Black Water Rafting at Waitomo Caves

Black Abyss is an exhilarating caving experience blending the magic of abseiling (rappelling), climbing and floating through a unique underground river system. Slip spider-like down into the black, seemingly bottomless depths of Ruakuri Cave and ride an adrenaline roller coaster of everything caving has to offer.
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Weave, jump and float through the mysterious glowworm studded underworld of Ruakuri Cave. Climb down to nature's underground network. Streams spill, twist, turn and join to build a river canyon. Here you glide with the water as it drops down the "hidden" waterfall and tumbles down rocky chutes before sliding through vaulted limestone galleries to finally emerge into the dazzling green Waitomo forest.

If you seek an adventure tour that plays with your senses and provides an unforgettable thrill then this tour is for you. Choose between the Black Abyss or the Labyrinth and let the fun begin!

The Black Abyss
Designed for people with a moderate level of fitness, the five hour invigorating journey includes a minimum of two hours exhilarating underground adventure. Abseil (Rappel) into the awesome limestone tomb to experience the adrenaline rush as you clamber and slide through squeezes, zip into the black water filled abyss and scramble up waterfalls in your pursuit of daylight.

Inside the cave naturally occurring decorations such as stalactites and stalagmites will amaze while the resident glowworms promise to provide a spectacular visual exhibition as you traverse through the subterraneous playground.

The Labyrinth
This popular tour involves a combination of walking and floating on an inner tube through a unique underground river system. As you prepare for your adventure your professional guide will ensure you are properly equipped and teach you some fun techniques before you climb down into nature's underground network for an enjoyable cave tubing experience of a lifetime! Streams spill, twist, turn and join to build a river canyon. Glide with the water as it drops down the hidden waterfall and tumbles down rocky chutes before sliding through vaulted limestone galleries to finally emerge into the dazzling green Waitomo forest.

Prepare to be amazed at the naturally occurring decorations within the cave including stalactites and stalagmites. This exhilarating journey also provides a spectacular visual display of glowworms.

At the end of your experience return to Black Water HQ for a complimentary hot shower, hearty soup and legendary Black Water bagel before visiting the internationally acclaimed Waitomo Cave Museum using the free ticket provided with your tour.

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