Canoeing
There’s a wealth of reminders of pre-European history to be explored on the Whanganui River, as well as poignant examples of the European’s vain attempts to tame the river and the magnificent scenery that had the Whanganui River journey being described at one stage as the “Eighth Great Wonder of the World”. A rare chance to really get away from it all for a few days in perfect safety – something that is almost unique in this troubled world of today. No telephones… no televisions. Just you and nature.
A Whanganui River canoe trip is perfect for people of all ages and all experience levels. Trips can range from one day up to eight days for a complete expedition from Taumarunui to Wanganui.
The normal canoeing season is from 1st October to 1st May with the busiest time being over the Christmas holiday period.
Accommodation along your journey is at one of the many campsites or Department of Conservation huts along the way. A highly recommended stop would be at Tieke Kāinga, a small Māori community and marae which was a trading centre prior to European colonisation.
Our Canoeing Experiences
Splash'n Dash |
Taumarunui to Ohinepane - 1 Day (4-5 hours) - $100 per passenger |
| Great for those with limited time. A one day 21.5 km paddle starting at Cherry Grove, Taumarunui you'll paddle along the upper Whanganui River to Ohinepane and experience plenty of rapids (45 of them!) along the way. You can also take a pit stop along the way at Lauren's Lavender Farm Cafe for a cuppa and a fresh baked muffin. Book Now |
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Overnighter |
Taumarunui to Whakahoro - 2 Days, 1 night - $175 per passenger |
| A two day paddle, starting at Cherry Grove, Taumarunui you'll paddle 57 kms along the upper Whanganui River to Whakahoro. Enjoy the transition from town to wilderness including Ohura Falls and an overnight stay at Poukaria Campsite. Revel in the exhilaration of 100 rapids on along the way. Accommodation available, please contact us for details. Book Now |
Park Highlights |
Whakahoro to Pipiriki - 3 Days, 2 nights - $200 per passenger |
| A three day paddle starting at Whakahoro, you'll travel 88 kms through the beautiful Whanganui River National Park experiencing the rapids and mirror pools of the Whanganui River to Pipiriki. Enjoy a walk to the Bridge to Nowhere as part of your tour. Includes 1 night acommodation at our River Rock Cottage for the night prior to your departure. Book Now |
Ohinepane Kickback |
Ohinepane to Pipiriki - 4 Days, 3 nights - $200 per passenger |
| OUR MOST POPULAR EXPERIENCE. A four day paddle, starting at Ohinepane you'll travel though the beautiful Whanganui River National Park experiencing the rapids and mirror pools of the Whanganui River through to Pipiriki. 123 kms of fun and tranquility. Enjoy a walk to the Bridge to Nowhere as part of your tour. Includes 1 night acommodation at our River Rock Cottage for the night prior to your departure. Book Now |
Ultimate Experience |
Taumarunui to Pipiriki - 5 Days, 4 nights - $200 per passenger |
| A perfect getaway, 145 kms of discovery, rapids and stunning scenery through the Whanganui River National Park. You can also take a pit stop along the way at Lauren's Lavender Farm Cafe for a cuppa and a fresh baked muffin. Enjoy a walk to the Bridge to Nowhere as part of your tour. Includes 1 night acommodation at our River Rock Cottage for the night prior to your departure. Book Now |
Te Araroa Walkers and New Zealand Cycle Trail |
Taumarunui to Pipiriki --or-- Whakahoro to Wanganui - up to 8 days - $225 per passenger |
| Enjoy an unforgettable paddling adventure through the stunning Whanganui National Park as part of your Te Araroa or NZ Cycle Trail journey. A flexible 5, 6, 7 or 8 day paddle, starting from your choice of either Taumarunui, Ohinepane or Whakahoro. There so many options available for you to discover hidden gems. Enjoy a walk to the Bridge to Nowhere as part of your tour. Includes 1 night acommodation at our River Rock Cottage for the night prior to your departure. Book Now |
What you need to know
Please note - we won't leave our paddlers stranded if you're late arriving at your destination and we won't charge you a late fee
Prices are based on 1 passenger. For safety reasons there are a minimum of 2 passengers required for each trip. Discounts available for larger group bookings.
Any campsite or hut fees are not included in our price. These must be booked and paid for separately with the Department of Conservation. Please click here to book.
What we provide for your journey: Canoe/Kayak, Paddles, Life Jackets, Storage Drums, Baler, Rope, River Maps, Safety Video and Briefing, Emergency Personal Locator Beacon, Transport To and From the River.
What we provide at our Base: WiFi, Tea, Coffee, Showers, Toilet Facilities and Vehicle Storage at our base.
Vehicle Relocation
We can transport your vehicle from our Piriaka base to your final destination saving you up to 5 hours of travel time if you are continuing your journey south.
From our Piriaka base to:
- Ohinepane $100
- Whakahoro $150
- Pipiriki $150
Combinations packages available including Accommodation, Shuttle Services and Bicycles are available
Accommodation on the Whanganui River
Department of Conservation Huts and Campsites
There are only Deportment of Conservation campsites on the Taumarunui to Whakahoro section of the Whanganui River, with the John Coull Hut and Tieke Marae being supplemented by campsites. There is a hut at Whakahoro, but it is sleeping only, with separate cooking shelters outside. John Coull Hut has gas rings to cook on, but canoeists must take their own pots, plates and eating utensils. There is a campsite approximately every two hours after Ohinepane, each having a shelter that serves as a water catcher, and a toilet. Each campsite has storage for about 5000 litres of fresh water that does not need purifying.
It is not possible to freedom camp beside the Whanganui River. DOC hut and campsite bookings must be made before going on the river. It is now possible to book a bed in the DOC huts and at the Tieke Marae. We request you make your own DOC bookings online.
Posh Pioneers
We highly recommend the accomodation and exclusive experience of Posh Pioneers, located right next to the Maharanui campsite just north of Whakahoro. Posh Pioneers is a unique off the grid boutique accomodation experience hosted by the lovely Heather and Fritz Bonk. A stay here will provide some unforgettable memories
Blue Duck Lodge
You can also book into the private Whio Lodge or Steele’s Shearing Quarters at Blue Duck Station in Whakahoro and they will help you transport your gear up from the river.
Private Campsites
The private Ramanui Campsite opposite Tieke Marae has a 6-bed hut, or campsites. The hut can be booked directly with the Bridge to Nowhere Lodge at 0800 480 308 or by email.
Further Downstream
From Pipiriki onwards you can organise your campsites as you go with a variety of options available, Whanganui River Adventures have Camping and cabins in Pipiriki, further down is Jerusalem, then a campsite at Ranana, The Flying Fox, Koriniti, Downes Hut, Atene, Parekino and finishing at the Top 10 Holiday Park in Whanganui.
River Conditions
For current Whanganui River conditions, click here.
The Whanganui River is considered unsafe for canoeing when the Level at Te Maire is above 80 cumecs (litres/second). Extreme care should also be exercised when the river is approaching 60 cumecs (litres/second) and the weather forecast is indicating rain in the Whanganui River headwaters.
The best idea is to call us on 0800 252 946 for an update on expected conditions before you leave home.
Your safety is important to us and we reserve the absolute right to not allow passengers to travel when we consider the river conditions or weather forecasts are unfavourable, or for any other reason, at our sole discretion. In the event that we consider the river to be unsafe for canoeing, we will fully refund any deposit or other payment made. If we consider the river to be safe for your trip and you choose not to go, we reserve the right to keep any deposit or payment made.
