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Black Water Rafting Adventures

Take an exhilarating black water rafting adventure in New Zealand. Paddle through underground rivers, navigate hidden caves, and discover glowing wonders in the heart of Auckland's natural beauty.
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Slide 1 of 13, Guided black water rafting under glowworms in Waitomo Cave, New Zealand.
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.
Person exploring illuminated cave during black water rafting in Waitomo.
Adventurers rafting under glowworms in Waitomo Cave, New Zealand.
Participants enjoying black water rafting in Waitomo cave stream.
Adventurers in wetsuits and helmets navigate rocky stream in Waitomo cave.
Adventurers with tubes exploring a cave during a black water rafting tour in Waitomo.
Person ziplining through a cave during a Black Water Rafting experience in Waitomo.

Ruakuri Cave Black Water Rafting Guided Experience

3 hrs - 5 hrs

  • 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.

More details

  • 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.

from
NZ$322
Slide 1 of 14, Guide instructing participants on safety gear for ziplining in Waitomo.
Guide instructing participants on safety gear for ziplining in Waitomo.
Person abseiling in a dark cave during a guided black water rafting experience in Waitomo.
Caver descending in Waitomo cave during Black Abyss tour with zip lining and rafting.
Person ziplining in Waitomo Cave with glowworms illuminating the cave walls.
Person ziplining through a cave during a Black Water Rafting experience in Waitomo.
Person black water rafting under glowworms in Waitomo cave.
Group enjoying a break during Black Water Rafting in Waitomo cave.
Adventurers black water rafting under glowworms in Waitomo cave.
Adventurers black water rafting in a cave during a guided experience in Waitomo.
Person in wetsuit and helmet holding an inner tube in Waitomo cave for black water rafting experience.
Caver exploring narrow passage during black water rafting in Waitomo cave.
Adventurer exploring Waitomo cave during Black Water Rafting tour.
Adventurers in wetsuits prepare for black water rafting in Waitomo cave.
Group of people in wetsuits with inner tubes at Black Water Rafting, Waitomo.

Ruakuri Cave Black Water Rafting & Abseiling Guided Experience

5 hrs

  • Go on a 5-hour black water rafting adventure at Ruakarui Cave, complete with abseiling, ziplining, tubing, and glowworms.

  • Abseil 35m into the cave, zipline through glowworm tunnels, and tube along fast-flowing underground waters.

  • Your expert guide will provide instructions, safety tips, and fascinating insights on the cave’s formations and glowworms.

  • Take a short break to enjoy a snack, then finish your adventure with a warm shower and comforting soup after an unforgettable multi-activity experience.

More details

  • Go on a 5-hour black water rafting adventure at Ruakarui Cave, complete with abseiling, ziplining, tubing, and glowworms.

  • Abseil 35m into the cave, zipline through glowworm tunnels, and tube along fast-flowing underground waters.

  • Your expert guide will provide instructions, safety tips, and fascinating insights on the cave’s formations and glowworms.

  • Take a short break to enjoy a snack, then finish your adventure with a warm shower and comforting soup after an unforgettable multi-activity experience.

from
NZ$322
Slide 1 of 8, Family exploring stalactites in Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand.
Family exploring stalactites in Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand.
Visitors exploring Waitomo Glowworm Caves with a guide holding a flashlight.
Glowworms hanging in Waitomo Caves during a guided tour.
Visitors admiring glowworms in Waitomo Glowworm Caves during guided tour.
Visitors admire glowworms and stalactites in Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand.
Glowworms illuminating the Waitomo Caves ceiling during a small group tour.
Walkway through illuminated Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand.
Wooden walkway surrounded by lush greenery on the Guided Tour of Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

45 mins - 7 hrs

  • Explore the Waitomo Glowworm Caves on a 45-minute guided tour featuring a serene boat ride beneath thousands of glowing worms.

  • Walk through stunning limestone formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and the towering Cathedral chamber.

  • Hear captivating stories and legends from expert guides descended from the Māori chief who first explored the caves.

  • Upgrade to the 1.5-hour Ruakuri accessible cave tour or the full-day Waitomo tour from Auckland with transfers for a longer, richer experience.

More details

  • Explore the Waitomo Glowworm Caves on a 45-minute guided tour featuring a serene boat ride beneath thousands of glowing worms.

  • Walk through stunning limestone formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and the towering Cathedral chamber.

  • Hear captivating stories and legends from expert guides descended from the Māori chief who first explored the caves.

