Black water rafting in Waitomo?

Has anyone ever done a shore excursion to the Waitomo caves that includes black water rafting as opposed to the standard tour? Ideally this would be from Auckland. I’ve found a couple that offer the walking and boat tour but we’d love to try the rafting adventure if there’s a way to.

You don't state the hours that you will be in Auckland, but here's a link to the InterCity black water rafting tour from Auckland. (Departure 7:30 am; return 7:00 pm). https://www.intercity.co.nz/tours/waitomo-black-water-rafting-labyrinth/

And, FWIW, I have done a black water rafting tour in Waitomo and it was very cool!

You don't state the hours that you will be in Auckland, but here's a link to the InterCity black water rafting tour from Auckland. (Departure 7:30 am; return 7:00 pm). https://www.intercity.co.nz/tours/waitomo-black-water-rafting-labyrinth/

 

And, FWIW, I have done a black water rafting tour in Waitomo and it was very cool!

Currently the stated times are 7:00 am to 8:00 pm so this one would work, but the cruise is October 2019 so that could change. I’ll keep an eye on it!

I worry about doing an excursion that isn’t specifically meant for cruisers - I’m paranoid about not getting back to the ship on time or docking late and missing the group. Is this a legitimate fear or am I being overdramatic?

Unlike tour operators in Caribbean and Mexican ports, I doubt that the tour operators in Auckland are used to dealing with a lot of cruisers. So they may not be so concerned about their timetable as a Caribbean tour operator would be. With this excursion taking place so far from your port, I think the close timing is a very real issue. Personally, I would not do this as a private excursion from Auckland with this timing. I’d keep looking for a ship’s excursion if you want to go far from Auckland or plan on an excursion in/near the city.

You are crazy to go that far just to do this! 3-4 hour drive either way, with a huge risk of major traffic delays heading back. Too risky for a Auckand based cruise guys!!!

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