This is without doubt one of New Zealand’s most unique and fascinating adventures, where you cruise the deep jade waters of the Whanganui River, through the heart of the Whanganui National park and leave civilisation far behind. Along the way discover beautiful natural wonders and connect with the spirit of the Tangata Whenua.
This is without doubt one of New Zealand’s most unique and fascinating adventures, where you cruise the deep jade waters of the Whanganui River, through the heart of the Whanganui National park and leave civilisation far behind. Along the way discover beautiful natural wonders and connect with the spirit of the Tangata Whenua.
Accommodation: Campsites, Lodge and Cabins, Department of Conservation Huts
Nearest Town: Ohakune
The beautiful jade green Whanganui River is one of the longest rivers in the country and this magnificent floating adventure take you on a voyage deep into the pristine forests of the surrounding national park.
It's a trip that takes you through steep-sided canyons far from towns and roads. Here you'll find tranquility as well as abundant birdlife in the native podocarp forests that cling to the the river’s edge. Along the way you can take a break from the water for short walks in the forest and immerse yourself in history with the numerous important Maori cultural sights along the way.
This is a generally straightforward paddle, with a few gentle rapids to negotiate, so it's definitely a great option for families. We recommend the four day fully guided and catered trip as the best and safest way to experience the river but other guided and independent excursions of varying lengths are available!
Contact us today and we can help you with some great advice and organise all the details for you.
Day One: Whakahoro to Ohauora Camp (27km, 5-7 Hours). You depart the canoe base in Ohakune at 7am for the river. At Whakahoro the canoes are unloaded and you're shown you how to safely navigate your canoe. The gorge starts to narrow and you leave the last road access point behind at Whakahoro, passing several old Maori kaianga (villages). This is the start of the scenic middle reaches of the river. You'll pass numerous waterfalls, the Tarepokiore (whirlpool) rapid and then the large overhang known as Tamatea’s Cave - a highly sacred place.
Day Two: Ohauora Camp to Mangapurua Camp (31km, 6-8 Hours). On this section, you’ll follow the river as it meanders through bush-covered hills, passing the mouths of the Tangarakau and Whangamomona rivers where they join the Whanganui. Perched high above the river, Mangawaiiti is an attractive spot to stop for lunch. Shortly afterwards you see the first pine trees since Whakahoro (planted by the early settlers), and you stop at the Mangapurua campsite for the night.
Day Three: Mangapurua Camp to Ramanui Camp (11km and 5 km walk – 4-6 Hours). After a leisurely breakfast there is the option of the walk to the Bridge to Nowhere track (45 minutes each way). After returning you are back on the river for a short paddle until lunch before continuing down past some great geology. There is a stop here to see an old abandoned farm with some colonial relics before finishing up at the Ramanui Campsite with dinner and hot showers. You can also upgrade to a shared cabin for added comfort.
Day Three: Ramanui Camp to Pipiriki (22km - 4-6 Hours). Today you'll wonder at the scenic gorge of the Manganui o te Ao River where it enters the Whanganui after its journey from the slopes of Mt Ruapehu. The Ngaporo and Autapu rapids then provides the day's excitement and perhaps a cool dip on a hot afternoon. You’ll pass through more dense native forest, before finally emerging into farmland and the end of your journey at Pipiriki village. You'll return to Ohakune by late afternoon.
From NZD$1390 per adult / NZD$1190 per child (8 to 14 yrs). Fully guided and catered. Includes canoe and safety equipment rental, all transportation and all camping equipment is provided.
Book NowThis trip is definitely best between October and April and not just because being on the river when its warm and sunny is more enjoyable: There's more daylight hours to complete reasonably long days on the water and there's less chance of heavy rain rising river levels and making it dangerous to paddle.
We organise:
Canoe - Each canoe comes complete with paddles, buoyancy vests, and waterproof storage barrels.
Camping gear on guided trips - Roomy tents and thick mattresses
Food on guided trips - Hot cooked breakfasts with fresh coffee, healthy lunches, and
3-course dinners with NZ wine.
You will receive a full safety and equipment briefing before you head out on to the water. Please note that for safety reasons solo paddlers have to be placed together into small groups.
You will need to bring:
Waterproof jacket
Lots of warm clothes
Water bottle
Sunscreen
Insect repellant
First-aid kit
Sleeping bag
If canoeing independently - All your food, gas cooker, plates, bowls, utensils etc.
For guided trips you stay at river side campgrounds with all your camping gear provided - this includes nice roomy tents and thick mattresses. Toilet facilities are non-flush.
This cosy wilderness retreat has cabins with 3-4 bunks or in the lodge itself private twins, doubles or family rooms are available.
For independent canoeing accommodation is provided in two excellent Department of Conservation Huts: John Coull Hut and Tieke Kainga Hut (which is uniquely also a historic marae). They both feature toilets, fresh water, mattresses, tables, benches and heating.
For more information about backcountry huts in New Zealand please checkout our accommodation guide here.
We can organise your accommodation in the charming resort town of Ohakune for before and after your trip if you wish. Please let us know what sort of accommodation you are looking for when you make your booking for this activity, and we can discuss the options with you.
Pick up your kayak or canoe, and the rest of your gear, at Raetahi. Transportation is provided from there to the start point at Whakahoro and return from Pipiriki. Secure vehicle storage also available in Raetahi.