  • Upgrade to the 1.5-hour Ruakuri accessible cave tour or the full-day Waitomo tour from Auckland with transfers for a longer, richer experience.

from
NZ$85
Slide 1 of 7, Glowworms illuminating Waitomo Caves with a silhouetted person on a guided tour.
Glowworms illuminating Waitomo Caves with a silhouetted person on a guided tour.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves entrance with sunlight filtering through, surrounded by lush greenery.
Glowworms illuminating the Waitomo Caves ceiling during a small group guided tour.
Visitors exploring Waitomo Glowworm Caves with glowing ceiling, New Zealand tour.
Small group exploring Waitomo Glowworm Caves with helmets and headlamps.
Glowworms illuminating the Waitomo Caves ceiling during a small group tour.
Visitors exploring Waitomo Glowworm Caves on a guided tour, New Zealand.

Off the Beaten Track – Waitomo Glowworm Cave Tour

3 hrs

  • Small-group adventure with private access to family-owned cave, away from crowds, led by local guide.

  • Equipped with helmet, headlamp, gumboots, and clothing; explore limestone passages and glowworm chambers.

  • Walk through shallow streams, climb rocks/boulders, see stalactites/stalagmites and glowworm displays.

  • Finish with complimentary photos, tea/coffee/biscuits; supports native forest restoration and predator control.

More details

  • Small-group adventure with private access to family-owned cave, away from crowds, led by local guide.

  • Equipped with helmet, headlamp, gumboots, and clothing; explore limestone passages and glowworm chambers.

  • Walk through shallow streams, climb rocks/boulders, see stalactites/stalagmites and glowworm displays.

  • Finish with complimentary photos, tea/coffee/biscuits; supports native forest restoration and predator control.

from
NZ$219
Slide 1 of 9, Family taking a selfie at Hobbiton Movie Set entrance, Auckland tour.
Family taking a selfie at Hobbiton Movie Set entrance, Auckland tour.
Hobbiton Movie Set house with round door and garden path in New Zealand.
Tour group arriving at Hobbiton Movie Set visitor center, Auckland.
Family exploring Waitomo Caves with a guide, part of the Auckland Hobbiton Movie Set tour.
Group enjoying boat tour under glowworms in Waitomo Caves, New Zealand.
Visitors enjoying drinks at the Hobbiton Movie Set's Green Dragon Inn, New Zealand.
Double arched stone bridge and mill at Hobbiton Movie Set, Matamata, New Zealand.
Glowworms illuminate Waitomo Caves' ceiling, casting a blue glow over the water on an Auckland tour.
Transfer vehicle for Auckland to Hobbiton Movie Set tour.

From Auckland: Hobbiton Movie Set & Waitomo Glowworms Caves Signature Guided Tour

12 hrs
3 more

  • Experience the Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves on a full-day tour from Auckland with an expert guide for company.

  • Explore Hobbit Holes, The Mill, and other film locations on a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, ending with a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn.

  • Take a guided walk through ancient caves and enjoy a serene boat ride under thousands of luminescent glowworms at the Waitomo Glowworm Cave.

  • Opt for a private tour to explore at your own pace, or join a shared tour with lunch for a relaxed, all-in-one day without worrying about meals.

More details

  • Experience the Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves on a full-day tour from Auckland with an expert guide for company.

  • Explore Hobbit Holes, The Mill, and other film locations on a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, ending with a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn.

  • Take a guided walk through ancient caves and enjoy a serene boat ride under thousands of luminescent glowworms at the Waitomo Glowworm Cave.

  • Opt for a private tour to explore at your own pace, or join a shared tour with lunch for a relaxed, all-in-one day without worrying about meals.

from
NZ$379
Slide 1 of 10, Group admiring glowworms in Waitomo Caves during Auckland tour.
Group admiring glowworms in Waitomo Caves during Auckland tour.
Visitors exploring Waitomo Glowworm Caves in Auckland, viewing stalactites and stalagmites.
Group enjoying boat tour in Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand, with glowing ceiling.
Visitors exploring stalactites in Ruakuri Cave during a guided tour.
Stalactites in Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand, on a guided tour from Auckland.
Group exploring Waitomo Glowworm Caves with light streaming through cave opening, Auckland tour.
Tourists on a boat admire glowworms in Waitomo Caves, Auckland.
Glowworms illuminating the Waitomo Caves in New Zealand.
Glowworms illuminate Waitomo Caves' ceiling, casting a blue glow over the water on an Auckland tour.
Hobbiton Movie Set house with round door and garden path in New Zealand.

