Duration
Open today
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
Guided tour
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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.
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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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