Canoeing & Kayaking
Whanganui River Journey
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- Whanganui River Journey
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.
Activity in brief
- Distance:
- 88km
- Duration:
- 3-5 days
- Start - End:
- Whakahoro - Pipiriki
- Transport:
- Bus
Accommodation: Campsites, Lodge and Cabins, Department of Conservation Huts
Nearest Town: Ohakune
Activity Overview
The Whanganui River Journey is available from October to May
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.
"THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL YOUR QUICK AND CLEAR COMMUNICATION AND HELPING US TO HAVE THE MOST AMAZING TIME ON THE WHANGANUI RIVER JOURNEY. IT IS AN AWESOME TRIP AND WE'RE SO PLEASED TO HAVE DONE IT!" SHELLEY, NZ
Itineraries
Personalised Itineraries
- We believe the best option for experiencing the river is a fully guided trip, especially for families. The amazing and knowledgeable guides take care of everything for you. They are also highly experienced and fully certified operators, so with safety on the river paramount you know you will be in good hands. Guided trips include canoe hire and all your gear, transportation, they are fully catered and you stay in comfortable campsites or lodge cabins. Guided trips from 3 to 5 days are available.
Contact us today and we can help you with some great advice and organise all the details for you.
BOOK this trip online now...
Three Day Guided Canoe
- Available October to May
- Fully Guided by experienced and certified operators
- Great for families, kids from 8 years old can join the trip!
- All meals provided - Hot cooked breakfasts with fresh coffee, healthy lunches, and
3-course dinners with NZ wine - Canoe rental included in large stable multi-person canoes plus all safety equipment, personal locator beacon hire and full briefing
- All transportation included from Ohakune to the river and return
- Accommodation is camping with all camping gear provided and option for cabin on third night
Day One: Whakahoro to John Coull Camp (37.5km). Canoes launched and you’re on your way. The gorge starts to narrow and you leave the last road access point behind at Whakahoro - the second and final mooring point for the old Colonial Houseboats. You pass Laceys and Wades landings and several old maori Kaianga. Later in the morning you pass Mangapapa campsite for a possible lunch stop, Man of War Bluff, Kirikiriroa where the river does a huge horseshoe turn, the Verandah, the Whirlpool and on down to Tamatea's. If you have time and weather on your side, there are a couple of stops today for canyon exploring and a swim.
Day Two: John Coull to Bridge to Ramanui (29km). A morning paddle past the Tangarakau and Whangamomona rivers, and Otumangu landing - one of the post WW1 faming settlements. Shortly afterwards you see the first pine trees since Whakahoro (planted by the early settlers). 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 your second camping location on the river. Rooms at nearby Bridge to Nowhere Lodge are also available for an extra cost.
Day Three: Ramanui Camp to Pipiriki (22km). 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.
Pricing: Three Day Guided Canoe
From NZD$1190 per adult / NZD$990 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 NowActivity Planning
When to go
This trip is available between October and May. That's all good because it's when the weather is more likely to be warm and sunny with more daylight hours to complete reasonably long days on the water. There's also less chance of heavy rain rising river levels and making it dangerous to paddle.
What to bring
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
Towel
Accommodation
Accommodation On The River
Campground
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.
Bridge to Nowhere Lodge
This cosy wilderness retreat has cabins with 3-4 bunks or in the lodge itself private twins, doubles or family rooms are available.
Accommodation In Ohakune
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.
Transportation
Shuttle-Bus
Transportation is provided from Ohakune to the start point at Whakahoro and return from Pipiriki. Secure vehicle storage also available in Ohakune.
