Whanganui River Journey - Four Day Guided Canoe

Whanganui River Journey - Four Day Guided Canoe
From NZD $1,390.00
  • Duration: 4 Days (approx.)
  • Product code: AAWRJ2

This trip is available from October to May


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.


  • 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 Ohauora Camp (27km, 5-7  Hours). You depart the canoe base in Ohakune at 7am for the river. At Whakahoro the canoes are unloaded and you're shown you how to safely navigate your canoe. The gorge starts to narrow and you leave the last road access point behind at Whakahoro, passing several old Maori kaianga (villages). This is the start of the scenic middle reaches of the river. You'll pass numerous waterfalls, the Tarepokiore (whirlpool) rapid and then the large overhang known as Tamatea’s Cave - a highly sacred place. 

    Day Two: Ohauora Camp to Mangapurua Camp (31km, 6-8 Hours). On this section, you’ll follow the river as it meanders through bush-covered hills, passing the mouths of the Tangarakau and Whangamomona rivers where they join the Whanganui. Perched high above the river, Mangawaiiti is an attractive spot to stop for lunch. Shortly afterwards you see the first pine trees since Whakahoro (planted by the early settlers), and you stop at the Mangapurua campsite for the night. 

    Day Three: Mangapurua Camp to Ramanui Camp (11km and 5 km walk – 4-6 Hours). After a leisurely breakfast there is the option of the walk to the Bridge to Nowhere track (45 minutes each way). After returning you are back on the river for a short paddle until lunch before continuing down past some great geology. There is a stop here to see an old abandoned farm with some colonial relics before finishing up at the Ramanui Campsite with dinner and hot showers. You can also upgrade to a shared cabin for added comfort.

    Day Three: Ramanui Camp to Pipiriki (22km - 4-6 Hours). 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.


*Please Note: 

Only available for children 8 to 14 years old