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River Bug - Bare Kiwi - Te Urewera

Riverbug Adventures - Whakatāne

Joining us for a fun outing riverbugging on our local awa (rivers) you'll not only experience the thrill of whitewater, but also get to enjoy special places accessible only by water and hear the local stories, history and learn about the customs, beliefs and practices of the Māori culture that is Aotearoa - New Zealand's heritage.

We aim to do our best to give our guests memorable experiences of the highest quality, with tikanga haumaru (Safety), manaakitanga (hospitality) and tiaki (conservation) the cornerstones of everything we do. Top-quality equipment, experienced guides and audited safety plans all play their part in ensuring that you'll be well looked after with us on the river.

Our riverbug trips offer a variety of adventure levels in locations close to the main centres of Tauranga, Rotorua and Whakatāne. The following are short descriptions of our trips, for more info and pricing visit our website riverbug.nz.

ACTIONBUG RANGITAIKI

Like the name suggests, there's plenty of riverbug action on the Rangitaiki awa – the Bay of Plenty's longest river, its' exciting fun whitewater, scenery and isolation making it one of our 'hidden jewels'. Approximately 1 hours drive from Rotorua and Whakatāne or 1 hour 40 minutes from Tauranga, you'll pass through a variety of interesting landscapes, making just getting there well worth the drive. Suitable for ages 10+, allow 4 hours.

TARAWERA RIVERBUG

The Tarawera awa near Kawerau is a stunning river that drains Lake Tarawera and is known for it's world class whitewater slalom site and the spectacular Tarawera Falls. We offer a range of trips, using the easy Grade 1 sections for a fun float suitable for younger children, and the whitewater section for those looking for more excitement. Kawerau is an emerging tourist destination with an authentic kiwi small town atmosphere. There's lots to see and do, and there's even free thermal pools to soak in after your riverbug trip!

Just five minutes floating downstream in a Riverbug, and Don Allardice was completely hooked.

"...the Rangitāiki experience is just so spectacularly beautiful and perfect for any ability level."

Contact Details

Rangitāiki and Tarawera Rivers
Whakatāne District
New Zealand

More things to do

Filled with fresh water from deep underground, it’s the perfect spot for a family picnic and refreshing swim on a hot summer day.

Te Kura Whare is New Zealand’s first living building. It embodies Tūhoe and Tūhoetana values of respect for nature and whenua, inspired by the unity of people.

Not as well known as the other courses in our District, the Te Teko golf course provides a relaxing atmosphere ideal for the casual golfer and groups. 

Drop in to all the best spots in the Mōtū and Te Urewera Ranges. Land and camp, or stay in one of the many huts located in the National Parks.

Te Toka o Irakewa is one of three landmarks that Toroa was told to look for by his father Irakewa when the Mataatua canoe journeyed to Kakahoroa. 

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