As the summer season approaches, Waimarino Group, nestled along the picturesque Wairoa River in Bethlehem, is gearing up for an exhilarating reopening on Labour weekend.

The three businesses – Waimarino Adventure Park, Waimarino Kayak Tours, and Waimarino Riverside – along with the Waimarino Education Trust that together make up the four Waimarino Group entities are unveiling a host of thrilling new features following a substantial investment of about $250,000.

Waimarino Adventure Park

A stunning new attraction – New Zealand’s largest inflatable climbing frame and water slide combo on water – is affectionately named Mother’s Nightmare.

“Mother’s Nightmare is a tribute to my mother and every other mother who has children that push boundaries,” owner Blair Anderson said.

Guide Uchida Yoshihide enjoying life at Waimarino. Photo: Brydie Thompson.

An impressive 6.5m high and 13m long, this colossal water slide, designed and manufactured by a talented local Kiwi company, promises hours of excitement and laughter for brave thrill-seekers.

Anderson is brimming with enthusiasm about the park’s revitalisation.

“We’ve worked incredibly hard to bring this vision to life,” he said. “I’m lucky to have an amazing team around me who really pushed me to invest in making Waimarino even better.”

Owner Blair Anderson is ready for Bay of Plenty to enjoy the new attractions at Waimarino Group. Photo: Brydie Thompson.

For those keen to explore nature, Waimarino’s kayaking offerings have also received a significant boost. The park now features a brand-new pontoon, providing seamless access for visitors to launch their kayaks and paddleboards into the Wairoa River’s serene waters.

Anderson’s dedication is evident in every corner of the park, which opened in 1975.

Three generations of Andersons. Photo: Supplied.

The warm pool area has undergone a stunning upgrade, now featuring stylish new decking that provides a fresh and inviting space for relaxation.

Food lovers will have something to celebrate with the introduction of Bazza’s Burger Bar, a charming eatery named in honour of Blair’s father, Barry Anderson, the park’s founder. This new dining option will offer a mouth-watering selection of burgers, crispy hot chips, and locally roasted Excelso Coffee.

Waimarino Riverside is perfect for special occasions and conferences. Photo / Supplied

Waimarino Riverside

Waimarino Riverside, the park’s premier venue for weddings and corporate events, has been transformed into a rustic paradise, perfect for special occasions and conferences. The venue now boasts stunning, handcrafted tables designed by wood joiner Marco Anderson, Blair’s 21-year-old son.

Working with operations manager Royce Morgan, the rustic charm of the venue has been elevated even further.

Waimarino Riverside is perfect for special occasions and conferences. Photo / Supplied

“Royce helped strip back some old school benches and tables, painted them black, and then Marco varnished them,” Anderson said.

“They turned out looking really swish and I think they’ll add a great touch to the space.”

Waimarino Kayak Tours

Waimarino Kayak Tours has collaborated with local boat builder Tim Taylor, of Ruahine Kayaks, to introduce a custom-made 18-seater canoe known as the Big Kanu.

This innovative vessel will be used for its popular Glowworm Tours, offering a unique and magical experience for residents and tourists alike.

The new Big Kanu to be used for glowworm tours. Photo: Brydie Thompson.

“We’re excited to offer these tours, especially for the cruise ship market,” said Anderson.

“Our goal is to make these experiences accessible to everyone, including younger students that attend the Waimarino Education Trust Programmes and those with accessibility requirements.”

As Waimarino Adventure Park prepares to open its doors for a summer like no other, the team is busy ensuring every detail is perfect.

“The staff are hard at work cleaning and getting everything ready for our grand reopening,” Anderson said.

Enjoying Waimarino. Photo: Brydie Thompson.

Whether you’re seeking the adrenalin rush of Mother’s Nightmare, a relaxing riverside day by the warm pool, a picturesque venue for a special event or exploring the beauty of glowworms, Waimarino Group has something for everyone.

This Labour weekend, don’t miss your chance to be among the first to experience the excitement of the revamped park.

Waimarino Riverside. Photo / Supplied

For more information about all the new features and to plan your visit, head to the following websites: Waimarino Adventure Park, Waimarino Riverside, Glowworm Kayaking, and Waimarino Education Trust.