About Us
Founded in 1979, Canoe Safaris offers safe, fun filled river holidays for experienced and inexperienced paddlers.
After more than three decades in operation and thousands of happy customers, we are confident that our guided canoe tours on the Whanganui and Rangitikei River have the right balance of fun, relaxation and exploration. Canoe Safaris has a river holiday for all ages, from families with young children to those over 70 years young.
The Canoe Safaris guiding team are highly experienced river professionals. Company owner Phillip Collins has been guiding trips on the Whanganui River since 2012. They are highly trained in all aspects of river running, first aid and river rescue. Our guides are well versed in local flora and fauna as well as the rich history of the Whanganui River. They produce superb three course meals at the end of fun filled day. Our team are all enthusiastic paddlers and many have worked on rivers all over the world.
We take great pride in providing highest quality river and camping equipment. We have a range of different canoes and rafts suitable to the various requirements of the Whanganui,Mohaka and Rangitikei rivers. Our tents, barrels and camping equipment are designed for durability, comfort and water-proofness.
Trip Food - our reputation says it all - simply the best in outdoor dining. If you have pre conceived notions of basic eating on camping trips then we’ll guarantee your in for an interesting surprise! And did we mention bottled New Zealand wine accompanies all evening meals.
Canoe Safaris is also a member of the NZ Rafting Association, and hold guiding Concessions with the Department of Conservation for the Whanganui National Park and Kaweka Forest Park as well as multi-day canoe guiding qualifications with New Zealand Outdoor Industry Association (NZOIA), something none of our competitors posess.
Our History
With over 40 years experience, Canoe Safaris offers fun filled experiences for all ages and abilities.
Founded in 1979, Canoe Safaris offers fun filled river holidays for folks with little or no paddling experience. After more than four decades in operation and thousands of happy customers, we are confident that our guided canoe trips have the right balance of fun, relaxation and exploration. Canoe Safaris has a river holiday for all ages, from families with young children to those over 70 years young.
The Canoe Safaris guiding team are highly experienced river professionals. Company owner, Phillip Collins has been guiding trips on the Whanganui River since 2012 and worked on rivers all around the world. All Canoe Safaris guides are highly trained in all aspects of river running, first aid and river rescue. Our guides are well versed in local flora and fauna as well as the rich history of the Whanganui River. They produce superb three course meals at the end of fun filled day. Our team are all enthusiastic paddlers and many have worked on rivers all over the world.
Environment
We would ask that you consider using environmentally friendly products on your trip eg., shampoo, soap etc. Please leave campsites as you found them (or better), and bring all rubbish off the river with you - you can be taken to the recycling station in Ohakune. Please no throwaway plastic bottles and also note, we at Canoe Safaris cannot take your rubbish for you at the end of your tour.