Bay of Plenty Adventure

Connect with nature and discover Te Moana ā Toi |The Bay of Plenty's special places by riverbug.

The funky riverbug is a fun new river experience – ride the rapids through hidden canyons and drift past cascading waterfalls, enjoying the river environment from a riverbug perspective.

Riverbug.NZ offers first-timer and family-friendly riverbug tours, courses and school programmes around Tauranga, Rotorua, Kawerau and Whakatāne, catering for groups and individuals from age 5 years upwards. Grab your friends & family, school buddies, workmates or travel companions, choose your adventure, and get ready for an unforgettable experience...




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Scenic or Whitewater?

To help you choose your adventure level we've rated our riverbug tours from MILD to WILD. All our tours are first-timer friendly and run on fun, low-risk Grade 1 & 2 whitewater according to the international grading scale 1 – 6 (where 1 is easiest). We have GREAT DEALS for school & corporate groups. Contact us for more info and GROUP RATES.

Riverbugs mixed with generous portions of whitewater in a breathtaking gorge on the Rangitāiki river in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. HALF DAY TOUR from $149.

Explore the spectacular Poripori Water Holes near Tauranga by Riverbug. Experience impressive bedrock geology, with deep pools and small rapids. 2.5 HOURS. From $109

Experience a roller-coaster rapid ride and surf the “Wairoa Wave“' during the Sunday water releases in the Wairoa Gorge near Tauranga. 3 HOURS from $119.

Take a riverbug course and learn how to stay safe and in control in whitewater. Course content, location and duration tailored to your needs. Contact us for details.

Shore Excursions

Discover Rotorua's natural wonders and Māori culture on this small group tour. From $149

Join our small group guided tour to experience natural wonders, history and culture around Tauranga and the local countryside. Visit significant cultural sites, take in amazing views over Tauranga, walk through lush native forrest, and enjoy a break at a cafe in a spectacular setting. 5 Hours. From $139

BUG SUNDAY

Wairoa River, Tauranga. Oct–May FROM $119

GIVE SOMETHING SPECIAL...

A RIVERBUG EXPERIENCE...

Simply let us know your wishes and we'll supply the voucher. Valid for 1 year from purchase, and includes free trip photos.

INSPIRE. MOTIVATE. CHALLENGE.

Great value educational programmes for students from age 5 years upwards. River, ocean, lake & swimming pool options tailored to your budget & needs. Choose from our regular programmes, build a combo package with other activities, or let us build a programme around your special needs... Starting from $25/person

With safe, fun whitewater, easy access, and onsite amenities, the Tarawera river in Kawerau ticks all the right boxes. Tour duration and costs are flexible (up to 3 Hours). Minimum age 10 years.

A truly off-the-beaten-track action packed wilderness experience through a stunning gorge in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. 3.5 Hours. Min age 10 years. Cost $75 pp (minimum group numbers apply)

Explore the spectacular Poripori Water Holes near Tauranga by Riverbug. Experience impressive bedrock geology, with deep pools and small rapids. 2.5 HOURS.

Fun games and initiative challenges on sheltered water at Pilot Bay Tauranga. Can also be run at swimming pools or suitable lake of your choice. Minimum age 5 years.

Riverbug is our passion that we love to share.


We love our mahi (work), and supporting community and healthy lifestyles through enjoyment of the outdoors is at the heart of what we do. We run guide training and riverbug programmes for rangatahi (youth) and Riverbug activities for community groups under the guidance of riverbug pioneers Don (Ngāti Kahungunu), and Sabine (Germany). When you join us on the water you'll be helping us to help support our community.

te tautoko ngātahi i te hapori ︳supporting the community together

Safe Hands


Riverbug pioneer Don Allardice ran the first commercial riverbug tours in NZ in the late 1990's. Together with partner Sabine they brought riverbugs to the European Alps in 2009, offering tours and producing riverbug equipment under their brand Riverbug.me. They are experts in safe operations and guide training, and are establishing a growing community of riverbug enthusiasts around the globe.

With over 50 years of combined whitewater experience between them – you know you'll be in safe hands