Black water rafting really put Waitomo back onto the map in the late 1980’s. The humble tyre inner tube became the cornerstone of an entire industry developed right here at Waitomo – look in the trip descriptions to see if black water rafting is included!
These caving trips are not your average walk in the park. They involve swimming, crawling through passages, jumping off waterfalls, and some trips require rope descents.
You will get completely wet, but your guides will supply all necessary training and specialist equipment like headlamps, helmets, harnesses and wetsuits.
You definitely need to bring a spirit for adventure, strength and endurance, your swimwear, a towel, and for some trips – a nice thick pair of woollen socks.
After your cold water adventure, you’ll be pleased that all trips provide hot showers at the end.
Kiwi Cave Rafting
- Allow 4 hours
- Abseil 27 metres
- Black water rafting
- Glowworms
- Rock climbing
- Cave exploring
- Tight squeezes (optional)
- If worried about the cold drysuits an option instead of wetsuits (April to October)
- Hot individual showers and soup afterwards
- Photo viewing at base
Maximum Group Size: 6
Minimum age and weight: 13 years old and 45 kgs (maximum weight 120kgs)
Standard Trip Times: 9am, 10am, 2pm and 3pm
You will need: Swimsuit, towel and spare socks
Photography permitted: No, but you may purchase photos of your trip
You are required to meet at the cave base for your tour. Check in is 30 minutes before departure time at 391 Boddies Road (off Oparure Road). Late arrivals may be refused entry to the tour, without refund.
The Legendary Black Water Rafting Company
Black Abyss
- Allow 5 hours
- Abseil 37 metres
- Black water Rafting
- Waterfall climbs and jumps
- Cave exploring
- Rock climbing
- Flying fox (zipline)
- Glowworms
- Squeezes
- Hot shower with soup and bagels afterwards
- Photo viewing at base
Standard Trip Times: 9am and 2pm (additional tours maybe available in busy periods)
You will need: Swimsuit and towel
Photography permitted: No, but you may purchase photos of your trip
Black Labyrinth
- Allow 3 hours
- Black water rafting
- Cave exploring
- Two waterfall jumps
- Glowworms
- Hot showers and soup afterwards
- Photo viewing at base
Minimum age and weight: 12 years old and 45kgs
Standard Trip Times: 9am, 10.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 3pm (additional tours maybe available in busy periods)
You will need: Swimsuit and towel
Photography permitted: No, but you may purchase photos of your trip
Book this tour and receive admission into Waitomo Museum for $2.50 per adult (children 14 and under are free).
Waitomo Adventures
Haggas Honking Holes
- Allow 4 hours
- Three abseils including one down a waterfall
- Squeezes (optional)
- Rock climbing
- Spider walking
- Cave exploring
- Glowworms
- Hot showers afterwards
Maximum Group Size: 10
Minimum age: 15 years old
Standard Trip Times: 10am and 2.30pm
You will need: Swimsuit and towel
Photography permitted: No, but you receive free photos emailed to you or put into dropbox
Book this tour and receive admission into Waitomo Museum for $2.50 per adult.
Lost World 7 Hour Epic
- Allow 7 hours
- 100 metre abseil
- Cave exploring
- Swimming
- Waterfall jumps and squeezes
- Optional rock climbing
- Packed underground lunch
- BBQ dinner once emerged from the cave
Maximum Group Size: 8
Minimum age: 15 years old
Standard Trip Times: 10am
You will need: Swimsuit, a towel and thick socks.
Photography permitted: No, but you receive free photos emailed to you or put into dropbox
Please inform if there is any dietary requirements.
Book this tour and receive admission into Waitomo Museum for $2.50 per adult.
Tumutumu Toobing
- Allow 4 hours
- Black water rafting
- Tight squeezes (optional)
- Glowworms
- Cave exploring
- Hot showers afterwards
Maximum Group Size: 12
Minimum age and weight: 12 years old and 40kgs
Standard Trip Times: 10am and 2.30pm (additional tours maybe available in busy periods)
You will need: Swimsuit and towel
Photography permitted: No, but you receive free photos emailed to you or put into dropbox
Book this tour and receive admission into Waitomo Museum for $2.50 per adult.