***SPECIAL OFFER***
BUG SUNDAY $79pp WAIROA RIVER
Ride the Wairoa Rivers' rapids on the water release days and get a taste of riverbugging on this unique adventure set in the Wairoa River Gorge 20 minutes from Tauranga. "Riverbugging meets Canyoning". Access to the rapids is by paddling and carrying the riverbugs upstream in a bedrock riverbed through pools and drops at minimum flow before the water is released. When water arrives, a bug-surf-session at the legendary Wairoa Play Wave and fun riverbug descent of the rapids round off the tour. This adventure is for fit and able participants 10 years and over. Expect to carry a riverbug (8 kg) and walk over river rocks. Limited seats available.
TOURS
Kia Ora – Welcome
Check out Aotearoa – New Zealand's whitewater adventure with a difference! Explore Te Moana a Toi – The Bay of Plentys' taonga wai (water treasures) from a riverbug perspective. Whether it's the adrenalin kick of riding the rapids, or just drifting with the flow, you'll be amazed how fun and easy riverbugging is to learn. You'll visit special places and learn about the local area, its' history, māori culture and stories. In small groups we offer individual service, top quality equipment and an unforgettable experience. First-timer & family friendly 😁
ACTION BUG – RANGITAIKI $119–$149
BUG THROUGH A SPECTACULAR GORGE ON THE BAY OF PLENTY'S LONGEST RIVER – A NATURAL HIGHLIGHT CLOSE TO ROTORUA, TAURANGA & WHAKATANE.
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FUN BUG – WAIROA $89–$109
RELAXED BUG FUN IN THE WAIROA RIVER VALLEY – A GREAT FAMILY OUTING CLOSE TO TAURANGA
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BUG SUNDAY – WAIROA - $79
A TASTE OF WHITEWATER RIVERBUGGING ON THE WAIROA RIVER CLOSE TO TAURANGA *Selected Sundays Only*
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RAPID BUG – WAIROA $149
LEARN RIVERBUGGING SKILLS WITH THE EXPERTS ON A GRADE 3 SECTION OF THE WAIROA RIVER NEAR TAURANGA *Selected Sundays Only*
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BUG BALL
2 hoops, 1 ball, 2 teams, let's Play! Water polo meets basket ball bug style – Bug Ball is super fun and easy to play. A few basic paddle techniques, an eye for the hoop, and teamwork are all you need to get started. A great group activity for the likes of schools, clubs, businesses or friends. Contact us for details.
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INNITIATIVE CHALLENGES
Riverbugs are lightweight and easy to use, making them ideal for fun initiative challenges for a wide range of ages and abilities. Especially suitable for school and community groups, and as team-building activity. Try some of our challenges or make up your own!
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COURSES
Take a Course and learn how to paddle a Riverbug in whitewater and master some cool tricks...
Learn MoreGROUPS
SCHOOL PROGRAMS
The versatile riverbug offers a unique way for students to experience the water environment. Our school programs will motivate, challenge and unite students with fun learning and physical activity where confidence, skill and teamwork all come into play. Developed in consultation with BOPRC, Enviro Hub and Tourism Bay of Plenty, our riverbug programs incorporate river safety, local Maori kōrero (stories) and tiaki (conservation) making them a well rounded activity.
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BIRTHDAY PARTIES
Treat your kids to a fun Birthday – Bug style! Just bring the kids and BBQ along and we'll provide the Bug fun and any special wishes.
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CORPORATE / TEAM BUILDING
Riverbugs are great tools for Team Building. Our Programs engage participants with fun challenges and games, where participation, problem solving and teamwork are the primary goals. We can run programs at our locations around Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty or your venue of choice. Let us know your requirements and we’ll tailor a program to suit.
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SOCIAL GROUPS
Get your friends, family, work mates or club mates together for some whitewater riverbugging on the Rangitaiki or Wairoa Rivers, or enjoy a splash around with some fun activities and games at the ocean, pool or lake
Learn MoreABOUT US
We love sharing this unique experience with our guests. Having fun in the outdoors and appreciation of the environment and local culture are core values that shape our tours and activities that feature the natural Taonga (treasures) of the Bay of Plenty’s spectacular waterways.
