Black Labyrinth: The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co. in Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Are you looking for an unforgettable underground adventure? Then look no further than the Black Labyrinth tour operated by Waitomo Glowworm Caves. This 3-hour tubing experience takes you on a thrilling journey down an underground river, where you can marvel at the stunning stalactites and stalagmites decorating the cavern walls. Led by professionally trained guides, you will also have the opportunity to jump off a small waterfall and enjoy the magical glowworm displays in Ruakuri Cave.

Highlights

Some of the top highlights of this tour include: – Floating down the underground river in rubber tubes while admiring the glowworm displays above – Jumping into cascading underground waterfalls reflecting the glowworms above – Enjoying a hot shower and complimentary snacks after your tour – Journeying safely through the stunning underworld with experienced trained guides – Marveling at the stalactites and stalagmites that decorate the cavern walls

Experience

Upon arrival, you will be provided with all the necessary gear, including tubes, wetsuits, boots, and helmets. Your knowledgeable guides will then take you through a safety briefing and training session to ensure that you are fully prepared for your underground adventure. The tour starts with a short zipline ride that takes you to the entrance of the cave, followed by an abseil down to the river level. From here, you will float down the underground river on your rubber tube, gradually making your way deeper into the cave. As you navigate the river, you will encounter various obstacles such as small waterfalls and rapids. Your guides will be on hand to provide instruction and assistance to ensure that you navigate these obstacles safely. The tour culminates in a majestic glowworm display in the Ruakuri Cave that will leave you in awe.

Includes

The Black Labyrinth tour includes: – 3-hour tubing experience – Guide – Use of equipment (tubes, wetsuits, boots, and helmets) – Shower facilities

Not Suitable For

Please note that this tour is not suitable for: – Children under 12 years – People over 264 lbs (120 kg) – People under 99 lbs (45 kg)

Booking and Pricing

Ready to book your Black Labyrinth adventure? You can do so through our partner website, GetYourGuide, using this link: book the tour here. The tour costs around $141 per person, but prices may vary depending on the season and availability.

Tips for Your Tour

– Make sure to wear comfortable swimwear, and warm clothing to wear after the tour since you will get wet during the experience. – Wear closed-toe shoes for safety reasons. – Bring a towel and a change of clothes for after the tour. – If you have any health concerns or physical limitations, please consult your doctor before booking the tour. – Remember to bring your camera or phone to capture the magical moments within the cave.

Book Your Tour Now

Overall, the Black Labyrinth tour is a unique and exhilarating experience that is perfect for those seeking an adventure. With the stunning underground scenery and the magical glowworm displays, this tour is worth every penny. Book your tour today and get ready for a journey through the underworld that you won’t forget!

FAQ About Waitomo Glowworm Caves

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves is a world-famous attraction in New Zealand. The caves are known for their stunning stalactites and stalagmites, unique limestone formations, and most notably, the thousands of glowworms that illuminate the caves. If you’re planning to visit, you likely have lots of questions. Here are some answers to common questions about the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

1. What are the Waitomo Glowworm Caves?

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a series of underground caves in the Waitomo region of New Zealand’s North Island. The caves were formed over millions of years by underground rivers and streams carving their way through the limestone rock. The caves are known for their unique stalactites and stalagmites, as well as the glowworms that live inside.

2. What are glowworms?

Glowworms are small insects that emit a bioluminescent light to attract their prey. In the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, the glowworms are a species of fungus gnat called Arachnocampa luminosa. The larvae of the glowworms spin silk threads that hang down from the cave ceiling. The larvae then use their bioluminescent organs to attract small flying insects which become trapped in their sticky silk threads. The larvae then feed on the trapped insects.

3. How do I get to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves?

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are located in the Waitomo region of New Zealand’s North Island. The nearest major city is Hamilton, which is about a one-hour drive from the caves. There are also bus tours available from Auckland and Rotorua. If you have a rental car, you can drive to the caves yourself and park at the cave entrance.

4. What should I wear to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves?

The temperature inside the caves is around 13 degrees Celsius (55 degrees Fahrenheit), so it’s a good idea to wear warm clothing. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good grip are also recommended, as the cave floors can be slippery. The caves can be damp, so a waterproof jacket or poncho is also a good idea.

5. Are the Waitomo Glowworm Caves accessible for those with mobility issues?

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are not wheelchair accessible, as there are stairs and uneven surfaces inside the caves. However, the nearby Aranui Cave is wheelchair accessible and has a guided tour available.

