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Black Water Rafting in Waitomo with ExperienceKart Limited - Auckland

Black Water Rafting in Waitomo with ExperienceKart Limited

Aucklandmoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

11 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should have a moderate fitness level for climbing, floating, and brief swimming; comfortable moving in slippery, wet environments.

Overview

Navigate the glowing underground rivers of Waitomo with ExperienceKart Limited’s exclusive black water rafting tour. Leap waterfalls, float beneath glowworms, and finish your day visiting the Kiwi House in a seamless 11-hour adventure from Auckland.

Auckland, Auckland

Private Tour: Black Labyrinth - Black Water Rafting Adventure Experience

Ages 12+ • 11 hours • Weight Requirements 45kg+

Rafting
River Tube

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About This Adventure

Embark on an exhilarating 11-hour underground adventure in Waitomo, where you'll black water raft through the enchanting Ruakuri Cave. Float beneath a canopy of glowworms, leap off waterfalls, and explore stunning formations. Afterward, enjoy a delicious lunch and visit the Kiwi House, making for an unforgettable day of exploration and excitement.

Float down an underground river, slip into fast waters, jump off waterfalls and take in the magic of the glow worm studded Ruakuri Cave

Tour Duration

11 Hours

Tour Summary

Experience the ultimate underground adventure as you journey from Auckland in a luxurious private vehicle to the spectacular Waitomo region. Dive into the thrilling world of black water rafting in the stunning Ruakuri Cave, where you'll float through an underground river, leap over cascading waterfalls, and marvel at thousands of glowworms illuminating the cave walls. This adventure offers just the right balance of excitement and accessibility, making it perfect for those seeking adrenaline without intense challenges. After the adventure, enjoy a delicious café-style lunch before visiting the Kiwi House & Native Bird Park, where you’ll get up close to New Zealand’s iconic national bird and other native wildlife, rounding off an unforgettable day of exploration.

Tour Highlights

  • Enjoy climbing, black water tubing, leaping, and floating through Ruakuri Cave.
  • Float down the underground river in rubber tubes while admiring the glowworm displays above.
  • Jump into cascading underground waterfalls, reflecting the glowworms above.
  • Journey safely through the stunning underworld with experienced, trained guides.
  • Marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites that decorate the cavern walls.
  • Enjoy some sweet treats along the way an underground snack.
  • Journey concludes when you emerge into the sunlight of the Waitomo Forest.
  • Witness the viewing of a Kiwi, in moonlit nocturnal enclosure.

Journey Inclusions

  • Fully guided private return transfers from Auckland.
  • Pick up and drop off from Auckland.
  • Refreshments and water onboard.
  • Complimentary high-speed internet onboard.
  • English-speaking tour escort throughout the journey.
  • Luxurious temperature-controlled private transportation.
  • Exclusive immersive activities and interaction with local communities.
  • Built-in leisure time, to explore destinations as you wish.

Tour Inclusions

  • 3-hour Black Labyrinth black water rafting guided group tour.
  • Cafe style lunch at Waitomo.
  • Visit to Kiwi House Native Bird Park.
  • All the necessary safety equipment provided including footwear, tubes, wetsuits, helmets, and abseiling devices.

Tour Requirements

  • Good and moderate fitness level is required.
  • Participants must be 12 years old or over (proof of age may be required).
  • Minimum weight restriction of 45kg+ apply.
  • Guides at Waitomo reserve the right to refuse to take anyone into the cave that they consider to be unsuited for the tour (e.g., physically incapable or too small).
  • Bring your swimwear, a towel, shower gel.
  • No caving experience is needed!
  • Cameras, including GoPros, can’t be taken on the tour.
  • You do need to be comfortable in the water, however swimming is not a necessity. You will have a tube to aid you in floating as well as expert guides.
  • Each participant requested to complete a disclosure document and provide information relation to health, physicality, impairments, and water preparedness.

Adventure Tips

Wear appropriate swimwear

Bring quick-drying swimwear and a towel to stay comfortable during and after the black water rafting experience.

Listen carefully to guides

Guides provide vital safety instructions and caving techniques—follow them closely to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Prepare for cool underground temperatures

Even in summer, caves remain cool; the provided wetsuit keeps you warm, but dress accordingly for before and after the cave tour.

No cameras inside the cave

Cameras and GoPros cannot be brought on the tour to protect the cave's delicate environment and for safety reasons.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • New Zealand native glowworms illuminating the caves.
  • Nocturnal Kiwi birds housed at the Kiwi House Native Bird Park.

History

Waitomo Caves have been a treasured Māori cultural site for centuries, with Ruakuri Cave known for its intricate limestone formations discovered in the early 20th century.

Conservation

Strict visitor management and eco-friendly practices are enforced to preserve the delicate cave ecosystem and glowworm colonies.

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Adventure Hotspots in Auckland

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Swimwear

Essential

Wear under the wetsuit for comfort during the black water rafting.

Towel

Essential

Useful for drying off after exiting the cave and changing.

Water-resistant footwear

Essential

Provided during the tour but bringing your own suitable footwear can improve comfort and fit.

Lightweight jacket

For warmth before and after the cave tour, especially in cooler months.

fall|winter|spring specific