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. The fully guided excursion would be our recommendation as it's the safest and easiest option. Accommodation, catering, canoe hire and transportation as all included. If you are an experienced paddler and would rather rent canoes for an independent trip we can also arrange that for you.
The three day guided trip is the most popular and takes in the best scenery. Longer trips from 4 to 5 days are also available if you want to experience the river over a longer timeframe..
If you would prefer an independent canoe trip we can arrange that for you from 3 to 5 days and from various starting points too and of course we'll sort out all your gear, accommodation and transport!
Contact us today and we can help you with some great advice and organise all the details for you.
You can combine this canoe trip with any other activity on this website to create your own unique itinerary.
When you develop your own tailor-made itinerary with us, it's fully customised with your choice of activities, accommodation and transport around New Zealand - Click here for more information about Multi-Activity Trips or Enquire Now to get started.
Day One: Whakahoro to John Coull Hut (37.5km, 7-9 Hours).You depart Ohakune between 7.30 and 8.00am 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). There is plenty of time for stops along the way and there are many safe places to get out and swim. You camp at John Coull Campsite where you will find your comfy tents waiting for you. Relax while dinner is prepared and enjoy the peace of this stunning natural region.
Day Two: John Coull Hut to Tieke Kainga (29km, 6-8 Hours). Breakfast and on the river at 9am. A morning paddle past the Tangarakau and Whangamomona rivers, Mangawaiiti campsite, and Otumangu landing - one of the post WW1 faming settlements. Shortly afterwards you stop at the Mangapurua for lunch and a walk to the Bridge to Nowhere (45 min each way). After the walk there is time for a swim before you paddle the last 1.5hrs to the Bridge to Nowhere Lodge and Cabins (includes hot shower!).
Day Three: Tieke Kainga to Pipiriki (21.5km, 4-6 Hours). There's excitement to start the day with an hour long paddle through a steep gorge until the river cascades through Ngaporo rapid and down to Ngaporo campsite for a break. You paddle past the Mangaio stream and Mangaio rock where several of the early eyebolts can still be seen that were winching points for the riverboats. Next it's the Pururoto caves and then Autapu rapid. From Autapu there are several small rapids before the Paparoa rapids swings the canoes past the old eel traps and down to the landing at Pipiriki. After unloading boats and loading the trailer you have a quick stop in Pipiriki and a short one hour drive back to Ohakune.
From NZD$995 per adult / NZD$795 per child (9 to 14). Includes canoe and safety equipment rental, all transportation, full catering and accommodation.
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.
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.
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 the resort town of Ohakune. Transportation is provided from there to the start point at Whakahoro and return from Pipiriki. Secure vehicle storage also available in Ohakune.