6. Are the Waitomo Glowworm Caves suitable for children?

Yes, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves are suitable for children. However, children under five years old are not permitted on the boat ride through the caves due to safety reasons. There is also a minimum height requirement of 100cm (3.2ft) for the boat ride.

7. Are there guided tours of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves?

Yes, guided tours of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves are available. The tour guides provide information about the geology of the cave system, as well as the life cycle of the glowworms. The tour includes a boat ride through the caves, which offers a unique and memorable experience.

8. How long does the tour of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves take?

The tour of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves takes approximately 45 minutes to one hour. The tour includes a boat ride through the caves, which allows visitors to see the glowworms up close and appreciate the beauty of the cave system.

9. When is the best time to visit the Waitomo Glowworm Caves?

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the winter months (June to August) when the caves are less crowded. The caves can get busy during the summer months (December to February), so it’s a good idea to book your tour in advance if you plan to visit during this time.

10. Are there other attractions near the Waitomo Glowworm Caves?

Yes, there are other attractions near the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. The nearby Ruakuri Cave offers guided tours and showcases unique limestone formations. The Otorohanga Kiwi House and Native Bird Park is also located nearby and offers a chance to see kiwis up close. The Waitomo area is also known for its hiking trails and scenic drives.

How to Spend your Time as a Tourist in Waitomo Glowworm Caves

If you’re planning a trip to Waitomo in New Zealand, a visit to the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves is an absolute must. With its stunning natural beauty and unique subterranean environment, it’s no wonder that many visitors find themselves overwhelmed with choices on how to spend their time at the cave system. In this guide, we outline everything you need to know about the best ways to spend your time as a tourist in Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

Planning Your Trip to Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Before diving into what to do once you’ve arrived at the cave system, it’s essential to cover some basics on planning your trip.

Getting There

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are located on Waitomo Caves Road in Waitomo, Hamilton, Waikato, in the central North Island of New Zealand. If you are driving, the nearest major town is Hamilton, which is about 1.5 hours’ drive from Auckland. If you’re not driving, a number of coach and shuttle services operate from most major towns and cities in the area.

When to Go

The caves are open year-round, but you should plan your visit around the weather. The best time of year to visit is between October and March when temperatures are warmer, and the caves are drier. However, if you’re looking for fewer crowds, consider visiting between April and September, as this is the off-season for tourism in Waitomo.

Best Ways to Spend Your Time at Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Once you’ve made the journey to Waitomo Glowworm Caves, you’ll be delighted by the wide variety of activities and sights to see. Below are some of the best ways to make the most of your visit to the caves.

Take a Guided Tour

One of the most popular ways to experience the Waitomo Glowworm Caves is by taking a guided tour. The guides at the cave know the best way to navigate the caves and ensure that you don’t miss any of the stunning formations or unique features. There are several tour options to choose from, including the Glowworm Cave Tour, the Ruakuri Cave Tour, and the Aranui Cave Tour, each of which offers a different type of experience.

Experience the Glowworms

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are named after the thousands of tiny, bioluminescent creatures that light up the caves like stars. A visit to the caves is not complete without experiencing the glowworms. The best way to see them is by taking a boat ride along the underground river, where you can view the thousands of twinkling lights up close.

Complete the Blackwater Rafting Experience

For those looking for a more adventurous experience, the Blackwater Rafting experience is not to be missed. You’ll don a wetsuit and helmet before climbing, tubing, and floating through the caves’ underground river. Along the way, you’ll get to see the stunning formations and experience the glowworms from a more exciting viewpoint.

Explore the Caves on Foot

Another way to experience Waitomo Glowworm Caves is to take a leisurely walk through the caves on foot. The Ruakuri Cave offers a range of scenic walkways and platforms that provide stunning views of the cave’s beauty, from stalactites to underground waterfalls.

Rock Climbing and Abseiling

For those looking for a more challenging endeavor, rock climbing and abseiling in the caves might be the perfect choice. This experience is available at the Waitomo Adventurer, where expert guides lead you through the caves’ magnificent scenery.

Book Your Tour Now

There’s no doubt that the Waitomo Glowworm Caves are one of New Zealand’s most unique and beautiful natural wonders. There are so many ways to experience everything the caves have to offer, and we hope that this guide has helped you navigate the many options. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing, scenic walk, a thrilling adventure, or an up-close view of the mesmerizing glowworms, Waitomo has something for everyone. By planning your trip in advance and taking advantage of the many activities and tours available, you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable experience at Waitomo Glowworm Caves.