Bay of Plenty Adventure

 
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NAU MAI  ︳WELCOME

Connect with nature and discover the Bay of Plenty's special places by riverbug.

Ride the rapids through hidden canyons, drift past cascading waterfalls and learn about the local history and culture.

Riverbug.NZ offers unique riverbug tours and school programmes around Tauranga, Rotorua and Whakatāne. Simply choose your level of adventure and get ready for an unforgettable experience...




NAU MAI  ︳WELCOME imageNAU MAI  ︳WELCOME imageNAU MAI  ︳WELCOME image

RIVERBUG TOURS

Scenic or Whitewater?

To help you choose your level of adventure we've rated our riverbug tours from MILD to WILD. All our tours are first-timer friendly and are run on fun, low-risk Grade 1 & 2 whitewater according to the international grading scale 1 – 6 (where 1 is easiest). We have GREAT DEALS for school & corporate groups. Contact us for details.

Riverbugs mixed with generous portions of whitewater in a breathtaking gorge on the Rangitāiki river in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. HALF DAY TOUR from $165.

Explore deep pools and small rapids of the spectacular Poripori Water Holes near Tauranga – a fun experience perfect for families with young kids. 2.5 HOURS. From $125

Experience a roller-coaster rapid ride and surf the Wairoa's fun waves during the Sunday water releases in the Wairoa Gorge near Tauranga. 3 HOURS from $135.

★★★★★

 Had a great morning on the river with Don, a great experience and beautiful scenery. Fun for the whole family, and challenging for those less coordinated in our group. 

Sally Corlson: Trip Advisor Jan 2021

 We had the best time ever. This is a MUST DO family activity for loads of fun. The bugs are safe, easy and lots of fun. Don our expert guide is informative and friendly - we had the best time. The high-light of our North Island trip and a must do activity. AAA+ 

Dan Joines: Google Reviews Jan 2021

 Great adventure down a river, encountering small rapids and beautiful scenery aboard a "bug". Thoroughly recommend for something unusual and fun. Owner-operators are very friendly, very experienced, safety-oriented and professional. 

Angela Seaton: Google Reviews Dec 2020

 BEST TRIP EVER!! What an adrenalin rush this is.. The tour guides Don and Sabine are absolutely wonderful, fun and also make you feel really safe! When you fall in they just seem to be right there to help you! The bugs are super high quality and really comfy too. The rapids were SOOO fun!!! We were laughing the whole day. Already booked for their other tour on the Rangitaiki! 

Ciska De Jong, New Zealand Adventures: Google Reviews April 2021

 Riverbug Adventure was the Highlight of our holiday A fantastic day on the river in our Riverbugs. It was the highlight of our holiday. We were treated to a wonderful experience while really enjoying the great outdoors. Thank you Don and Sabine for creating great memories! 

Carol Herbert: Trip Advisor April 2021
  

CRUISE

HAKAMANA Shore Excursions

HAKA (perform), MANA (authority)

Discover Rotorua's natural wonders and Māori culture on this small group tour. We'll visit spectacular geothermal areas, redwood forests, waterfalls, lakes, cultural sites and more... 6 hours. From $159

Experience coastal & inland Tauranga on this interesting and informative local tour. Beautiful beaches, native forrest, waterfalls, kiwifruit and scenic lookouts some of the impressions. 5 hours. From $149

BUG SUNDAY

Wairoa River, Tauranga. Oct–May from $135

GIVE SOMETHING SPECIAL...

A RIVERBUG EXPERIENCE...

Simply let us know your wishes and we'll supply the voucher. Valid for 1 year from purchase, and includes free trip photos.

Order a Gift VoucherBook a Tour

SCHOOL PROGRAMMES

INSPIRE. MOTIVATE. CHALLENGE.

Great value educational programmes for students from age 5 years upwards. River, ocean, lake & swimming pool options tailored to your budget & needs. Choose from our regular programmes, build a combo package with other activities, or let us build a programme around your special needs... Starting from $25/person

A truly off-the-beaten-track action packed wilderness experience through a stunning gorge in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. 3.5 Hours. Min age 10 years. From $80pp (minimum group numbers apply)

Explore the spectacular Poripori Water Holes near Tauranga by Riverbug. Experience impressive bedrock geology, with deep pools and small rapids. 2.5 HOURS. From $65pp

Fun games and initiative challenges on sheltered water at Pilot Bay Tauranga. Can also be run at swimming pools or suitable lake of your choice. Minimum age 5 years.

MEET THE TEAM

Riverbug is our passion that we love to share.

We love our mahi (work), and supporting community and healthy lifestyles through enjoyment of the outdoors is at the heart of what we do. We run guide training and riverbug programmes for rangatahi (youth) and Riverbug activities for community groups under the guidance of riverbug pioneers Don (Ngāti Kahungunu), and Sabine (Germany). When you join us on the water you'll be helping us to help support our community.

te tautoko ngātahi i te hapori ︳supporting the community together

Safe Hands

Riverbug pioneer Don Allardice ran the first commercial riverbug tours in NZ in the late 1990's. Together with partner Sabine they brought riverbugs to the European Alps in 2009, offering tours and producing riverbug equipment under their brand Riverbug.me. They are experts in safe operations and guide training, and are establishing a growing community of riverbug enthusiasts around the globe.

With over 50 years of combined whitewater experience between them – you know you'll be in safe hands

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