How to Plan Your Black Labyrinth Tour in Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Waitomo Glowworm Caves in New Zealand is known for its stunning scenery, including the fascinating glowworm displays and the magical underground rivers. One of the most exciting activities you can participate in is the Black Labyrinth tour offered by Legendary Black Water Rafting Co. This three-hour adventure combines ziplining, caving, and tubing into one unforgettable experience. In this blog post, we’ll give you all the information you need to plan your Black Labyrinth tour in Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

What to Expect on the Black Labyrinth Tour

The Black Labyrinth tour is the ultimate underground adventure in Waitomo with professionally trained guides leading the way. You will start by getting suited up in your gear, including wetsuits, boots, tubes, and helmets. Then you’ll proceed to an area where the guides will give you a safety briefing and teach you how to use your gear. Once you’re ready to go, you’ll take a short walk to the entrance to the Ruakuri Cave. You’ll then descend into the cave and start your adventure. You’ll start with tubing in the underground river, enjoying the glowworm displays above while floating downstream. You’ll be equipped with rubber tubes and helmets to keep you safe as you gently glide through the water. As you float downstream, you’ll encounter fast-moving rapids that will give you a thrilling ride. At one point, you’ll even get to jump off a small waterfall into the water below, where you’ll be surrounded by the shimmering glowworms above. After your tubing adventure, you’ll go caving, walking through the labyrinth-like passages of the cave. The guides will lead the way, showing you incredible sights such as stalactites and stalagmites that decorate the cavern walls. As you walk through the cave, you’ll experience complete darkness, except for the twinkling glowworms on the ceiling. Finally, you’ll end your Black Labyrinth adventure with a zipline ride across the cave’s cathedral-like space before returning to the outside world. Once you’re done, you’ll enjoy a hot shower and complimentary snacks to relax after your adventure.

What’s Included in the Black Labyrinth Tour

The Black Labyrinth tour is a three-hour adventure that includes a guide, use of equipment (tubes, wetsuits, boots, and helmets), and shower facilities. The tour is not suitable for children under 12 years, people over 264 pounds (120 kg), and people under 99 pounds (45 kg).

How to Book the Black Labyrinth Tour

You can book the Black Labyrinth tour directly through the Legendary Black Water Rafting Co website or through the popular booking site, GetYourGuide. For example, GetYourGuide offers the tour for $130.45 per person. It’s important to note that space is limited for the Black Labyrinth tour, and it’s highly recommended that you book your tour in advance to avoid disappointment. Book the tour here for a fantastic underground adventure you’ll never forget.

What to Bring on the Black Labyrinth Tour

When you go on the Black Labyrinth tour, you should bring your swimwear and a towel. The tour operators will provide all the necessary gear, including wetsuits, boots, tubes, and helmets. Because the tour is conducted in a cave, it’s essential that you wear warm and comfortable clothes for the trip. Make sure you wear thermal underwear, long socks, and warm clothes that you don’t mind getting wet.

Tips for the Black Labyrinth Tour

To make the most of your Black Labyrinth adventure, we recommend that you: – Wear warm and comfortable clothes as it can get chilly in the cave – Bring a waterproof camera to capture the incredible scenery – Listen carefully to the guides’ safety briefing and follow their instructions strictly – Don’t forget to bring your sense of adventure!

Book Your Tour Now

The Black Labyrinth tour offered by Legendary Black Water Rafting Co is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you’ll never forget. It’s an excellent opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Waitomo Glowworm Caves in a unique and thrilling way. With excellent guides and top-of-the-line equipment, this tour is an adventure you don’t want to miss. Book your Black Labyrinth tour today and get ready to embark on an unforgettable underground adventure.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are you planning a trip to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves in New Zealand? Here’s a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions to help you plan your trip:

1. What are Waitomo Glowworm Caves?

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a series of underground caves in the Waikato region of New Zealand’s North Island. These caves are home to a unique species of bioluminescent insect known as the Arachnocampa luminosa, or glowworms. These tiny creatures light up the dark caves with a blue-green glow, creating a surreal and magical experience.

2. How do I get to Waitomo Glowworm Caves?

Waitomo Glowworm Caves are located in the Waitomo village, about two and a half hours drive south of Auckland. You can rent a car, take a bus or join a guided tour from either Auckland or other nearby towns like Rotorua, Hamilton or Taupo.

3. Do I need to book tickets in advance?

Yes, it is recommended to book your tickets in advance as the number of visitors allowed per day is limited. You can purchase your tickets online or through an authorized tour operator.

