New Zealand Paparoa National Park Natural Caves

One of the best and brightest GlowWorm displays in New Zealand

Paparoa National Park with River Tubing and Caves with Glow Worms

New Zealand Natural, Unmodified Cave - No Boardwalks or Electric Lights

Rainforest Trains at the start of the Ananui Canyon

Free cancellation: Get a full refund of ticket price up to 24 hours in advance

4.6 / 5 (562)

Underworld Adventures

Join us on a magical journey of discovery in the awe-inspiring Ananui GlowWorm Caves with our award-winning Underworld Rafting adventure. Explore an untamed calcite paradise of stalactites and stalagmites in the eons-old upper levels of the enormous Ananui GlowWorm Cave system. Then float beneath surreal galaxies of GlowWorms and have fun tubing on the pristine Waitakere / Nile River. Return on our Rainforest Train to a hot shower and our welcoming Café’ in the Underworld Adventure Centre in Charleston.

From

NZ$165.00

Per Person

4 Hours

Highlights

One of the best and brightest GlowWorm displays in New Zealand
Stunning pristine Formations
Actively growing Stalactites & Stalagmites
Natural, unmodified cave - no boardwalks or electric lights
Informative & fun trip in the Untamed Natural Wilderness

Full Description

Underworld Rafting: Underworld Rafting is a superb 4 hour adventure in the enormous Ananui (Metro) Cave in the Paparoa National Park. On this adventure you are equipped with wet suits, wet suit socks, boots, gloves and helmet at our unique purpose build base in Charleston. After changing we leave base ready for an adventure and a short 10 minute drive brings us to our starting point.

Surrounded by the lush West Coast rainforest we board one of our Rainforest Trains at the start of the Ananui Canyon. 15 minutes journey takes us up to a splendid upper terminal right in the heart of the rainforest, where towering limestone cliffs and the sound ...

Underworld Rafting: Underworld Rafting is a superb 4 hour adventure in the enormous Ananui (Metro) Cave in the Paparoa National Park. On this adventure you are equipped with wet suits, wet suit socks, boots, gloves and helmet at our unique purpose build base in Charleston. After changing we leave base ready for an adventure and a short 10 minute drive brings us to our starting point.

Surrounded by the lush West Coast rainforest we board one of our Rainforest Trains at the start of the Ananui Canyon. 15 minutes journey takes us up to a splendid upper terminal right in the heart of the rainforest, where towering limestone cliffs and the sound of water tell a tale of water worn passages below.

Following the river upstream, a short walk is the perfect time to pick up tubes and to soak up the peaceful atmosphere. Leaving the river bed, 130 steps lead to one of the highest cave entrances. High above the Nile River we disappear into the cave system. Emerging into this hidden world we explore a calcite paradise of stalactites and stalagmites, crossing huge chambers, following a maze system of passages the group disappears deeper and deeper into the cave. The walk through the cave is enriched with illustrations, explanations and stories how the cave has formed, local caving history and interesting facts and figures.

Guided by the light of our torches the group descends into the bottom level of the cave where a dry underground river bed guides us to the edge of a subterranean lake. The excitment builds, and sitting on our tubes, linked together we float under a stream of twinkling blue-green glow worm lights, using only the natural light of the glow worms as a navigational aid. We exit the cave into a remote and untouched lost world. A short tube down the gentle rapids of the Waitakere River brings us back to the train.

We supply all necessary gear for the trip and during the Underworld Rafting adventure we also take photos which will be digitally supplied to all visitors free of charge.

This is an award winning adventure, taking you to a place few are privileged to experience. Hidden in the dark and nestled in a breath-taking rugged rainforest landscape, this is an adventure which should not to be missed.

Show More..Show Less..

Includes

Complimentary Digital images

Meeting Point

The Underworld Adventure Center,

State Highway 6,

Charleston 7865

(30minutes drive time from Westport or Punakaiki)

Additional Information

Come with your swimmers for under the wet suit and a towel for a shower on the completion of your adventure. We supply all other clothing and equipment.

Cancellation policy

Full refund if cancelled up to 24 hours before activity starts.

Good weather is required for this experience. If we need to cancel due to poor weather, you'll be offered a different date or a full refund.

