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Riverbug - Tarawera River

5.0
10
Experience a unique whitewater adventure aboard a Riverbug!

Experience a unique whitewater adventure aboard a Riverbug!

Highlights

  • A unique whitewater riverbug adventure
  • Easy and fun on grade 2 whitewater
  • No experience necessary - great fun for the whole family!

Ride the crystal clear water of the Tarawera River beneath the spectacular backdrop of Pūtauaki (Mt. Edgecombe) near the rural town of Kawerau. An awesome introduction to riverbugging at the site of the 2013 IRF World Rafting Championships.

Enjoy the fun grade 2 rapids which are perfect for learning the basics and challenging yourself, an easy walking track allows you to carry your bug back upstream for repeat runs on the 'Slalom Course' rapids.

We provide all the equipment you need including wetsuits, helmets along with a knowledgeable guide to ensure your adventure is safe and enjoyable.

Be prepared to get wet and have fun on this unique adventure, and be sure to check out the other highlights in and around Kawerau, such as Tarawera Falls, Maurie Kjar Memorial Thermal Baths (free entry), or take a Hikoi (walk) around the cultural sites of Kawerau, or one of their popular 'Mill Tours'.

Adult $159.00
Child $129.00 (Under 16 years old)

What's included

  • 2.5 - 3 hour Riverbug experience (approx 1.5 hours on the water)
  • All equipment and safety personnel provided

Duration

  • 2.5 - 3 hours - approx 1.5 hours on the water

Location

  • Departs: Firmin Lodge Waterhouse Street, Kawerau 3127, New Zealand. Please see drive times below.

Restrictions

  • Minimum height: 1.25m.

    Maximum weight: 120 kg.

    Participants MUST be able to swim.

Child Friendly

  • This experience welcomes families with children.

Bad Weather Refunds

  • If your experience is cancelled by the operator (because of the weather or anything else out of your control) you will be entitled to a full refund.

Notes

  • This tour may require a minimum of up to 4 customers to run.

    Getting Here:

    30 min drive from Whakatane.

    50 min drive from Rotorua.

    1hr 10 min drive from Tauranga.

Available Bookings from 2 Jan to 15 Jan 2025

Change Dates

All prices are shown in NZD ($)

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  • Adult$127.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$129.00

  • Adult$95.00
  • Child$129.00

  • Adult$127.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$129.00

  • Adult$127.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$129.00

  • Adult$127.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$129.00

  • Adult$95.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$129.00

  • Adult$95.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$129.00

  • Adult$127.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$129.00

  • Adult$95.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$129.00

  • Adult$127.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$129.00

  • Adult$127.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$129.00

  • Adult$127.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$129.00

  • Adult$95.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$129.00

  • Adult$95.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$129.00

Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

5.0

10 reviews

Showing all 10 authenticated Bookme reviews

lydiaf2 from United Kingdom wrote on 19 March 2024

River Bug with Don

Me and my sister did the river bug experience with our guide Don. He was friendly and professional we felt very safe. We had great fun and want to do it again!

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Frank Hagenson from New Zealand wrote on 22 January 2023

Great fun

Great fun for the whole family. I would recommend this activity to anyone.

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johnd11 from Australia wrote on 25 August 2022

Awesome winter RiverBug

Mid August on the Tawawera river with my wife who was doubting my logic and choice. Cold day and high water levels with recent rain. We had an awesome time. Don was the best instructor, gear was great and we were not cold at all. Water levels were high which made for even more fun. We had a great time - wife loved it! Highly recommended tour!!!

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From Riverbug - Tarawera River

Kia ora John, thx for the review – glad you both enjoyed the Tarawera. It was a pleasure – you guys were great! I'll send you the link to the photos. Ngā mihi ︳Kind regards Don Allardice

Maxine Parker from New Zealand wrote on 03 April 2022

AWESOME ADVENTURE, JUST DO IT!

Absolutely awesome adventure, lovely people. I'm definitely going to do it again. Family friendly. Stunning scenery. Highly recommend. Give them a call if you are not sure, they will put you at ease. 🤩 Also yummy picnic provided at the end .

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From Riverbug - Tarawera River

Kia ora Maxine, thanks for the review! It was really fun to have your company on the river, Ngā mihi Don

Glenn Rood from New Zealand wrote on 25 February 2022

Awesome!

This was a lot of fun! Great scenery, floating down the river , mixed in with some white water thrills. Our guide was very friendly and helpful and made for an awesome experience. Highly recommended.

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From Riverbug - Tarawera River

Kia ora Glenn, thanks for the feedback – you guys were totally awesome and really fun to be on the river with! Ngā mihi Don

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Qualmark Certification

This award identifies a business with a high level of professionalism, a keen awareness of the impact it has on the environment and a commitment to a customer centric approach.

This award is evidence of a sophisticated tourism business that consistently exceeds visitor expectations. Their proactive leadership and management ensure the business's focus on continuously improving their economic, social and environmental performance to create genuine, constantly evolving and sustainable tourism experiences.

This award recognises the best sustainable tourism businesses in New Zealand. It denotes exceptional customer experiences at the heart of everything the company does. This business is leading the way in making the New Zealand tourism industry a world class sustainable visitor destination.

When you see the Qualmark logo, your activity of choice is endorsed by New Zealand Tourism's official quality assurance organisation and backed by leaders in the industry. It's your trusted guide to iconic activities and experiences that are awarded for their exceptionally high level of quality, safety and sustainability.

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