Skip to contentSkip to menu

3 Day Whanganui River Canoeing Adventure

About 15 hours paddling and 1.5 hour walking over 3 days

Days
3

Pricing From
$1295

Difficulty

Book Now

Overview

The Whanganui National Park has rugged terrain covered in lush native forest with the Whanganui River flowing through it. The river from Taumarunui to Pipiriki is part of the Department of Conservation ‘Great Walk' network. The 3 day Whakahoro to Pipiriki section is the most popular canoeing section. From Whakahoro, the only access out is by canoe and this remoteness with forest filtered fresh air makes for a rejuvenating holiday. The Canadian Canoes used, are well suited for the rapids and the long still water of the gorges and they hold plenty of gear. Luxuries are a must!

Whanganui River Canoeing New Zealand is rich with Maori and European history, the largest reminder of which, is the famous ‘Bridge to Nowhere'. Just like the early explorers, you will see the spectacular sheer gorges rising hundreds of metres to distant ridges and hopefully hear a Kiwi calling, while eating dinner under the stars.

Your guides are qualified, experienced and personable, whose sole purpose is to ensure you have a safe, enjoyably and memorable adventure. There are many marvels and obstacles on the journey where our guides willingly offer their experience and anecdotes. Equally there are times where you are left to absorb the tranquillity and solitude.

We have guided clients of all ages, between 4, and our favourite, a beautiful 84 years young!

Tour Grading: B

Whanganui River Canoeing

Whanganui River Canoeing

Whanganui River Canoeing

Bridge to Nowhere

Whanganui River Canoeing

Whanganui River Canoeing

Whanganui River Canoeing

Whanganui River Canoeing

Whanganui River Canoeing

Whanganui River Canoeing

Whanganui River Canoeing

Whanganui River Canoeing

Whanganui River Canoeing

Whanganui River Canoeing

Whanganui River Canoeing

Whanganui River Canoeing

Whanganui River Canoeing

Whanganui River Canoeing

Whanganui River Canoeing

Itinerary

Open All
Day 1Whakahoro to John Coull Hut6 hr paddle

Previous Day

Arrive at National Park Village. Make contact with us and pick-up your dry barrels.

You will be picked up from your National Park accommodation about 8.00am. This day involves a 6-hour paddle to John Coull Hut. We will be passing the Mangapapa and Ohauora campsites at 2 hrs and 4-hrs paddling, respectively. Just before the Ohauora Campsite is Tamatea's Cave.

Day 2John Coull Hut to Tieke Marae5 hr paddle, 1.5 hr walk

Today we have a 5-hour paddle from John Coull Hut to Tieke Marae. Passing Mangawaiti and the Upper Mangapurua campsites at one and a half hour intervals. Just before the Mangapurua Campsite is the track up to the Bridge to Nowhere (1.5 hour return walk).

Day 3Tieke Marae to Pipiriki4 hr paddle

From Tieke, it is a four hour paddle to Pipiriki and at 2 pm we will be met by our transport which will take us back to National Park Village by 4.30 pm. But before that, where we will pass the Ngaporo Campsite, successfully negotiate the 3 largest rapids of the journey including the Ngaporo Rapid and the infamous Autapu Rapid. WhoHa!

Itinerary

Open All
Day 1Whakahoro to John Coull Hut6 hr paddle

Previous Day

Arrive at National Park Village. Make contact with us and pick-up your dry barrels.

You will be picked up from your National Park accommodation about 8.00am. This day involves a 6-hour paddle to John Coull Hut. We will be passing the Mangapapa and Ohauora campsites at 2 hrs and 4-hrs paddling, respectively. Just before the Ohauora Campsite is Tamatea's Cave.

Day 2John Coull Hut to Tieke Marae5 hr paddle, 1.5 hr walk

Today we have a 5-hour paddle from John Coull Hut to Tieke Marae. Passing Mangawaiti and the Upper Mangapurua campsites at one and a half hour intervals. Just before the Mangapurua Campsite is the track up to the Bridge to Nowhere (1.5 hour return walk).

Day 3Tieke Marae to Pipiriki4 hr paddle

From Tieke, it is a four hour paddle to Pipiriki and at 2 pm we will be met by our transport which will take us back to National Park Village by 4.30 pm. But before that, where we will pass the Ngaporo Campsite, successfully negotiate the 3 largest rapids of the journey including the Ngaporo Rapid and the infamous Autapu Rapid. WhoHa!

Similar Tours

3 Day Abel Tasman Kayak and Walk Break
3 Day Abel Tasman Kayak and Walk Break

Read more

3 Day Whanganui National Park Guided Canoe
3 Day Whanganui National Park Guided Canoe

Read more

3 Day Abel Tasman Kayaks Classic
3 Day Abel Tasman Kayaks Classic

Read more

3 Day Whanganui River Canoeing Adventure
3 Day Whanganui River Canoeing Adventure

Read more