There is a minimum number of travellers for this experience. If the minimum isn't met and we need to cancel, we will offer a different date/experience or a full refund.

Risk Disclosure

Health and Safety

All participants are required to read and sign a "Risk Disclosure" form at arrival, prior to taking part in any "Adventure Activity" by NZ law.

Please view this form now before booking. No action is required now other than to read it to make sure you are happy to sign at arrival.

View Participant Risks Here

From

NZ$165.00

Per Person

4 Hours

Add to wishlist

7368 State Highway 6, Charleston, 7865

Underworld Rafting

UnderworldRaftingUnderworld Rafting is a superb 4 hour adventure in the enormous Nile River Cave System deep in the untamed natural wilderness of the Paparoa National Park.On this adventure you will meet your guide at our Underworld Adventure Centre in Charleston, who will equip you with wet suits, wet suit socks, boots, gloves and helmets. Dressed ready for your adventure, a short drive on the Ni...Show More

Duration: 4 Hours

Please wait while we are loading availability for the product!

Glow Worm Cave Tour

Charleston Gloworm Cave Tour / Metro Cave TourA simply stunning Wilderness Eco-tour through the enormous Nile River Cave System deep in the Paparoa National Park.Your adventure will start at our modern Charleston Base where you will be equipped with a caving helmet and meet one of our passionate cave guides. A short drive will take you into the tranquil rainforest covered limestone valley to board...Show More

Duration: 4 Hours

Please wait while we are loading availability for the product!

SeeAndDo.co.nz is a ticketing agent only. We do not provide any activities ourselves but provide a service for New Zealand companies to advertise and sell their products with a secure booking, ticketing and payment platform.

Activity Providers and customers are put in touch immediately upon ticketing with contact details provided for any questions or cancellations.

All Health and Safety requirements and Associated Industry Regulations are the responsibility of the activity provider and vary according to the type of the activity.

Booking Form

Contact Name:

Phone Number:

Email Address:

Confirm Email Address:

Country:

Traveler Details

Same as Billing Details

Special Requirements:

We'll contact you with key updates on your tour or activity.

Manage your Bookings

Payment Details

Pay securely! We use SSL encryption to keep your data safe.

Card Holder Name:

Card Number:

Card Expiry:

CVC:

Billing Address:

City:

State / Province:

Postal Code:

Country:

I agree to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Yes I would love to receive emails showing specials, deals and great ideas for more things to see and do!

All payments are held in a separate secure account until the booking date so cancellations and refunds of the ticket price are 100% refundable within the suppliers cancellation policy displayed above.

We do not store any credit card information on the website.

Confirmation:

You will receive your ticket by email straight away. The activity provider will contact you if there are availability issues so you can arrange a different time or day, or receive a full refund.
In the event that you do not receive an email from us, please check your spam folder or notify us via email.
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the day of the experience, local time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How challenging is the walk within the cave?

The cave walk involves traversing uneven and unpredictable surfaces, including slippery mud and rocks. Participants must be able to walk unassisted for up to two hours in these conditions. Walking poles are not permitted during the tour.

How early should I arrive for the tour?

For the Underworld Rafting tour, its recommended to arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure. For the Glowworm Cave Tour, please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure.

What is the best time of year to visit Underworld Adventures?

Underworld Adventures operates year-round, offering tours seven days a week. During the summer months (October to April), tours depart at 9:00 AM and 11:30 AM. In winter (May to September), a single departure is scheduled at 10:00 AM. Its advisable to book in advance, especially during peak seasons.

You might also like...

5 Day Majestic Milford, Glaciers & Rail - Scenic Coach Tour

Discover New Zealand's South Island with our 5-day independent scenic ...

From

NZ $3195.00

Fly Six Glacier Tour

Fly up the Whitcombe Valley into the Southern Alps to view Six differe ...

From

NZ $500.00

West Coast Treetop Walk & Tower Zipline

Treetop Walkway Adventure If you find yourself wondering what there i ...

From

NZ $39.00

Franz Josef Wilderness Tours

Join us for a Kayak or Scenic Cruise on Lake Mapourika taking in the p ...

From

NZ $125.00