<ul>
	<li>100% of gross charged inside 24 hours from departure</li>
	<li>100% full fee charged in case of no-show.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Transfers from accommodation</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Feeling adventurous and looking for a sportive day? Then this extreme black water rafting tour is a must-do for you! Our experienced guides are ready to accompany you on an unforgettable journey through Ruakuri Cave.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Black Odyssey&nbsp;

The legendary Black Odyssey guided tour includes traversing black chasms, edging across high bridges above roaring streams, spider-walking through ancient rift passages and pushing boundaries with technical high rope work, abseiling and flying foxes. Learn a range of different caving techniques which will help you complete this adventure.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

At every stage you will be accompanied and supported by experienced caving guides. The guides know and love this unique and mind-blowing environment.

&nbsp;

About Ruakuri Cave&nbsp;

The Maori legends state that a young Maori hunting for birds first discovered Ruakuri Cave (rua = den; kuri = dog) 400-500 years ago. Wild dogs attacked him just outside the original cave entrance. The cave was re-opened in 2005, and is now an amazing example of natural cave structure and engineering.

 
How the caves were formed&nbsp;

The Waitomo Caves and neighbouring Ruakuri Caves are located in an area full of limestone rock. The cave structures began to form around 30 million years ago from the bones and shells of marine fossils. They collected on the sea floor and then hardened into sedimentary rock. At the same time the earth shifted and volcanoes erupted. It made huge slabs of limestone lift out of the sea. Over the centuries, water flowed through cracks in the rocks, widening them into larger and larger channels until huge caverns were formed.

 
Ruakuri highlights

Ruakuri Cave has an abundance of glowworms. It is filled with beautiful stalagmites and stalactites formed over millions of years. Another natural wonder includes softly folding shawl-like formations which are formed by flowing rivers. Fossilised seashells indicate how the caves were part of the seabed a long time ago.

One of the major sights is Holdens Cavern, which is named after James Holden. He was the first to open the cave to the public. Other sights include The Drum Passage, The Pretties, and The Ghost Passage.

 
Glowworms&nbsp;

The Waitomo and Ruakuri caves accommodate the larvae of a species of gnat called Arachnocampa luminosa. A glowworm that is unique to New Zealand. These little inspects spend most of their life as larvae (juveniles). They only grow to the size of a matchstick. The effect of their twinkling lights is truly magical.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Maori spiritualism

Ruakuri Cave has always been a spiritual place for local Maori. They originally used it as a sacred burial ground (wahi tapu).

The original public entrance to the cave went right through the burial ground. Today, the new spiral entrance ensures that visitors do not disturb this sacred place.

&nbsp;

Departure point

85 Waitomo Caves Road, Waitomo, Otorohanga, 3940, New Zealand

&nbsp;

Departure Time

Daily at:

10:00 AM

02:30 PM

&nbsp;

Duration&nbsp;

5 hours

&nbsp;

What to bring?

Shorts, t-shirts, a pair of socks&nbsp;and a towel

&nbsp;

Please note

<ul>
	<li>You must be 16 years and older and under 120kgs</li>
	<li>You will need to pass a &lsquo;breathalyser&#39; and &#39;squeeze box test&#39; before starting the tour</li>
	<li>6 people per tour</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

Duration

Start & End Time

Max Group Size

Minimum Age

Fitness Level

Meals

black water rafting waitomo

best black water rafting waitomo

waitomo black water rafting discount

Tourism Holdings Limited

<ul>
	<li>Experienced caving guides</li>
	<li>5 hours black water rafting</li>
	<li>Equipment provided</li>
	<li>Technical rope work</li>
	<li>Flying fox / zip line</li>
	<li>Abseiling</li>
	<li>Ladder crossings</li>
	<li>Mind-blowing heights</li>
	<li>Swing</li>
	<li>Climbing</li>
	<li>Caving and walking</li>
	<li>Glowworms</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Subject to availability and weather conditions.</li>
</ul>

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Waitomo Tours & Activities | Things to do - Backpacker Deals

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Waitomo is a fantastic destination year-round, but spring and autumn often offer milder weather and fewer crowds, making them great times for a visit.

The main glowworm caves are managed by local tour operators, so tours must be booked to access these areas. It&rsquo;s worth it, as the guides provide fascinating insights!

Absolutely! From ziplining and canyoning to kayaking, Waitomo is perfect for adrenaline junkies and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Waitomo is roughly a two-hour drive from Auckland, making it easy to reach for a day trip or as part of a multi-day adventure.

The duration of Waitomo caving tours varies depending on the experience. Some tours last about an hour for a quick, scenic exploration, while others can take up to three hours or more for a more in-depth caving adventure.

Yes, most caves allow cameras, but be mindful of low-light conditions and the potential for water exposure. Flash photography may not be permitted in areas with glowworms, as it can disrupt their natural glow, so check with your guide for specific guidelines.

Attractions

Day Trips & Excursions

Kayaking

Ziplining

Caving

<h3><a href="https://www.backpackerdeals.com/new-zealand/waitomo/caving" target="_blank">Glowworm Cave Tours:</a></h3>

Discover Waitomo&rsquo;s most famous attraction - the magical glowworm caves. These tours allow you to explore deep limestone caverns lit by thousands of enchanting glowworms, a must-see spectacle for every traveller.

<h3><a href="https://www.backpackerdeals.com/new-zealand/waitomo/kayaking">Kayaking Adventures:</a></h3>

Paddle along stunning lakes and hidden canyons, whether by day or at twilight, and be wowed by Waitomo&rsquo;s unique natural beauty. These kayaking tours take you through magical spots like Lake Karapiro, where you can glide by glowworms and spectacular rock formations.&nbsp;

<h3><a href="https://www.backpackerdeals.com/new-zealand/waitomo/ziplining">Ziplining Thrills:</a></h3>

Ready to fly through the treetops? Waitomo&rsquo;s ziplining tours give you the rush you&rsquo;re looking for while letting you take in the area&rsquo;s breathtaking landscapes from above. Perfect for those who want a unique, bird&rsquo;s-eye view of Waitomo.

<h3><a href="https://www.backpackerdeals.com/new-zealand/waitomo/day-trips-excursions">Day Tours to Hobbiton &amp; Waitomo Caves:</a></h3>

For those looking to pack in as much as possible, combined day tours to Hobbiton and Waitomo are perfect! Journey through both the famous Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo&rsquo;s spellbinding caves for an unforgettable day out.

Say 'Kia Ora!' to an adrenaline fuelled Black Water Rafting adventure.

Waitomo Black Water Rafting Cave Experience

Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable six-day road trip from Auckland to New Plymouth, exploring stunning central New Zealand along the way! 

Dive into Waitomo’s magical world of glowworms on this unforgettable cave tour.

Experience both iconic sites in one day with this combined tour from Auckland.

Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Small-Group Tour from Auckland

Enjoy a twilight paddle along Lake Karapiro, complete with glowworms and starlit views.

Get your adrenaline fix with an epic zipline tour through Waitomo’s lush forest landscape.

Journey from Auckland to visit both the Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Caves.

Paddle through scenic canyons with this daytime kayaking adventure on Lake Karapiro.

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