Black Water Rafting

Black Water Rafting in Waitomo, New Zealand

If you’ve ever been White Water Rafting, then you’ve felt the exhilarating rush of the rapids. You know what it’s like to hang on for dear life as you and the others in your raft pummel through the rocky river, paddling hard to avoid the jutting boulders. But imagine rafting blind…with no paddles. That’s what you’ll experience while Black Water Rafting. It’s just you, a small inner tube and the sound of raging rapids.

What is Black Water Rafting?

Black Water Rafting gives you a hands on caving experience. Unlike the name suggests, the water isn’t black. Instead you’ll be traveling through a pitch black underground river with a group of other rafters and professional instructors. But don’t worry, along with a wetsuit and inner tube, you’ll be provided with a helmet equipped with a light to help you see in the dark caves. This extreme sport originated in Waitomo, New Zealand, and to this day is still the most popular location to experience Black Water Rafting.

Is it Dangerous?

Of course, it’s dangerous! That’s why they call it an extreme sport. But if you follow the guide’s instructions, and you don’t do or touch anything you’re not supposed to, you’ll finish the adventure with nothing more than a few small bruises and a smile on your face.

Words of Warning

Black Water Rafting is very different from White Water Rafting, so don’t confuse the two. In the caves you’ll have to navigate through narrow tunnels, walk through freezing cold water and jump backwards onto your inner tube off of a couple small waterfalls. So if you get claustrophobic, hate being cold or fear jumping blindly into the unknown abyss, then Black Water Rafting might not be for you.

Amazing Sights, Amazing Experience

Inside the caves you’ll find fascinating natural features, including stalactites, waterfalls and glowworms. And although you can’t take your camera into the caves, the instructors provide a photography service. Black Water Rafting is an experience like no other. If you’re up to the challenge and you live in or are traveling to New Zealand, then check out Waitomo Adventures..