I am planning a trip to New Zealand and would like to know which is a good place for water rafting. Also, could you tell me which is more interesting - white or black water rafting?

Karen Chan

In black water rafting or cave tubing, as it is also called, you bob downriver in dark, underground caves. In white water rafting, you raft through open, fast-flowing rivers.

If you're interested in the former, go to Waitomo in Auckland, which is known for its enchanting glow-worm caves and exhilarating black water rafting tours.

You can join the Black Abyss Waitomo Caving Adventure tour and abseil down the depths of the Ruakuri Cave, cave-tubing down the river through caves filled with glow-worms and limestone formations.

All tour groups are accompanied by experienced caving guides.

According to Dynasty Travel, the rivers in the southern region of Otago are popular white water rafting spots. You can ride through the rapids on either the Shotover or Kawarau rivers.

Be warned: Shotover River is ranked one of the highest in terms of rafting difficulty. But the Kawarau River is great for first-timers, as its stretches of quiet water allows you to practise your paddling.

Each ride takes about four hours and should cost between NZ$90 (SGD$91) and NZ$200. Rides are available only in summer and winter.

This article was first published in Life!, The Straits Times on July 29, 2008.