BUG SUNDAY

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 $145.

$169 Adult
$145 Child (< 16)


  • Departs 8:45 AM on selected Sundays (see release dates below)
  • 3 Hours
  • Grade 2 (fun, bouncy waves)
  • First-timer and family friendly

Just upstream from the Poripori swimming holes near Tauranga – your adventure awaits... Grab your mates and family and enjoy the action in during the Wairoa water releases on designated Sundays from October – April. 

Our tour departs mornings prior to the water release, allowing us to paddle and walk our riverbugs up the pools and rapids of the bedrock gorge before the water comes. Once we reach our upstream destination we'll brief you on river safety and do some practice. When the water arrives everyone can have a go at surfing their bugs on the wave, and after we're all “surfed-out“ we'll bug downstream through the fun whitewater gorge to round out the tour. 

A totally awesome experience to share with friends and family, or as a school, club or corporate team building outing. Contact us for Group Prices and details.

Bug Sunday availability 2026 - 2027 Season: 

2026Date
September Sunday 27
October  Sunday 11, 25
November Sunday 8, 22. 29
December Sunday 6, 13, 20, 27
January 2027 Sunday 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
February Sunday 7, 14, 21, 28 
March Sunday 1, 14, 21, 28
April Sunday 11, 25



Tour Details:

  • Departure 8:45am (on selected Sundays, see below)
  • Meeting place 1443 State Highway 29, Tauriko
  • All equipment and safety personnel provided. Allow 3 hours in total. 
  • Involves carrying a riverbug (9kg) along a bedrock riverbed

Participant requirements:

  • Minimum height 1.25m
  • Maximum weight 120kg
  • Fit & able
  • Can Swim

Bring:

  • Swimwear, towel, thin socks & sun protection.

Additional safety information can be viewed in our Risk Disclosure and  Wairoa River Trip Management Plan