Reviews

Absolutely amazing experience with Canoe safaris! We did a 4-day canoe trip in the Whanganui river with Canoe safaris. Our guides, Phil and Ian are highly experienced, professional and helpful. Almost everything we need were provided, including tent, 3-meals everyday plus snacks, life jacket, barrels and dry bags. Food was much beyond my expectation. The river is stunning and definitely worth going. But I wouldn't recommend anybody to go without a professional guide unless you are super experienced. I always thought I was a good swimmer. But I almost drowned in the river (the current seems slow and calm, but when you are actually in it; it is a whole different story!) Thankfully Phil was keeping an eye on me and canoed to me right away. I do feel I could have died in the river if I didn't have a professional guide. Many thanks to our amazing guides, Phil and Ian!

Mandy Qiu

This was out and out one of the best experiences I've ever had. The trip exceeded my expectations in every department. The hospitality was second to none and the care taken for all of us was outstanding. Safety was never forgotten and was balanced with a load of fun and great humour throughout. Phil and Ian provided fun, instruction, delicious food and wisdom throughout the journey and this was reflected by the utter joy all the kids, teenagers and adults had. Never a dull moment. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Simon Christie

We did the 5 day, fully guided and catered river journey, with our four children and three other families. This was truly one of the best holidays we have ever had. Phil and Ian, our guides, organised every detail. It was enormous fun canoeing down the river, jumping off rocks and canyoning. We felt completely safe all the time, but it also felt adventurous. The food, prepared by Phil's partner, Kirsty, and cooked on site, was AMAZING! It has set the bar for backcountry catering higher than we thought possible! The motel was lovely as well. I can't recommend this trip highly enough.

Sarah Scott-Brown

Did the 3-day guided canoe trip down the Whanganui river with Phil and Simon as our guides. Even though all of us were first-time canoeists and a few of us were non-swimmers, they looked after us very well and were amazing at teaching us the skills we needed to keep ourselves safe. The journey was full of excitement with beautiful views throughout. Had a very good time chatting with Simon during the times I was in his guide boat as well! The meals were fantastic with cooked breakfasts and dinners each day. Would highly recommend for anyone wanting to do the Whanganui Journey!

Mark Loh

We went on the four day canoe safari and absolutely loved it! Amazing scenery, and great service. Aidan and Morgan really went the extra mile to make sure everyone was happy and comfortable. Food was just like the comforts of home! We were very well looked after, and felt safe on the journey. A great package and experience suitable for anyone.

Nicola Johansen

This was the best family trip ever! Three course meals, a wealth of knowledge from our awesome guides, and no devices, were just three reasons we would highly recommend this adventure. Phil and Simon were amazing guides and worked from the moment we were collected for our trip to the moment we left the Canoe Safari premises. I can't speak highly enough of Kirsty and Phil (owners) and the experience they offer to their clients. We did the 4-day trip, and have already told all our friends they must add it to their bucket list and go with this company! We had an amazing group of people with us, 19 in all, who were fun-loving and made the journey all the better. A personal thanks to the Canoe Safari team from the whole family (aged 13-51), you have provided us with some fantastic memories :)

Richard Beechey

peaceful, primal, professional, Challenging, adrenalin - I experienced all of these on a three day trip down the Whanganui river with a group of 18 people and two amazing guides - Simon and Aiden. These guys worked tirelessly to ensure we were kept safe and well fed and were happy to share their knowledge of the river's history and geology. They are obviously passionate about what they do and this shines through in how they looked after us. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone wanting to experience this beautiful part of the country - worth every cent!

Michele Laurie

We did a family 4 day guided canoe trip, it was absolutely amazing. Very professional, our guides Morgan and Aiden were very knowledgeable and friendly. The food was way above expectation and the memories we have made will be with us forever. Highly recommend.

Leeann Morgan

Had the most enjoyable trip in my life. Took the 4 day canoe safari down the Wanganui river. We thoroughly enjoyed it, couldn't have asked for better guides, Erin and Jordan. Their knowledge and expertise was invaluable. The scenery was out of this world, at times we felt as though no one else had ever travelled through here. Thanks Phil and Kristy for your attention to detail and organising the trip. Loved it, we will be back. Maybe try the Rangitikei River next. Thanks Sharon and Martin

Sharon Gamble

SIMPLY SENSATIONAL. Just completed the 3 day trip. Our guides Wilson and Gregor were fantastic. Cool, clear, calm (even when I tipped the wife out of our canoe). Always felt safe, always felt informed. The food was sensational. From the time we were greeted to the time we departed, I was very impressed. Also, the van drivers were happy and great and very good and safe as well. Great vibe this business has. Happy to very highly recommend. Get on this trip people. Wow! You will not be disappointed.

Warren J, Christchurch, NZ

We had a magic 4 days on the Whanganui thanks to Kirsty Phil Keira and Jackson. The equipment, food, guiding and training were faultless. Phil's instruction was enough to make us confident on the river without overloading two novices and Keira's and Jackson's enthusiasm and cooking made even a bit of rain seem fun. We were a late addition to the trip as our original trip with another company was cancelled due to weather so thanks to Kirsty for fitting us in at the last minute. The fact that the trip went off in a smooth and seemingly effortless way is a tribute to their pre trip preparation. We would thoroughly recommend Canoe safaris to anyone wanting a great few days on the Whanganui.

Larry B, New Zealand

I would like to thank Mike, Stefan and Sophie for a great rafting experience on the Mohaka River. They were all such fun, very experienced and wonderful chefs too. Certainly a fantastic holiday and one to be recommended. So a big thank you for making it happen.

Sinda Hall

A couple of good mates decided we'd do this trip some time ago and Canoe Safari's helped make it happen. Alex, Bailey, Lesley and Canon our guides / hosts were absolutely amazing. Scenery was stunning - seems like little has changed on the landscape in hundreds of years... still beautiful and unspoiled.

Hawkdwn

We were part of a group of 8 friends doing the 3 day trip with Phil and Wai as guides. They were both terrific and very organised. Phil is excellent explaining how to manoeuvre through the rapids and the safety control was first class.

52Diane