***SPECIAL OFFER***
BUG SUNDAY $50pp 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 the Bay of Plentys' natural treasures (Taonga) 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 it is to learn. 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 - special offer: $50 pp
A TASTE OF WHITEWATER RIVERBUGGING ON THE WAIROA RIVER CLOSE TO TAURANGA *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 *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...
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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
Guardianship, protection, preservation or sheltering. It is a way of managing the environment, based on the traditional Māori world view. The root word from this term is tiaki which means "look after".
Our land, water and air need to be respected and cared for, we pride ourselves on delivering our visitor experiences in an environmentally and culturally sensitive manner, practicing kaitiakitanga to help preserve Aotearoa — New Zealands' culture and natural treasures for generations to come.
A WORD FROM DON:
Rafting and kayaking are fun, but the connection and freedom of riverbugging is what really got me hooked! The great thing about riverbugs is they're so user friendly and intuitive to paddle, that even complete beginners can take them out on whitewater safely and have the time of their lives. Riverbug inventor, Graeme Boddys' revolutionary innovation opens 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, it's great for first-timers and family friendly too. Safe and enjoyable riverbug experiences are what we strive for. Our Safety Management Systems are audited by Adventure Mark, and riverbug.nz is licensed by Work Safe NZ and complies with NZ Health and Safety Regulations. With 30+ years in water based Adventure Tourism you can be sure you're in good hands.
See you on the water!"
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
Riverbug.nz - Closed until further notice
With the current situation of raising the alert level to 4 in relation to the CoronaVirus (COVID-19). Riverbug.nz will cease operating until further notice.
As the situation improves and the alert level is lowered we will update our operational status. We would like to reassure and update you on our operation, and the added precautions we will be taking to minimise any potential spread of the virus.
Due to our riverbug activities being 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 some extra measures to do our part in minimizing any potential spread or exposure to the virus for our clients and staff. We are disinfecting all equipment worn by clients after each use, ensuring safe food hygiene practices, and including awareness in our client briefings for everyone to be vigilant and play their part.
If you have any additional questions or concerns in relation to coming and enjoying riverbug.nz's unique experiences then please contact us.