5
Moderate
Activities
  • guided canoe
Accommodation
  • 2 nights lodge, 1 night tent, 1 night basic cabin
Meals
  • 2 Dinners
  • 3 Lunches
  • 2 Breakfasts

Price

5 daysfrom

$1800NZD

Trip Code: GW3

Trip highlights


  • Enjoy the most scenic stretch of the Whanganui River
  • Paddle through lush, unspoiled landscapes
  • Experience the Maori heritage linked to the Te Awa Tupua
  • Visit haunting relics that time forgot
  • Enjoy peaceful riverside campsites and delicious meals
  • Complete disconnect with technology and a reconnect with nature

Our Whanganui Journey Guided Canoe Challenge covers 90km in the heart of the national park and is great for people who may be a little time constrained as it covers the most stunning part of the national park in the shortest amount of time. The trip offers a truly unique adventure where, instead of hiking, you’ll embark on a multi-day canoe trip down the stunning Whanganui River. This winding journey takes you through the lush, unspoiled landscapes, immersing you in the breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural history of New Zealand. The river’s gentle current leads you through deep gorges shrouded in native forest, past towering cliffs, waterfalls, and tranquil valleys. Along the way, you’ll camp at peaceful riverside sites and visit historic marae, gaining insights into the deep Maori heritage connected to the river, known as Te Awa Tupua—a revered ancestor of the local iwi. This shortened journey is designed to take in all the fabulous trip highlights which include the iconic Bridge to Nowhere, a haunting symbol of a forgotten settlement, along with secluded campsites and gourmet camp meals, in a shorter timeframe. Whether paddling through misty dawns or drifting beneath a canopy of stars, the Whanganui River Journey offers a tranquil, soul-enriching experience that connects you to New Zealand’s natural and cultural heritage.


Itinerary

Make your own way to Ohakune and check-in to your trip accommodation any time after 2:00pm. Ohakune is an energetic yet laid back town in the Central North Island, and surround by picturesque scenery being at the foot of Mt Ruapehu. It is also the carrot capital of New Zealand for those that like a bit of trivia. A great base for adventurers, make yourself at home and relax tonight at your trip accommodation.

Meals:  Nil

Your 3 day challenge begins at our base in Ohakune, where you will meet your guides before setting off on a peaceful drive through the rolling hills through to the launch site at Whakahoro. On arrive, your guides will show you how to pack your canoe, paddle efficiently and will cover all the necessary information for a safe and fun trip. After an exciting morning paddle, enjoy a gourmet lunch on the beach. Following lunch, we continue down the river, traversing through the massive horseshoe bed at Kirikiriroa and passing the famous Tamatea's cave before arriving into camp for the evening. Here you can enjoy a refreshing swim or a relax before enjoying your 3 course meal prepared by your guides.

Meals:  L,D

Awaken this morning to the sound of songbirds and the smell of a gourmet hot breakfast. After fueling up for the day, we continue our journey down the river, passing by the Tangarakau and Whangamomona Rivers that help fuel the mighty Whanganui. We stop and walk to the iconic Bridge to Nowhere to learn more about the interesting history of the former farming settlement, before setting off for camp, breaking for lunch along the way. Once at camp, enjoy a hot shower if you wish or a drink on the deck (own expense), before our final camp dinner.

Meals:  B,L,D

Your final day on the Whanganui Journey beings with a paddle through one of the most peaceful sections of the river. As you paddle, you can admire the huge canyon walls covered by moss and ferns. We pass by the film locations used for movies River Queen and Utu before navigating the exciting Ngaporo rapid and stopping for a break. Following a rest, we are back on the water and paddling into the beautiful Mangaio stream. We explore the Puraroto cave and navigate the legendary Autapu rapid. From Autapu there are several more fun rapids to navigate, followed by our first signs of civilisation in the form of telephone poles and farmland. After our last big rapid on the trip, we land at Pipiriki where our journey ends. We load our gear and embark on a 1 hour drive back through to Ohakune. Perhaps relax in the spa at your accommodation, or head out for a drink and some dinner (own expense), either way you can reflect on all you have seen and accomplished over the past five days in this uniquely beautiful part of New Zealand.

Meals:  B,L

Your trip ends this morning on check out from your accommodation.

Meals:  Nil


Inclusions

  • 2 nights lodge accommodation (twin share), 1 night tent (twin share), 1 night basic multi share cabin
  • 2 breakfast, 3 lunches and 2 dinners
  • Transfers from Ohakune to launch site, and from drop site back to Ohakune
  • Expert local guides
  • Snacks
  • A glass of wine or two, coffee/tea, water
  • Sleeping bag hire
  • National Park Fees
  • Watertight barrels and dry bags for your personal belongings
  • All equipment including sleeping mats, tents, canoes,

  • Travel to/from Ohakune
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Optional activities, extras and upgrades
  • Items of a personal nature (eg. laundry, shopping, drinks, snacks)
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa (if required)

Trail Surface


Accommodation


Grading

Moderate  
5

MODERATE This trip involves canoeing for up to eight hours a day at a slow but steady pace. Although canoeing is easier than hiking, you will enjoy your trip more with a reasonable level of fitness and good health. During the canoe stages you will encounter some stages with some more technical rapids compared to others, the grading of these does not exceed a Grade 2 level. Fun but a little more challenging. If you have issues with balance, core strength or weight, please contact us as we would like to chat about these to make everyone more comfortable. Carrying the gear up the riverbank is the most physically demanding task, however, with teamwork this is easily accomplished. Suggested preparation: We recommend 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (fast walking, jogging or cycling) four times a week for three months leading up to your departure. Hill or stair walking with a full daypack is also highly recommended at least once a week for leg strengthening and aerobic fitness. Walking in variable weather conditions is advisable.


Departure dates


Notes

NB:
There is no additional charge for single travellers having their own tent. Single travellers cannot be matched with other travellers in the Ohakune accommodation, and will need to pay a surcharge for their own room for this portion of the trip.
Note:
Trip is guaranteed to run with a minimum of 4 confirmed travellers.

Want to organise a customised tour?

School groups, friends, family trips, corporate events and even making the trail accessible for everyone. Learn how you can organise a Customised Tour with Great Walks of New Zealand.

Priceper person from

$1800NZD

Options & Supplements*
  • Gluten Free, Vegan or Dairy Free DietsNZD$50
  • Single traveller surchargeNZD$180
  • Single Supplement (own room Ohakune)NZD$180
*Prices listed are per person and also from

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Whanganui Journey Guided Short Canoe Challenge trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


Videos

Peaceful canoeing on the Whanganui Journey | Great Walks of New Zealand

Trip reviews


Why walk with us

Self-Guided Experts

Our itineraries have been carefully designed and researched with you in mind.  The logistics are handled for you allowing you the freedom to walk New Zealand at a level of your choosing and in your own stride.

Kaitiakitanga

A core Maori value exercising guardianship in relation to nature, flora and fauna and its people, ensuring that sustainability and environment are valued, respected and protected for future generations to enjoy.

Supporting Local

As a small business ourselves, we love supporting and sharing New Zealand with other small and likeminded businesses and communities to showcase for you, what our land and people have to offer.

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