From Auckland: Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

7 hrs - 12 hrs
3 more

  • Take a full-day guided tour from Auckland to see the Waitomo Glowworm Cave and enjoy a scenic drive through lush Waikato countryside.

  • Explore Waitomo Glowworm Cave with an expert guide, see limestone formations, then cruise on a boat beneath thousands of glowworms.

  • Your guide will provide commentary throughout the tour, explaining the cave formations and the lifecycle of the glowworms.

  • Take 30 minutes to explore the Gift Shop or enjoy refreshments at Waitomo Homestead before or after your tour.

  • Upgrade your Waitomo Glowworm Cave adventure with a Hobbiton Movie Set tour, complete with a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn.

More details

  • Take a full-day guided tour from Auckland to see the Waitomo Glowworm Cave and enjoy a scenic drive through lush Waikato countryside.

  • Explore Waitomo Glowworm Cave with an expert guide, see limestone formations, then cruise on a boat beneath thousands of glowworms.

  • Your guide will provide commentary throughout the tour, explaining the cave formations and the lifecycle of the glowworms.

  • Take 30 minutes to explore the Gift Shop or enjoy refreshments at Waitomo Homestead before or after your tour.

  • Upgrade your Waitomo Glowworm Cave adventure with a Hobbiton Movie Set tour, complete with a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn.

from Original priceNZ$279
NZ$251.10

10% off

Slide 1 of 13, Group enjoying boat tour under glowworms in Waitomo Caves, New Zealand.
Group enjoying boat tour under glowworms in Waitomo Caves, New Zealand.
Group exploring glowworm-lit Waitomo Caves on Auckland tour.
Geyser eruption at Te Puia cultural site, Rotorua, with geothermal activity, small group tour from Auckland.
Geothermal steam rising from Te Puia's Pohutu Geyser in Rotorua, New Zealand.
Maori performers in traditional attire during cultural show, Rotorua, New Zealand.
Maori cultural performance at Te Puia, New Zealand, with traditional meeting house in background.
Maori performers in traditional attire performing a haka at Te Puia, Rotorua.
Craftsmen weaving flax at Te Puia cultural center, Rotorua, New Zealand.
Craftsperson weaving traditional Māori garment at Te Puia, New Zealand.
Carving traditional Maori wood sculpture at Te Puia cultural site, Rotorua.
Chef demonstrating geothermal cooking at Te Puia, Rotorua, with tourists observing.
Stalactites in Waitomo Caves, New Zealand, part of the Auckland to Rotorua & Te Puia tour.
Kiwi bird in natural habitat, part of a small group tour from Auckland exploring New Zealand wildlife.

From Auckland: Waitomo Caves, Rotorua & Te Puia Guided Tour

11 hrs
3 more

  • Join a full-day small-group day tour from Auckland to see Waitomo Glowworm Cave, Te Puia’s geothermal wonders, and Rotorua’s city highlights.

  • Explore Waitomo Glowworm Cave on a 45-minute guided tour with stalactites and stalagmites, then enjoy a serene boat ride beneath the glowworm-lit grotto.

  • Explore Te Puia Geothermal Park with a guide, seeing geysers, hot springs, Māori arts, and the unique Kiwi bird up close.

  • Drive through Rotorua’s most iconic sights, including Lake Rotorua, Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens, Rachel Spring, and the Blue Baths.

More details

  • Join a full-day small-group day tour from Auckland to see Waitomo Glowworm Cave, Te Puia’s geothermal wonders, and Rotorua’s city highlights.

  • Explore Waitomo Glowworm Cave on a 45-minute guided tour with stalactites and stalagmites, then enjoy a serene boat ride beneath the glowworm-lit grotto.

  • Explore Te Puia Geothermal Park with a guide, seeing geysers, hot springs, Māori arts, and the unique Kiwi bird up close.

