Duration
Open today
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
Guided tour
4.7/5
(157)
Joan
Magdalena
Bernadette
Caroline
Alexandra
Rachel
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Join a 3-hour black water rafting adventure in Ruakuri Cave, combining underground tubing, small waterfall jumps, and magical glowworm displays.
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Float beneath a glittering glowworm ceiling, weave through limestone passages, and take the plunge off low, safe waterfalls.
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Learn about Maori myths, the glowworm’s unique life cycle, and caving techniques from your knowledgeable guide during the journey.
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Pause mid-tour for complimentary snacks, then return to The Base for a hot shower after an unforgettable glowworm-lit rafting journey.
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Opt for the 5-hour black water rafting tour for a bigger challenge, featuring added thrills like abseiling, ziplining, and scaling underground waterfalls.
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Black Water Rafting
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3-hour black water rafting tour at Ruakuri Cave
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Rafting & tubing at Ruakuri Cave
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Expert guide
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Safety briefing, training & equipment kit (footwear, tubes, wetsuits, helmets, abseiling devices)
Black Water Rafting, Ziplining & Abseiling (as per option selected)
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5-hour black water rafting tour at Ruakuri Cave
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Ziplining, abseiling & tubing at Ruakuri Cave
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Expert guide
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Safety briefing, training & equipment kit (footwear, tubes, wetsuits, helmets, abseiling devices)
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You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- 157 reviews
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These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
12525511Guests from Australia, Canada, United States and over 13 countries have loved this experienceWhat our guests say
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Feb 2026Verified bookingJoan
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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
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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.
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Underground tubing & gentle rapids: Float through twisting channels, navigate small rapids, and drift quietly beneath a glittering ceiling of thousands of glowworms (Arachnocampa Luminosa).
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Local legends & glowworm facts: Hear fascinating Maori legends and learn about the glowworms’ unique life cycle as you journey through the dark.
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Waterfall jumps: For an extra rush, take the plunge from low underground waterfalls, perfectly safe yet thrilling enough to get your adrenaline pumping.
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Snack break: Pause mid-tour to enjoy complimentary snacks and recharge before the final stretch.
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Return & refresh: After your adventure, enjoy a hot shower back at The Base, then relax at the on-site café.
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What to bring
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Bring your towel, swimwear, shower gel, and shampoo for the adventure.
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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
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Camera equipment, tripod, selfie sticks, and GoPro are strictly prohibited in Ruakari Cave.
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Guests aged under 12 years and under 45kg and over 130kg are restricted from participating in this experience.
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Smoking, food, drink or litter are not allowed inside the cave.
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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
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Facilities: Lockers, changing rooms, hot showers.
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This experience operates only with a minimum of 2 guests.
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No prior caving experience is needed. However, a good level of fitness is required.
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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.
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Your guide will take photos of you on your tour, which you can purchase after the tour.
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Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
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Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.
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Please arrive at the meeting point 30 minutes before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.
Meeting Point
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Meet your guide at The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co.
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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.
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