4. What types of tours are available?

There are several types of tours available depending on your interests, time and budget. The most popular tours include:

• Glowworm Cave Tour: This is a guided tour that takes you on a boat ride through the cave system to see the glowworms up close. The tour lasts for about 45 minutes.
• Aranui Cave Tour: This tour takes you to a smaller cave system known for its spectacular limestone formations. The tour lasts for about one hour.
• Ruakuri Cave Tour: This is a guided walking tour that takes you through a cave system with beautiful limestone formations and glowworm displays. The tour lasts for about two hours.
• Black Water Rafting: For the more adventurous, this tour involves floating on an inner tube through underground rivers and caves. The tour lasts for about three hours.

5. What should I wear for the tour?

The caves are cool and damp, so it’s recommended to wear warm and comfortable clothing. You should also wear sturdy and non-slip shoes. Helmets and life jackets are provided for the tours that require them.

6. Can I take photos inside the caves?

Yes, you are allowed to take photos inside the caves, but the use of flash is prohibited as it can disturb the glowworms. Tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed on the tours.

7. Are the Waitomo Glowworm Caves wheelchair accessible?

Some of the tours are wheelchair accessible, but it’s recommended to check with the tour operator before booking. The caves have low lighting and uneven surfaces, so it might not be suitable for all visitors.

8. Is there any age limit for the tours?

There is no age limit for most of the tours, but some of the tours like black water rafting have age restrictions. It’s recommended to check with the tour operator before booking.

9. What other attractions are there in Waitomo?

Apart from the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, there are several other attractions in the area including:

• The Waitomo Museum
• The Mangapohue Natural Bridge
• The Marokopa Falls
• The Otorohanga Kiwi House & Native Bird Park

10. What’s the best time to visit Waitomo Glowworm Caves?

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves can be visited year-round, but the peak season is from December to February. It’s recommended to book your tickets in advance during the peak season as the tours can sell out quickly.

Book Your Tour Now

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are one of the most unique and magical experiences you can have in New Zealand. By planning your visit well in advance and following these FAQs, you can ensure a safe, comfortable and unforgettable experience.

How to spend your time as a tourist in Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Waitomo Glowworm Caves is one of the most popular tourist destinations in New Zealand, located in the North Island. The caves are famous for their glowworms which glow in the dark, turning the caves into a magical experience. In this guide, we’ll tell you about the best ways to spend your time as a tourist in Waitomo.

1. Take a guided tour of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves

The best way to experience Waitomo is to take a guided tour of the Glowworm Caves. The tour takes approximately 45 minutes and will allow you to witness the caves’ unique beauty, including stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations. You will also get to see the glowworms in their natural habitat. The tour guides are knowledgeable, friendly, and will provide you with a lot of information about the history of the caves.

2. Try the black water rafting experience

Black water rafting is a unique experience that you can try in Waitomo, and it involves a combination of underground rafting and caving. You will don a wetsuit, helmet, and inner tube, and then float on a subterranean river while admiring the twinkling of thousands of glowworms. This experience is not for the faint-hearted but it will give you an adrenaline rush like no other experience. The cave will be dark, but you won’t be afraid because of the twinkling lights of the glowworms.

3. Walk through the Ruakuri Cave

Ruakuri Cave is another popular attraction in Waitomo Glowworm Caves. It is a cave system that was opened to the public in 2005. There are several walkways that lead past stunning limestone formations, underground waterfalls, and cavernous galleries. The cave has an LED lighting system, which enhances the vibrant colors of the limestone formations. Ruakuri Cave is also wheelchair-accessible, and there are guides available to assist visitors who need help.

4. Explore the Aranui Cave

Aranui Cave is a dry cave that is situated above the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. You can take a guided tour of the cave and learn about the various limestone formations, including the famous “Curtain” and the “Organ”. As the caves are dry, you won’t see any glowworms but the cave formations will be enough to mesmerize you.

5. Take a hike in the Waitomo Forest

Waitomo Forest is a beautiful forest located in the vicinity of Waitomo Glowworm Caves. You can go for a hike or a bushwalk and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the forest. The forest has both natural and cultural importance; you’ll learn about the native species of plants and animals that inhabit the forest, as well as the Māori culture that has lived in the area for hundreds of years.

6. Stay overnight at the Waitomo Caves Hotel

If you want to make the most of your experience, stay overnight at the Waitomo Caves Hotel. The hotel is situated above the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and has 33 rooms that offer a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside. It’s a perfect place to relax and enjoy the sounds of nature after a long day spent exploring.

Book Your Tour Now

Waitomo Glowworm Caves is one of the most magical destinations in New Zealand, and there is something for everybody to enjoy. Whether you choose to take a guided tour of the caves, go black water rafting, or explore the forest, you will be astounded by the natural beauty of this unique attraction. So, plan your trip, and experience the magic of Waitomo Glowworm Caves firsthand.