Riverbug near Rotorua: Grade 2 whitewater in your own craft

Paddle your own Riverbug through a remote gorge

Riverbug near Rotorua is a whitewater activity where you pilot a single-person inflatable craft through Grade 2 rapids on the Rangitāiki River. You launch from Lake Aniwhenua below Aniwhenua Falls, paddle 5 km downriver through a remote gorge, and return by shuttle. The activity runs about 4 hours and includes wetsuits, helmet, flippers, paddling gloves and all safety gear. Guides speak English, Spanish and German, and children from age 10 are welcome.

The experience

The Rangitāiki River near Rotorua sits off the main tourist track, and the operator usually runs the only party on the water that day. You meet at Lake Aniwhenua with a mihi, a Māori greeting, then change into wetsuits and safety equipment. The guides walk you through a paddling and safety drill in the pool below Aniwhenua Falls before you launch into the whitewater itself.

A Riverbug is a single-person inflatable you control with webbed gloves and short-blade flippers as paddles. The small craft and unique paddling system make it extremely manoeuvrable. Guests who have tried both rafting and riverbugging often prefer the freedom and individuality of piloting their own vessel. You'll ride through fun, exciting rapids, learn some tricks between them, and drift past waterfalls cascading over moss-clad rock walls. The 5 km stretch takes you through the rugged beauty of the gorge at your own pace.

After the river section, a driver meets you at the take-out below the gorge and shuttles you back to Lake Aniwhenua. The operator holds a licensed Adventure Activity Operator status with an exceptional safety record, and the equipment is top quality and rated for warmth and protection.

What’s included

• Wetsuits in women's, men's and youth sizing.
• neoprene booties.
• swim vest.
• helmet.
• paddling gloves.
• flippers.
• Riverbug craft.
• live guide.
• shuttle transport back to Lake Aniwhenua.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Youth (10 to 15 years) · Under 10: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and German

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Meeting place for the Action Bug – Rangitaiki Tour. The Lake Āniwaniwa Camping Area 71 Black Road, Galatea 3079, New Zealand is signposted from Galatea Road. GPS -38.310283, 176.793941”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Don Allardice

Is this one for you?The activity starts at Lake Aniwhenua near Rotorua with a shuttle included, so you don't need a car to reach the river or arrange your own transport back after paddling.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 15 years). Under 10: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is a Riverbug and how do I control it?

A Riverbug is a single-person inflatable craft you paddle yourself using webbed gloves and short-blade flippers. The small size and unique paddling system make it extremely manoeuvrable and easy to use, even for first-timers.

Where on the Rangitāiki River do we paddle?

You launch from Lake Aniwhenua below Aniwhenua Falls and paddle 5 km downriver through a remote gorge. The operator usually runs the only party on the water, so you experience the river in isolation.

What's included in the price?

Wetsuits in women's, men's and youth sizing; neoprene booties; swim vest; helmet; paddling gloves; flippers; and the Riverbug itself are all included.

How long does the whole activity take?

The activity runs about 4 hours from arrival at Lake Aniwhenua through the paddle, safety drill, whitewater section and shuttle back.