground waterfalls.

3-hour black water rafting tour at Ruakuri Cave

Rafting & tubing at Ruakuri Cave

Expert guide

Safety briefing, training & equipment kit (footwear, tubes, wetsuits, helmets, abseiling devices)

5-hour black water rafting tour at Ruakuri Cave

Ziplining, abseiling & tubing at Ruakuri Cave

Expert guide

Safety briefing, training & equipment kit (footwear, tubes, wetsuits, helmets, abseiling devices)

Your experience image 1

Guided black water rafting under glowworms in Waitomo Cave, New Zealand.

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.

Your experience image 2

Group of people in wetsuits with inner tubes at Black Water Rafting, Waitomo.

Your experience image 3

Participants exploring cave during Black Water Rafting in Waitomo.

Know before you go image 1

Adventurers in wetsuits and helmets explore a cave during a black water rafting tour in Waitomo.

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.

Know before you go image 2

Adventurers black water rafting in Waitomo cave with glowworms above.

Know before you go image 3

Guided black water rafting under glowworms in Waitomo cave.

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