Float in silence through an ancient underground cave system lit by thousands of luminescent glowworms — one of New Zealand's most otherworldly spectacles — on the legendary Black Labyrinth blackwater rafting experience at Waitomo. A once-in-a-lifetime underground odyssey.
What to expect
Kitted out in wetsuits, helmets, and rubber tubes, you and a small group follow expert guides through the cave system's underground streams — including a thrilling leap-of-faith waterfall jump. The centrepiece is the silent float: lights off, tubes linked, drifting beneath a ceiling ablaze with thousands of glowworms in absolute, reverential quiet. After surfacing, a hot soup and bagel await. The full experience runs approximately 3 hours underground.
Good to know
Waitomo is approximately 2 hours from Tauranga port — this is a full-day excursion and requires an early departure from the ship. Confirm all-aboard time carefully and arrange private return transport. Book directly at waitomo.com well in advance; the Black Labyrinth operates in small groups and sells out quickly. Minimum age 12; must be comfortable in water.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Tauranga — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.