Whanganui River Journey Canoeing Itinerary

Trip departs Ohakune between 7.30 and 8.00am for the river. At Whakahoro, canoes and barrels will be unloaded and you guide will show you how to pack your canoe. There is time for some practice before starting the adventure on the river. 

As you paddling away from the last road access at Whakahoro, the gorge narrows down. Then the trip will pass Laceys and Wades landings and several old maori Kaianga (villages). Later in the morning you will pass Mangapapa campsite, Man of War Bluff, Kirikiriroa where the river does a huge horseshoe turn, the Verandah, the Whirlpool and on down to Tamatea's Cave and a possible lunch stop at Ohauora campsite. Camp at John Coull Hut and campsite.

Meals: Lunch and dinner

Accommodation: John Coull Hut - 1 night

The morning will be start with a hearty breakfast and then aim to be on the river at 9am. This morning trip will go past the Tangarakau and Whangamomona rivers, Mangawaiiti campsite, and Otumangu landing - one of the post WW1 faming settlements.

Shortly afterwards you will be able to see the first pine trees since Whakahoro (planted by the early settlers), and stop at the Mangapurua for lunch and a walk to the Bridge to Nowhere (45 min each way). Dinner be served at the Bridge to Nowhere Lodge where you will also be able to take a hot shower and sleep in a comfortable bed.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner and lunch

Accommodation: Bridge to Nowhere Lodge - 1 night

After a tasty breakfast we will take a walk to the Matemateonga track and up to the Puketotara hut. We will have magnificent views of the environment and we will be able to spot Mount Ruapehu.

After returning to the lodge we will go back on the river for a short paddle until lunch. We pass the Kahura landing and one of the locations for the filming of "River Queen". It is an hours paddle through the steep gorge until the river cascades through Ngaporo rapid and down to Ngaporo - which is our final campsite.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Accommodation: Ngaporo Campsite - 1 night

After breakfast you will paddle past the Mangaio stream and Mangaio rock where several of the early eyebolts can still be seen that were winching points for the riverboats. From Autapu rapid there are several small rapids before the Paparoa rapids swings the canoes past the old eel traps and down to the landing at Pipiriki. This is where the journey ends on river. You will be returned to Ohakune. 

Meals: Breakfast, and lunch

Inclusions

• Transport to and from the river
• Guides
• Full instruction
• Canoes, life-jackets, and waterproof storage barrels
• Waterproof camera case
• Sleeping mats
• Camping equipment
• All meals
• 2 casks of wine per group

Fitness

Although canoeing is much easier than tramping, you will enjoy your trip more if you are reasonably fit. The river is big and does not have a strong current which is why it is suitable for everyone. Carrying the gear up the riverbank is the most physically demanding task, however, with teamwork this is easily accomplished.

Extra information

All the guides are trained first aiders. They usually carry mountain radios on in case of an emergency.
Cellphones do not work on the Whanganui river.