What to Expect on Our 5-Day Whanganui River Canoe and Camping Trip

Wondering what to expect when you embark on a Whanganui River journey guided tour. Whether it’s with atmospheric, misty and foggy mornings (My own personal favourite time to be on the river!), Or Glorious Sun-Filled days, Enough rain to create a blanket of waterfalls along the gorge walls, Or Early Spring with the early harmonious birdsong taking the place of your alarm clock, the middle of summer with daylight until 9pm so you can really make the most of your days, or the crisp blue skies that Autumn brings….Whatever the weather, or time of year. Our Canoe Adventures really do have the perfect mix and something to suit absolutely every traveller, young or old, adventure seeker or not. If you want the best chance at seeing the Whanganui River in all its forms then look no further than our fun-filled Canoe Safaris' Five-day Whanganui River Guided Trip. Here’s a quick overall look at what to expect when you Canoe the Whanganui River with us.

Day 1: Ohinepane to Maharanui

Our five-day canoeing and camping trip really means you are making the most of your time on the river, If you are one of the many who want to immerse themselves fully in this experience, then let’s go! After Departing our Base in Ohakune - You'll enjoy a solitary first leg of the adventure as we set off at the river from Ohinepane. Your first day on the river certainly starts with a bang. In the first few bends, you'll face a few fun rapids that will certainly test your resolve. (But hey! I like to think – Let’s get some bigger rapids out of the way early so there is no anxiety about what’s to come right? That way you can really see there Is nothing to be worried about) After the initial bumps, things get easier as rapids give way to calmer waters and rolling hills that will make you wonder if you have paddled straight into Middle Earth. In these calmer waters, you can spot the Ohura Falls and the War and Peace Poles of the Hau Hau warriors as we make our way to our Night 1 campsite - Maharanui.  Time to set up camp and if your joining us on a guided trip, then sit back and let your experience guide pour you a well deserves glass of wine and cook you some dinner.

Day 2: Maharanui to Ohauora

Day 2 is where the scenery ramps up as we officially enter the Whanganui National Park. After a hot cooked breakfast (Pancakes, maple syrup, banana and bacon anyone??), We'll then spend the morning paddling beneath the shadow of the Whanganui Gorge, its steep, luscious, green walls looming high us as the river narrows.

Afternoon paddling is picturesque and can be incredibly calm at certain times of year; the only sounds come from your paddle and the faint hints of wildlife in the surrounding bush. However, this tranquillity comes at a price, higher water with some interspersed rapids do help to keep you moving forward. But with some effort, we’ll spend the afternoon snaking around the Kirikiriroa peninsula and under the vast overhang of Tamatea's Cave before reaching the Ohauora campsite. Lots of time today to take some beautiful photos, stop for a few swims and a rock jump (..Not compulsory!

Day 3: Ohauora to Mangapurua

By day three of the Whanganui River Journey, we have certainly left civilisation in the rearview mirror as we paddle through more towering gorges and the straightest part of the river. You can let go of the reins and let the gentle river flow guide you towards the historic John Coull Campsite for a morning tea break.

After a quick pit stop, we dive back into the paddling and drift past the Tangarakau and Whangamōmona rivers. Here you will discover the Otumangu Landing - one of the post-WWI farming settlements - before we stop at the Mangapurua campsite for the night.  

Day 4: Mangapurua to Ramanui

On the fourth day, we swap the river for the track and walk into the surrounding forests to find the Bridge to Nowhere. The Bridge to Nowhere is exactly what it says on the tin. It's the remnants of a project to bring vehicle access to the Whanganui River to aid the building of a settlement for soldiers post World War I. However, the land was not workable, so the project was abandoned. Now all that remains is a bridge reclaimed by the forest. Your guide will be able to provide a detailed history and commentary on this interesting area. 

Once we return, we'll continue our journey through some of the fascinating geological formations on the North Island. We'll also visit an abandoned farm with Colonial artefacts along the riverbanks before concluding our adventure with dinner and hot showers at the Ramanui Campsite, This is a private campground with access the owners very own bar and lodge, feel free to wander to the bar for a drink whilst your guide cooks you a tasty dinner.

Day 5: Ramanui to Pipiriki

The final day of our canoe and camping trip starts calmly before guiding you to the infamous Whanganui Journey final day rapids. As the river cascades through Ngaporo, you will be tested thoroughly on how much you've learned about navigating these tricky waterways over the past several days.

After navigating through the first rapids, you'll enjoy a brief break as we paddle past the Mangaio stream and iconic Mangaio rock. After that, we get rocked about by the Autapu and Paparoa rapids, and If the group are travelling well and there is enough time, we can stop at Autapu and run, and re-run the rapid there, or simply watch other river users paddle through as you enjoy your final tasty lunch. All of this before reaching Pipiriki, the end of our Whanganui journey.

Here we will disembark, meet our Canoe Safaris Driver who will safely transport you back to Ohakune where there will be a hot tea and chocolate biccie waiting for you.  Time to exchange numbers and photos with the new friends you have made along the way and to drive away full of memories and stories about your unforgettable week on the Whanganui River.

Are You ready to take the plunge?

Excuse the Pun! Not a literal plunge – Although….maybe?

By the time you arrive at Pipiriki, you'll have paddled 120km of the Whanganui River and experienced New Zealand like never before. This Journey is one of New Zealand’s famous Great Walks and a ‘must-do’.
Our 5-day Whanganui River canoe and camping trip is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll never forget. To learn more about our Whanganui River guided tours, Get in Touch with Canoe Safaris today! We absolutely understand this can be a big decision for you and if you have more questions needing to be answered before you make your decision, Check out our Canoe & Camping F.A.Q's and Give us a call or email before booking - Our knowledgeable team can help guide you in choosing the right trip for your experience level. Start planning your adventure today!

Posted by Canoe Safaris on September 17, 2024