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Adventure

Black Labyrinth

The original blackwater rafting trip, tube, climb and leap through Ruakuri.

Three hours in Ruakuri Cave on the trip that started blackwater rafting: float the underground river in a tube, clamber through the dark, and launch yourself off a small waterfall. Ages 12+.

⭑ 4.8 2,433 Google reviews 📍 New Zealand ⏱ 3 Hours 👥 Small group 🔥 Active

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Overview

Before blackwater rafting was an adventure-brochure category, it was this: a rubber tube, an underground river and Ruakuri Cave. Black Labyrinth is the original Waitomo subterranean adventure, and it still hits. Three hours underground, most of it in the dark, with the river doing the steering.

You check in at the operator's base in Waitomo, get kitted out in a wetsuit, gumboots, helmet and headlight, pick a tube that fits and head into Ruakuri. From there it is a mix of walking, wading and clambering, with the guides setting the pace. The water is cold and loud. You float the current in your tube, link up with the group, switch off the lights and drift under a ceiling of glowworms. Then there are the waterfalls: not-too-high underground drops that you jump off backwards, tube first, the kind you talk yourself into with a countdown. Hot showers are waiting when you surface.

Allow 3 hours and check in 30 minutes before departure. Minimum age is 12 and minimum weight 45 kg, with a maximum weight that the operator sets. You need a moderate level of fitness: step up 50 cm, climb a 1 metre ledge and a ladder, and walk uphill for 10 minutes unaided, all in a wetsuit and boots. You also need to be comfortable in fast-running water and darkness. Bring swimwear, a towel and a change of clothes; everything else is supplied. It runs 364 days a year.

Why you'll love it

  1. 1

    The original blackwater rafting

  2. 2

    Three hours inside Ruakuri Cave

  3. 3

    Tube an underground river

  4. 4

    Drift under glowworms in the dark

  5. 5

    Jump backwards off underground waterfalls

  6. 6

    Wetsuit, boots, helmet and headlight supplied

  7. 7

    Hot showers after, 364 days a year

What's included

✓ What's included

  • Caving and walking in Ruakuri Cave
  • Cave tubing (blackwater rafting)
  • Underground waterfall jumps
  • Glowworm float in the dark
  • Wetsuit, gumboots, helmet, headlight and tube
  • Hot showers after the trip

✕ Not included

  • ✕Transport to Waitomo
  • ✕Swimwear and towel (bring your own)
  • ✕Food and drinks
  • ✕Travel insurance

Common questions about this trip

  • Where do I check in and how early?
    Check in at the operator's base in Waitomo 30 minutes before your departure time. Allow 3 hours for the whole experience including kitting up and showering afterwards.

  • What do I need to bring?
    Swimwear to wear under the wetsuit, a towel and a change of clothes. Shower gel and shampoo if you want them. The wetsuit, gumboots, helmet, headlight and tube are all supplied.

  • How fit do I need to be?
    A moderate level of fitness. In a wetsuit and boots you need to be able to step up 50 cm, climb a 1 metre high ledge, climb a ladder, and walk uphill for 10 minutes unaided. You also need to be comfortable in fast-running water, in darkness and on uneven ground.

  • Are there age or weight limits?
    Minimum age is 12 and proof of age may be asked for. Minimum weight is 45 kg, and a maximum weight applies. Pregnancy and some medical conditions may prevent you from taking part, so tell the crew when you book.

  • How cold is it?
    The water is cold enough that the operator issues thick wetsuits and boots to everyone. The cave is the same temperature year round, so winter and summer trips feel much the same once you are underground. Hot showers are waiting at the end.

  • Can I take my phone or camera?
    No. Any photography or filming is strictly prohibited at any point during the experience. Leave the phone in your locker and take the memory.

  • What happens in bad weather?
    The trip runs 364 days a year (closed Christmas Day), but it is on an underground river, so heavy rain can raise the water level. The operator decides on the day whether the cave is safe to enter.

  • How do I get to Waitomo?
    Waitomo is a village in the King Country and you need your own transport or a bus to get there. Transport is not included, and the base is a cashless site so bring a card for anything you buy.

  • What's the cancellation policy?
    Cancellations or changes must be made by phone at least 24 hours before the experience; within 24 hours the booking is 100% non-refundable. Amendments can be made up to 24 hours before the tour, subject to availability. If you are late or miss your tour, the ticket is forfeited. If the operator cancels for health and safety, weather or unforeseen events, you get a 100% refund. Group bookings need 72 hours' notice. Wanderlust handles the refund for you, refunds mirror the operator's terms 1:1 (including if the operator cancels) and we chase it on your behalf.

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What travellers say

Reviews from real travellers

Public reviews of the operator who runs this tour on the ground.

The operator's track record

4.8 on Google · 2,433 reviews

Review excerpts below are from Tripadvisor.

⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
via Tripadvisor
"Floating through underground rivers on inner tubes, climbing through ancient cave formations, and drifting silently beneath thousands of glowworms felt like something out of a movie. The moment when you turn off your headlamp and just stare at the ceiling of glowing blue lights is pure magic."
m

mjbrewitt

Tripadvisor review

⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
via Tripadvisor
"One of the most unique experience of our New Zealand Trip. Floating through the glowworm caves, climbing through underground passages, and jumping into the water made it both exciting and memorable."
G

Grace L

Tripadvisor review

⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
via Tripadvisor
"My sister and I did the Labrynth experience which was a 2 hour trip through underground streams and caves led by 3 fun, helpful and knowledgeable guides. We were provided with wet suits etc and shown how to jump off small water falls with our rubber inner tubes. At one point we turned off our head torches and floated through a glow worm cavern. Absolutely beautiful."
S

Sarah

Tripadvisor review

Traveller reviews, source shown on each · shown as excerpts.

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