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North Island

Start: Waitomo
Duration: 1 day
Travel Time: 4 hours
Difficulty: 3
Minimum Age: 10

Details

Abseil Into Another World

This one-of-a-kind cave adventure begins with a slow 100-metre abseil into a surreal underground environment. You’ll descend alongside your guide, passing towering limestone walls, misty air and rare formations like giant spagatites. The echoing sound of the Mangapu River below adds to the atmosphere, making the 20-minute descent a mesmerising experience from start to finish.

Suspended in darkness, you’ll rotate gently on your rope, taking in the sheer scale and silence of the Lost World cavern. With your guide offering reassurance and expert handling, it’s a safe yet thrilling way to explore this hidden world. This descent isn’t just an adrenaline rush—it’s a peaceful, unforgettable introduction to New Zealand’s subterranean beauty.

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Explore Deep Underground Beauty

At the base of the cavern, you’ll continue your journey on foot, navigating through ancient cave systems sculpted over millennia. The cave walls are alive with texture, echoing the force of nature that carved them, while soft light and cool air create a dreamlike feel. Your guide shares insights into the cave’s geology, wildlife, and cinematic past, adding depth to the adventure.

This half-day experience is perfect for adventurous travellers aged 10 and up, with full safety gear and small group sizes ensuring personal attention. Whether you’re new to abseiling or experienced, the combination of natural wonder and expert support makes it accessible and unforgettable. It’s an extraordinary way to connect with New Zealand’s wilder side—beneath the surface.

Inclusions

  • Guide
  • Helmet
  • Lights
  • Ropes
  • Harnesses

Tour Information

  • Departures: Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday - 10am & 3pm
  • Check In: 30 minutes before departure
  • Duration: Allow 4 hours (2 hours underground)
  • Rambo Rating: 6/10
  • Glowworm Rating: 7/10

Age Information

  • Minimum age: 10 years
  • All children must be accompanied an adult aged 18 years or older who is known to the child.

CANCELLATION & REFUND

  • Outside 24 hours before travel: Full refund**
  • Within 24 hours before travel: No refund.
  • Client failure to check-in at the scheduled time (30 minutes prior to departure).

Note: **Less credit card and booking fees. Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

Frequently asked questions

Swimwear, long thick socks (suitable for bush walking); a towel & toiletries for a shower afterwards. We provide all other equipment including helmets, lights, any vertical gear, overalls and PVC boots. We have changing facilities available so you can arrive in your street clothes and get changed onsite.

Be sure to book to secure your caving tour by booking in advance. Our trips are popular and bookings are recommended, especially in the summer months. To secure the most suitable departure time(s), make your booking early.

Check-in time is 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time for our Adventure Trips.

When it's raining stream levels can rise in the wet part of the Lost World Epic. Haggas Honking Holes is a wet trip but is seldom affected by flooding.

We provide a basic photo service. Our guides take photos on basic cameras and these are provided to clients via internet at no extra charge. However, please be aware that the focus of our activities is on adventure, not photography.

We have found that the flow of these activities becomes disrupted if clients take their own camera gear.
One person’s photographic dream can be at the expense of others in the group who just want to get on with the adventure. There are also safety issues e.g. where loose gear could fall and become damaged or even injure someone.

For all these reasons, no client photography equipment is permitted on any activities. This includes no cameras; no videos; no Go-Pros etc. If you are a professional photographer and really want to take photos with your own gear, then you can talk to us about arranging an exclusive trip for this purpose.

You are welcome to take your camera to the very start of the activity, but will have to leave it behind in the lockers before you head underground. Your understanding and cooperation are much appreciated!

Clients must have basic fitness

  • Test 1. be able to complete 45 x 200mm step-ups within 60 seconds
  • Test 2. Be able to climb onto a 1m high flat bench with no hand holds and unassisted
  • Test 3. Be able to go bush walking or skiing for a day

Important

Tests 1 & 2 may be checked by operator at the time of check-in.
Inability of client to complete tests will result in their removal from trip and forfeiture of ticket price.
We therefore strongly recommend that clients complete these tests prior to booking and again immediately prior to travel

All medical issues must be declared to both our booking staff and activity guides prior to the commencement of your adventure. In most cases, minor medical issues will not preclude participation. Where a client is not suitable for a particular activity we will do our best to indicate a more appropriate alternative.

We do not recommend abseiling ( rappelling ) during the 1st and 3rd trimester due to the need to wear a tight fitting harness across your waist during the abseil. All pregnant clients wishing to participate in one of our adventure options must provide a medical certificate from their General Medical Practitioner confirming that they are fit for abseiling ( rappelling ) and caving. This policy is required for us to comply with the NZ Adventure Safety Regulations.

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