Taking a road trip to this amazing destination located in the King Country of the Waikato which takes about 3 hours when driving south from Auckland city. New Zealand is a paradise for active relaxers! We have so much to gain from embracing our adventurous spirit and taking that leap into the unknown, and not just for the obvious benefits being in the outdoors brings. And most of all, learning more about yourself with each new experience.

The 5-hour Black Abyss tour packs all the most adventurous ways to make your way through a cave into one Black Water Rafting tour. An exhilarating caving experience blending the magic of abseiling, flying fox, climbing and floating through unique underground river system. Slip spider-like down into the black, seemingly bottomless depths of Ruakuri Cave and ride a roller coaster of everything caving has to offer. Explore and tube through ancient glowworm studded stream-ways. Underground snacks in the form for yummy New Zealand chocolate and a hot beverage to fuel you for the cave exploration ahead. . However, there’s no experience required, as you’ll have an experienced guide and be equipped with all the caving essentials!

This is the most adventurous tour! If you have a “go big or go home” mantra then this Black Water Rafting tour is a must-do! A fun challenge! Experiences are all the more memorable when you push yourself out of your comfort zone or do something you have never done before. This tour definitely touches on all those aspects!

The 5-hour Black Abyss tour packs all the most adventurous ways
Abseiling, flying fox, climbing and floating through the unique underground river system
Ride a roller coaster of everything caving has to offer
Tube through ancient glowworm studded stream-ways
Underground snacks in the form for yummy New Zealand chocolate and a hot beverage
You’ll be guided every step of the way by a professional guide

Important to know

Not suitable for:

Participants, who weigh less than 45kg

Not allowed:

Cameras, including GoPros, can’t be taken on the tour

Know in advance:

The minimum age of a participant is 16 years old (proof of age may be required)
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)
Good and moderate fitness level is required
It's possible to arrange the pickup from your accommodation. Please confirm the pick-up place and time directly with the local tour operator. You will find their contact number on the voucher after booking
No caving experience is needed
The water temperature is 10-14C / 50-57F year-round so doing the activity in winter will feel almost the same as doing the activity in summer
Photos are taken for you throughout the experience where you’ll get to view and purchase your photos at the end of the tour
Tours only run if it is safe, which is the vast majority of the time. However, prolonged heavy rain can result in rising water levels in the caves, in which case the tours would be canceled
There are separate changing rooms for males and females complete with hot showers for after your underground experience
There are also lockers to safely stow your belongings while you are underground
You do need to be comfortable in the water, however swimming is not a necessity. You'll have a tube to aid you in floating as well as expert guides
Each participant is requested to complete a disclosure document and provide information related to health, physicality, impairments, and water preparedness

Remember to bring:

Just bring yourself, your swimwear, a towel, shower gel, and a thirst for adventure

Cancellation policy

Please note that this experience is non-refundable, even if cancelled in advance.

Entrance fees
Lunch
Guided tour
Private transportation
Transportation in air-conditioned vehicle
Private tour
Roundtrip transportation
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Driver guide
Souvenir photo (available for purchase on site)
All necessary equipment
Safety briefing
WiFi
Bottled water
Rafting

Food
Tips (optional)
Health/travel insurance

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.

Location

Meeting point:

Please confirm the pick-up place and time directly with the local partner. You will find their contact number on the voucher after booking. Otherwise, please come to the general meeting point: Mövenpick Hotel Auckland to be transferred to the tour location.