In small groups we offer quality, personal service and an unforgettable experience.
KAITIAKITANGA
Our land, our water, our air and our culture need to be respected and cared for. We pride ourselves on providing visitor experiences in an environmentally responsible and culturally enriching manner. Practice kaitiakitanga with us and help preserve Aotearoa — New Zealands' culture and natural treasures for generations to come.
MANAAKITANGA
Hospitality is the cornerstone of tourism. We love welcoming our guests to Te Moana a Toi – The Bay of Plenty and do our best to ensure your experience of our special places is truly memorable.
A WORD FROM THE BOSS...
Kia ora,
Ko Don Allardice tōku ingoa...................... Don Allardice is my name
Ko Takitimu tōku waka ..................... Takitimu is my boat
Ko Ngāti Kahungunu tōku iwi ........... Kahungunu is my tribe
Ko Raikapaka tōku hapū ................... Raikapaka is my family
Ko Kahungunu tōku marae ............... Kahungunu is my marae
Ko Moumoukai tōku maunga ........... Moumoukai is my mountain
Ko Nuhaka tōku awa ......................... Nuhaka is my river
Ko Mahunga tāku moana ................. Mahunga is my ocean
Kaore maha aku mihi ........................ This is who I am
With a mix of Māori, German, English and Scottish ancestry you could say I'm a true kiwi mongrel! My ancestors had all sailed to Aotearoa – New Zealand at some time, which may explain my love of water... I moved to Te Moana a Toi – The Bay of Plenty with my family in 2018 and fell in love with the place and it's people. The desire to incorporate māori culture in our riverbug adventures led me to joining local collective Te Roopū Tāpoi ō Tauranga Moana to promote māori tourism.
Though I come from a kayaking and rafting background, since I discovered riverbugging I'm totally hooked! The great thing about riverbugs is that they're fun, safe, intuitive to paddle and easy to use. Even complete beginners can take them out on whitewater and have the time of their lives. Thanks to the riverbugs' inventor – kiwi Graeme Boddy, his revolutionary innovation has opened up a whole new way to enjoy our waterways."
Join our Riverbug Tours for a taste of riverbugging, or take a Course and learn how to become self reliant on whitewater. We also run Programs for: Schools, Water Safety, Therapy and Team Building.
People from all walks of life can enjoy riverbugging. Riverbug.nz activities are:
- Safe and enjoyable
- Culterally enriching
- Fun and challenging
- First-timer and family friendly
- NZ Health and Safety compliant
- Backed by 30+ years experience
"Kite koe i runga i te wai" – see you on the water!
Ngā mihi
Don Allardice
(owner Riverbug.nz)
FUN BUG – WAIROA
- Redwood Lane Blueberries, 17 Redwood Lane, Tauriko, Tauranga 3171, New Zealand
- MEETING PLACE FOR FUN BUG – WAIROA TOUR
BUG SUNDAY & RAPID BUG – WAIROA
- 1443 State Highway 29, Tauriko, Lower Kaimai 3171, New Zealand (GPS -37.783481, 176.051287)
- MEETING PLACE FOR BUG SUNDAY & RAPID BUG– WAIROA TOURS
ACTION BUG – RANGITAIKI
- Lake Aniwhenua Camping Area
- MEETING PLACE FOR ACTION BUG – RANGITAIKI TOUR
BOOKING
CoronaVirus (Covid-19) Update
Yahoo! Back down to level one...
Yes, we can enjoy sharing adventures with others, and even handshake, hug and hongi again.
This is great news for tourism and a credit to everyone in Aotearoa – New Zealand for playing their part in eliminating this pesky virus
Because our riverbug activities take part outside in large open areas, and not in confined spaces, the situations where you are in close contact (within a meter) are very minimal. Due to these factors, we believe we are a low-risk environment for the spread of any illness.
Even so, we want to let you know that we are taking measures to do our part in minimizing any potential spread of, or exposure to viral infection in order to protect our clients and staff. We are disinfecting equipment worn by clients after each use, ensuring safe food hygiene practices, and maintaining records of participants on our trips.
If you have any questions or concerns in relation to coming and enjoying riverbug.nz's unique experiences then please contact us.