Canoe Camping Meals - Outdoor Cooking Inspiration

During your Whanganui River canoe trip, the last thing you want to worry about is what's for dinner. But if you've set off on a multiday trip, it should and will be a concern! But fear not; canoe camping doesn't mean you have to settle for boring, pre-packaged meals. In fact, it's the perfect opportunity to get creative with your outdoor cooking and whip up some truly tasty dishes.

Our guided Whanganui River Tours are All Inclusive, we pack and prepare all of your delicious food, this ranges from energy filled snacks throughout the day, 3 hearty meals a day and gourmet 3 course dinners!  So full disclosure, this guide is not for our guided customers. However in this guide, we'll cover some key considerations for our freedom hire customers who are going it alone and planning their own canoe trip meals and highlight some of our favourite NZ camping meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner to ensure you've got the energy to complete your journey.

Important Considerations for Planning Your Canoe Trip Menu

Before we get too carried away with all these tasty meal ideas, let's take a moment to talk through the practical side of planning your canoe trip menu. A bit of forethought here can go a long way in making your paddling adventure a success.

Space and Weight

Remember, everything you bring has to fit in your canoe, so you'll want to be smart about what you pack. Stick to lightweight, non-perishable items that pack a nutritional punch. And don't forget to look for collapsible kitchen gear to save on precious space. If you are using the campsites you will need your own cooking equipment & gas, if you are using the huts, gas is provided. We will provide watertight barrels for your gear, but why not bring a small chilly bin along with you to keep your food fresh? We highly recommend this!

Fuel Your Adventure

Paddling is no joke; it's an intense workout that will have you burning a ton of energy. So, your meals need to be packed with carbs and protein to keep you fuelled and raring to go. Try to avoid low energy foods where possible and remember water! Especially in those warm summer months where dehydration can present as an issue. You can refill your water bottle at the campsites, we recommend boiling water from the tanks and letting it cool before filling your own bottles up.

Keep it Simple

After a long day of paddling, the last thing you'll want is to spend ages slaving over a complicated meal. Stick to dishes that are quick and easy to prepare, alternatively, make a hearty meal at home before you depart for your trip and simply reheat it when you arrive at camp – Simple!

Pack it in, Pack it Out

Remember, whatever you bring with you has to come back out again. Be prepared to carry your trash until you can properly dispose of it. And try to use biodegradable products to minimise your environmental impact.

Canoe Camping Meal Inspiration

Rise and Shine with a Riverside Breakfast

As the sun peeks through the trees, it's time to fuel up for the day ahead. Start your morning right with a hearty breakfast. A classic bowl of porridge is a simple yet satisfying option. Mix some rolled oats with water or milk, add a pinch of salt, and you're good to go. Top it off with some grated apple, dried fruit and nuts for an extra energy boost.

Or, if you're feeling more savoury, how about some bacon and scrambled eggs with diced veggies cooked up in a pan over your portable stove?

And of course, To top off every breakfast, you can’t beat the smell of freshly brewed coffee with morning birdsong, and for the Canoe Safaris Team – Proper Plunger coffee is a necessity. Bring along a lightweight stainless steel plunger to upgrade your camping experience.

Lunchtime Lightness

After a few hours of paddling, you will need to refuel. But let's keep things light and easy for lunch. Wraps are the way to go. Fill them with canned tuna or chicken, and add some sliced avocado, lettuce, and a touch of mayonnaise or your favourite dressing. It's a nutritious, delicious, and super simple option.

A refreshing bean salad can hit the spot if you're in the mood for something a little more veggie-forward. Toss some canned beans with chopped onions, capsicums, and a light dressing. It's satisfying without weighing you down for the afternoon's paddle.

Our top tip is to bring your own food containers (Sistema), make your lunch in the morning as you are packing down your tents and getting ready to hit the water, pop your lunch in your food container and voila!  A tasty lunch is ready to go when you make the stop a few hours later.  That, along with a hot thermos of tea that you also prepared in the morning will leave you feeling extremely proud of your preparedness and leave other canoeists filled with envy!

Dinnertime Delight

As the sun sets and the water glows in that golden light, it's time to get serious about dinner. For our Whanganui River freedom hire customers Dinnertime is where the one-pot meals really shine. They're easy to cook and even easier to clean up, perfect for a canoe trip meal. A classic chilli is always a winner. Brown some mince, toss in a can of beans, some chopped tomatoes, and your favourite spices, and let it simmer away. Serve it with some crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a hearty, warming meal. A stir-fry with chicken, noodles veggies, and a tasty sauce sachet is also a one pot winner.

If you are doing some fishing on your trip, a freshly caught fish seasoned and wrapped in foil is another fantastic option. Pair it with pre-cooked rice or a simple veggie side for a true wilderness feast.

Sweet Endings

No camping trip is complete without a little something sweet, right? The classic s'more is always a crowd-pleaser. But if you want to change things up, try baking some bananas in foil. Just slice them down the middle, stuff them with chocolate chips and marshmallows, wrap them up, and cook them over the campfire/stove until they're warm, gooey, and delicious.

Fuel Your Next Adventure the Right Way

These camping meal ideas should provide a little inspiration to take your canoe camping cuisine to the next level. Cooking in the great outdoors isn't just about filling your belly; it's all part of the adventure. Experiment with simple ingredients, get creative, and enjoy those delicious meals with the stunning natural backdrop in your dining room.

With various multiday canoe trips along the Rangitikei River and Whanganui River along with Bridge to Nowhere tours, Canoe Safaris has an adventure suited to everybody. As much as we love our go-getting freedom hire customers, We pride ourselves on our All inclusive Guided Whanganui River Trips where we take care of the food (..and everything else!) for you, Our longer Whanganui River Tours are VERY varied and ensure you don’t eat the same thing twice. Get in touch to book today.

Posted by Canoe Safaris on June 11, 2024