  • Drive through Rotorua’s most iconic sights, including Lake Rotorua, Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens, Rachel Spring, and the Blue Baths.

from
NZ$409
Slide 1 of 12, Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland's colorful geothermal pool and tourists in Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Auckland.
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland's colorful geothermal pool and tourists in Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Auckland.
Guide explaining geothermal feature at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, New Zealand.
Visitors walking on a boardwalk at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, surrounded by geothermal landscape.
Visitors admire glowworms and stalactites in Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand.
Walkway through illuminated Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand.
Visitor photographing geothermal landscape at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, New Zealand.
Visitors walking on a boardwalk at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, New Zealand.
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland's vibrant green geothermal pool surrounded by rocky cliffs.
Family exploring stalactites in Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand.
Glowworms illuminate Waitomo Caves' ceiling, casting a blue glow over the water on an Auckland tour.
Glowworms hanging in Waitomo Caves during a guided tour.
Glowworms illuminating the Waitomo Caves ceiling during a small group guided tour.

Combo: Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland Tickets + Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

Explore at your pace
  • See New Zealand’s natural wonders in one seamless plan — magical glowworm caves paired with vibrant geothermal landscapes.
  • Wander through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves on a guided tour, see limestone formations, and enjoy a serene boat ride beneath thousands of glowing glowworms.
  • Explore Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland with access to scenic walking trails, vibrant mineral pools, and the daily eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser.
More details
  • See New Zealand’s natural wonders in one seamless plan — magical glowworm caves paired with vibrant geothermal landscapes.
  • Wander through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves on a guided tour, see limestone formations, and enjoy a serene boat ride beneath thousands of glowing glowworms.
  • Explore Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland with access to scenic walking trails, vibrant mineral pools, and the daily eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser.
from
NZ$135.47

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What our guests say

Megan C

New Zealand
Couple
May 2026
Every gazing moment was W🤩W, for me it was like a moonlit night, shining through the dense canopy of tree tops while floating around inside a cave 'with so much history' ❤️ out of respect for the iwi and the glow worms 🐛 no photo's 📱📸 while visiting the cave, however you can take pics exiting the cave, absolutely beautiful tour guide, he explained the history 👌🏽❤️ answered Q and explained the 'dos and don'ts' all said professionally and with love 'Ka pai u Sasha' Totally recommend 👌🏽 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

Tyarna O

Australia
Couple
May 2026
The caves were beautiful, our guide T've was very informative and funny, and we had a great time! Lots of history and fun facts, a very cool experience.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

Peggy E

United States
Couple
Apr 2026

+1 more

The geyser was great and I was able to get pictures and video. For the best places to sit, you should get there early. We went on the 45 minute walk because I have a knee injury. There are a 60 and 90 minute walk also. It was great but it probably took us longer because of taking pictures and I have to be careful with my knee. I loved all the thermal activity and the craters were interesting. This was my first experience of this sort, and I am very glad we went.

Combo: Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland Tickets + Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

Abigail C

New Zealand
Couple
Last week
We had a new tour guide who was on his first week. You could tell at the start he was nervous but really grew into it as the tour progressed. He was so sweet and interactive with the children and even handled the situation of a special needs individual needing a little bit more space and time

Combo: Ruakuri Cave Guided Tour + Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

Peter J

Australia
Solo
Aug 2026
The guide, Steven, was very knowledgeable and hilariously funny. The tour is well worth the entry fee, the glowworm boat tour was incredible

Combo: Ruakuri Cave Guided Tour + Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

Michael F

Australia
Couple
2 weeks ago
Ash was a fantastic guide who gave us so much interesting information about the cave delivered with constant humour. We felt safe the entire time we were in the cave and Ash was constantly monitoring our safety as we traversed the more difficult areas of the cave. The entire experience was so much better than a commercialised venue. There were no gimmicks just real life caving resulting in a spectacular Glowworm display. The facilities at the office were clean and everything we needed was supplied. Thanks Ash for your enthusiasm, entertainment and professionalism. Michael and Dena. Busselton Western Australia.

Off the Beaten Track – Waitomo Glowworm Cave Tour

Adina K

Israel
Solo
Sep 2026
I really enjoyed thw amazing guides Ollie and aria they really made the experience so much more fun then it already was. I loved how we got 2 experience everything. From chiling out and seeing thw glow warms 2 climbing up a waterfall and sliding down a slide. The guides made us feel very comfortable and safe 2 do what we felt comfortable about and not 2 do what we didn't want 2. Thank you very much for this wonderful experience. Worth every penny

Ruakuri Cave Black Water Rafting & Abseiling Guided Experience

Wayne H

New Zealand
Group
May 2026
You really have to do cave tour that was highlight of our day. Absolutely gorgeous. How lucky are we to live in a beautiful country , tour guide was absolutely great.

Ruakuri Cave Guided Tour

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