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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

This bronze statue atop Turuturu Rock lies at the mouth of the Whakatāne River and commemorates the bravery of Wairaka.

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. 

Free heated pools, including a giant spa pool, The whole complex is surrounded by large recreation and play areas, where barbecue and picnic tables are available for families.

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.

Te Wairere Falls is a sacred landmark to all of Mataatua. One of the most beautiful and historically significant places in Whakatāne.

Te Papaka pa is rich in Ngāti Awa history. From the summit, a magnificent panorama landward and seaward avails. Nowadays the site is no longer inhabited but is open to sightseers.  

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