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Whanganui River Canoeing Trips, New Zealand

Experience the breath-taking scenery of the Whanganui River Journey through travelling by canoe. This excursion is considered one of New Zealand’s Great Walks and is ideal for individuals with physical fitness and experience in paddling. Unlike the other Great Walks, this trip involves paddling down the river and provides a unique adventure through serene hills and lush valleys.

The Whanganui River Canoeing trip is suitable for all the family. The Whanganui National Park has rugged terrain covered in lush native forest with the Whanganui River flowing through it. The river is part of the Department of Conservation ‘Great Walk' network. The Canadian Canoes used, are well suited for the rapids and the long still water of the gorges. 

Sample Whanganui Journey itinerary:

Total distance: 121 km

The Whanganui River Journey can be done in 3, 4 or 5 days. If you are travelling with people with limited canoeing or water skills, or are going with younger children as part of a family; then we recommend starting at Maharanui on day 2 of the itinerary below, as that avoids the rapids on day one. Rapids from day two onwards are a lot smaller than those on the first day, and more suitable for families.

Day 1: Ohinepane to Maharanui

Distance: 31 km

At Ohinepane we unload canoes and barrels and show you how to pack your canoe. Travelling the upper reaches of the Whanganui River, you’ll pass through a mixture of farmland and patches of native bush. The first day includes lunch at Poukaria Campsite, we paddle past the old riverboat landing at Kirikau and take a short walk at MaraeKowhai. View the Ohura falls, and the War and Peace Poles that were erected by the Hau Hau warriors. It's then a short paddle to the first nights camp at Maharanui.

Day 2: Maharanui to Ohauora

Distance: 31 km

The gorge starts to narrow and we leave the last road access point behind at Whakahoro, the second and final mooring point for the Houseboat. We pass Laceys and Wades landings and several old maori Kaianga. Later in the morning we pass Mangapapa campsite, Man of War Bluff, Kirikiriroa where the river does a huge horseshoe turn, the Verandah, the Whirlpool and on down to Tamatea's Cave and a possible lunch stop at Ohauora campsite. There is plenty of time for stops and there are safe places to get out and swim. Camp at Ohauora campsite.

Day 3: Ohauora to Mangapurua

Distance: 29 km

Breakfast and on the river at 9am. A stunning morning paddle through the straightest part of the river and through another vertical gorge before stopping at John Coull campsite for morning tea. Afterwards, we go past the Tangarakau and Whangamomona rivers, Mangawaiiti campsite, and Otumangu landing - one of the post WW1 faming settlements. Shortly afterwards we see the first pine trees since Whakahoro (planted by the early settlers), and lastly we stop at the Mangapurua Landing, where the old riverboats used to tie up, to camp for the evening.

Day 4: Mangapurua to Bridge to Nowhere

Distance: 10.5 km

After breakfast we walk to the Bridge to Nowhere (45 min each way), a poignant reminder of the Mangapurua Valley farm settlement, carved out of the bush and then abandoned between the two World Wars.

After the walk there is time for a swim before we paddle the last 1.5hrs down to Bridge to Nowhere Lodge. If the weather and time allows we also take a short walk at Tangahoe landing to the Tangahoe waterfall. Â Dinner and hot showers at Ramanui Campground where you can upgrade to sleeping in a cabin if you like (pre bookings only).

Day 5: Bridge to Nowhere to Pipiriki

Distance: 21.5 km

After breakfast, we start paddling again and pass Kahura landing and one of the locations for the filming of "River Queen". It is another hours paddle through the steep gorge until the river cascades through Ngaporo rapid and past the Mangaio stream and Mangaio rock where several of the early eyebolts can still be seen that were winching points for the riverboats.

On down to Pururoto Caves and past to the legendary Autapu rapid for lunch. From Autapu there are several small rapids before the Paparoa rapids swing the canoes past the old eel traps and down to the landing at Pipiriki.

It is a one hour drive on our bus back to our base in Ohakune. It's a fantastic trip for all ages perfect for families and the kids will always have something to do.

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