Black Water Rafting in New Zealand 2024-2025

You will raft the cave rivers, climb up the rocks of Ruakuri Cave, go black water tubing and view blue glow worms

Best time: November–April

It is amusing to be a member of the water tube chain pulled by a guide through narrow underground rivers. The subterranean adventure begins with brief instruction before descending into the Ruakuri Cave. You will try to make up a tube chain on the ground before the actual black water tubing in the cave. The rafters sit into their rings and hold the feet of the succeeding ones. The route is compounded of serene passages and a few cascades forming waterfalls. Some tunnels are pipe-like and are passable only in a lying pose. Non-navigable parts of the route require the travellers to climb up the rocks. Black water rafting through Waitomo Cave offers an unforgettable experience of silent floating amidst limestone formations under the amazing glow worms display resembling some miraculous blue galaxy. The journey is available throughout the year, yet it is preferable to avoid winter season, as it gets quite cold inside the caves. The best time is between November and April.

Practical info

Where does the black water rafting adventure take place?

The black water rafting adventure occurs in the limestone cave system of Ruakuri Cave in Waitomo, New Zealand. This unique adventure allows travelers to float through serene passages, cascading waterfalls, and pipe-like tunnels that require a lying pose. The tour takes travelers through a remarkable experience of black water tubing surrounded by beautiful limestone formations and a breathtaking light display of blue glow worms.

When is the best time to go black water rafting in Waitomo Cave?

Travelers looking to have the best experience black water rafting in Waitomo Cave should plan on visiting between November and April. Due to the colder climate inside the caves during the winter season, this period ensures a more comfortable and enjoyable trip. This underground adventure is obtainable all year round, and visitors can experience a unique opportunity of silent floating surrounded by limestone formations and mesmerizing displays of blue glow worms.

What type of instructions are given before the black water tubing activity?

Tourists will be briefed on safety guidelines before beginning their black water tubing excursion through Ruakuri Cave. Visitors will encounter non-navigable parts of the route that requires climbing over rocks. Tourists will sit in their tubes, holding onto the feet of the person in front while experiencing serene passages and multiple cascades, including waterfalls. Additionally, the black water tubing activity happens amidst remarkable limestone rock formations while enjoying the mesmerizing blue glow worms display that looks like a beautiful blue galaxy.

Do tourists need to know how to swim for the black water rafting tour?

Knowing how to swim is not a requirement for tourists interested in a black water rafting tour in Waitomo Cave. Safety floatation devices and proper instruction are available to all visitors making the activity safe for all, regardless of their swimming experience. However, visitors should be physically fit and follow safety instructions given by the guide to maximize their experience.

Can you describe the route of the black water rafting adventure, and are there any age restrictions for the adventure?

The black water rafting adventure follows a unique route consisting of serene passages, cascading waterfalls, and the need for participants to lie down while travelling through pipe-like tunnels. Visitors will come across non-navigable parts of the route requiring the travellers to climb up and over rocks. Individuals must be at least 12 years old to join the tour, and the weight limit is 120 kg. Participants are also expected to be physically fit and must wear suitable footwear due to the route's underlying slippery rocks. The adventure creates an unforgettable experience of floating amidst breathtaking limestone formations and witnessing a blue glow worm display that looks like a magical blue galaxy.