4 Day Guided Whanganui National Park Canoe Tour

We set off from Ohakune between 6:45 am and 7:00 am, heading to the river. At Whakahoro, we unload the canoes and barrels, giving you a full briefing on how to pack your canoe. As we paddle into the gorge, the last road access fades behind us at Whakahoro—the second and final mooring point for the old Colonial Houseboats. Along the way, we pass Laceys and Wades landings, as well as several historic Māori kāinga (villages).

Later in the morning, we glide past Mangapapa Campsite, a possible lunch stop, before continuing through Man of War Bluff, Kirikiriroa (where the river forms a massive horseshoe bend), the Verandah, and the Whirlpool. We also visit Tamatea’s Cave before arriving at Ohauora Campsite, where we settle in for the night. If time and weather allow, there may be opportunities to explore canyons and take a refreshing swim.

After breakfast, we’re back on the river by 9:00 am, paddling through a dramatic gorge towards John Coull Campsite for a morning tea break. From there, we continue past the Tangarakau and Whangamōmona rivers before stopping at Mangawaiiti Campsite for lunch and a swim. We also pass Otumangu Landing, one of the farming settlements established after World War I.

A little further downstream, we spot the first pine trees since Whakahoro, planted by early settlers, before reaching Mangapurua Campsite for the night. Here, there’s the option to take a 45-minute walk (each way) to the famous Bridge to Nowhere—either this evening or first thing the following morning.

After a leisurely breakfast, we complete the Bridge to Nowhere walk (if not done the night before). Then, it's back onto the river for a short paddle before stopping for lunch. Along the way, we pass striking rock formations and pause to explore an abandoned farm with remnants of New Zealand’s colonial past.

As the day winds down, we arrive at Ramanui Campsite, where a well-deserved dinner and hot showers await. If you’d like to upgrade to a shared cabin for extra comfort, let us know—availability is limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Today, we paddle past Kāhura Landing, one of the filming locations for River Queen. The journey continues through a breathtaking gorge, with towering cliffs on either side, before reaching Ngaporo Rapid and stopping at Ngaporo Campsite for snacks or lunch.

Further downstream, we pass the Mangaio Stream and Mangaio Rock, where early riverboat eyebolts—once used for winching—can still be seen. Next comes Autapu Rapid, followed by a series of smaller rapids before the Paparoa Rapids sweep us past traditional Māori eel traps. From here, it’s a final paddle down to Pipiriki, our finishing point, where we wrap up an unforgettable adventure on the Whanganui River.