3 Day Guided Whanganui River Journey

We set off from Ohakune between 7:30 and 8:00 am, heading to the river. At Whakahoro, we unload the canoes and barrels, and our guides will show you how to pack and steer your canoe. Once everyone is comfortable, we push off and begin our adventure.

As the gorge narrows, we leave the last road access point behind at Whakahoro—the final mooring site of the old houseboat. Paddling downstream, we pass Laceys and Wades landings, along with several historic Māori kāinga (villages).

Later in the morning, we glide past Mangapapa Campsite, Man of War Bluff, and Kirikiriroa, where the river carves a dramatic horseshoe bend. We also take in sights like the Verandah, the Whirlpool, and Tamatea’s Cave before stopping for a possible lunch break at Ohauora Campsite. There’s plenty of time for breaks along the way, and with many safe spots to hop out, a refreshing swim is always an option.

By late afternoon, we reach John Coull Hut and Campsite, where we settle in for our first night surrounded by native forest and the sounds of the river.

After breakfast, we’re back on the river by 9:00 am, paddling past the Tangarakau and Whangamōmona Rivers, the scenic Mangawaiiti Campsite, and Otumangu Landing, one of the early post-World War I farming settlements.

A little further downstream, we spot the first pine trees since Whakahoro, planted by settlers over a century ago. We then arrive at Mangapurua Landing, where we break for lunch before walking the 45-minute track (each way) to the iconic Bridge to Nowhere—a surreal reminder of an abandoned farming dream.

For the night, we stay at BTN Cabins, where hot showers and a well-earned dinner await. If you’d prefer to upgrade to a lodge room, early booking is recommended, as space is limited.

This morning, we continue downstream, passing Kāhura Landing, one of the filming locations for River Queen. A short paddle through the steep gorge brings us to Ngaporo Rapid, followed by a break at Ngaporo Campsite.

Further along, we pass Mangaio Stream and Mangaio Rock, where early riverboat eyebolts—once used for winching—can still be seen embedded in the cliffs. Next, we navigate past the Pururoto Caves and ride Autapu Rapid, before tackling a series of smaller rapids leading into Paparoa Rapids, which sweeps our canoes past traditional Māori eel traps.

From here, it’s a final, scenic stretch down to Pipiriki, where our adventure comes to an end.