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 Great Walk adventure begins this morning at our base in Ohakune, where you will meet your guides, before setting off on a peaceful drive through the rolling hills of the central plateau through to Whakahoro. Once at the launch site, your guides will show you how to pack your canoe, paddle efficiently and will cover all the necessary information that you need for a safe and fun trip. Following a lovely morning paddle, we will stop for a rock jump followed by a picnic lunch. We continue on the river through the massive horseshoe bend at Kirikiriroa where we head off on a canyon walk to see the famous Tamatea cave before arriving at camp. Once at our evening camp, it will be time to set up the tents, enjoy a refreshing swim and a gourmet camp dinner.

Meals:  L,D

This morning after a hot breakfast, and a cup of tea or coffee to get the day started, we set off on a peaceful morning paddle through the straightest part of the river through to John Coull Hut, where we stop for a break and to learn about the famous auctioneer and the historic hut site. We pass by the Tangarakau and Whangamomona Rivers, helping to fuel the mighty Whanganui River. We explore the Mangawaiti canyon and pass by Otumangu Landing, one of the first post WW1 farming settlements in the valley. Admire waterfalls and mirror reflections of the river before arriving at the Mangapurua and our campsite for this evening. You can watch the river from our elevated campsite spot and soak in the surrounding wilderness whilst enjoying your evening meal.

Meals:  B,L,D

Following breakfast this morning, we take a brief paddle to the Mangapurua stream entrance, where we stop and walk to the iconic Bridge to Nowhere. Here you lean more about the interesting history of the former farming settlement before setting off for a short paddle, stopping for lunch along the way. Once at camp this evening, enjoy a hot shower and a short stroll to the Bridge to Nowhere Lodge where you can enjoy a cold drink on the deck (own expense), or simply relax at camp before our final group 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