Blackwater Rafting in the TumuTumu Cave is a great Kiwi adventure not to be missed. An experience without the scary challenges. Float down an underground river, slip into fast waters, jump off waterfalls, and take in the magic of the glow worm-studded Ruakuri Cave. Get close and personal to New Zealand’s iconic national bird at Kiwi House and native bird park.

Equipped with all the caving gear you need – wetsuit, helmet, footwear, and most important of all, meeting your friendly and passionate guides, it’s time to gear up and test out your tubing skills. Once you’re comfortable in your tube you’ll enter the cave through a hole in the rock and be straight into the underground waters. Spend the next 3 hours weaving around and climbing over rocks, jumping off not-too-high waterfalls, floating beneath a sky of glow worms, and most importantly, having the most fun you’ve ever had in the dark. Your guides will share stories of local Māori legends, how these limestone caves and their features have formed, as well as tell you the unusual life cycle of the glowworms. They’ll also provide some sweet treats along the way.

After three magical hours, you’ll emerge into a native bush in the Waitomo Forest, refresh with a hot shower, then enjoy a delicious BBQ buffet lunch at the homestead of Waitomo and continue to visit Kiwi house native bird park to get close and personal to New Zealand’s iconic national bird.

Follow your guide every step of the way and hear stories of local Māori legends
Have fun walking and floating on an inner tube through a unique underground river system
Enjoy climbing, black water tubing, leaping, and floating through Ruakuri Cave
Jump into cascading underground waterfalls, reflecting the glowworms above
Marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites that decorate the cavern walls

Important to know

Not suitable for:

Participants who weigh less than 45kg

Participants under 12 years old (proof of age may be required)

Know in advance:

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
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
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
Towels are not supplied; you must bring your own. However, in case you forget, towels can be purchased from the retail store – they’re pretty cool too
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
No caving experience is needed
Cameras, including GoPros, can’t be taken on the tour
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
Transportation in air-conditioned vehicle
Private tour
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Driver guide
Souvenir photo (available for purchase on site)
All necessary equipment
Safety briefing
WiFi
Bottled water
Rafting

Health/travel insurance

Booking fee

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

Location

Meeting point:

Pickup from your accommodation in Auckland is available. 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 central pickup point: Mövenpick Hotel Auckland to be transferred to the tour location.