New Zealand is known for its picturesque landscapes, ever changing scenery (you can literally go from the mountains, to the coast, to a city all in one day), cute wildlife, friendly people, and saving the best for last, adventure! When on the North Island of New Zealand, I highly recommend facing your fears and heading deep into the cave systems for a tour you will never forget! Legendary Black Water Rafting Co. has an amazing crew to keep you safe all while having an experience you will never forget. They offer two different black water rafting tours that go deep into the glowworm caves…and I’ve done both, so I can assure your that both tours are awesome in their own ways!
First off, what is black water rafting? It’s basically an underground adventure through the caves where you get to tube through rapids, jump off waterfalls, float under the glow worms, and more! The best part is, no prior caving experience is required! **Although, you must be 12 years or older for these tours so if you’re a family with younger kids keep that in mind!**
Secondly, what are glowworms? Glowworms are actually the larval stage of a type of gnat. These glowworms naturally produce bioluminescense, hence their “glow”. Kinda of gross to think about, but pretty beautiful to see! They are quite spectacular to see when you are floating through the dark caves of New Zealand as it looks like a starry night sky.
What to Bring:
- Bathing suit
- Towel
- Change of clothes
- Shampoo/conditioner + body wash (you are able to shower off afterwards if you want!)
- Hairbrush (necessary for the people with long hair in my opinion)
- Your brave and adventurous self
Tour 1: Black Labyrinth – 3 hours
The Black Labyrinth is the shorter of the two tours and consists of tubing, jumping off waterfalls (don’t worry they aren’t very high), and enjoying the glowworms. You start off by practicing some tubing skills and then are brought down into the cave where you will spend the rest of your time! After you enjoy your adventure of weaving in and out of caves and climbing rocks, you get to have a hot shower and some complimentary soup and bagels to warm up!
Tour 2: Black Abyss – 5 hours
The Black Abyss is the longer of the two tours and this tour adds in zip lining (yes, you read that right, you zip line through a cave!), abseiling 35 meters down into the cave, tubing, and climbing a waterfall. You even get to eat a snack while down in the cave. If you have the time, I suggest doing this one over the other one as the zip lining and abseiling is an adrenaline rush and an experience you will never forget. Just like the other tour, you get to warm up with a shower and complimentary soup and bagels after the tour!
Other info and tips:
- Book in advance! For safety, they can’t take huge groups in to the caves so be sure to book early and with all the people you want in your group!
- Don’t bring a camera or GoPro, they won’t be allowed in the caves. But you can purchase pictures that the guides take during the tours!
- They have lockers so you are still able to keep your belonging safe while you are doing the tours
If you are traveling through other parts of New Zealand, check out my other blogs on this amazing country below:
