Whanganui River Kayak & Canoe Hire
Experience New Zealand like never before with Whanganui canoe hire and kayak hire. Paddling down the Whanganui River is an essential Kiwi experience everyone should have, and with Canoe Safaris, you can! Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a complete newbie, book your next adventure today!
Bring Yourself and we will provide the rest
Our Whanganui kayak & canoe hires include everything you need to enjoy your time on the river, including barrels and paddles, safety gear, transport to and from the river, detailed pre trip safety briefings and waterproof river maps. You don’t need to bring anything but yourself and essential items; we’ll take care of the rest!
Canoe & Kayak Hire Prices
3 Day Canoe/Kayak Hire | $225.00 per person |
4 Day Canoe/Kayak Hire | $235.00 per person |
5 Day Canoe/Kayak Hire | $245.00 per person |
Where your journey will start
Our base is in central Ohakune at 6 Tay St (corner of Tay and Rata). Ohakune is a central point for getting to and from the Whanganui River - around 1-1 1/2 hours to a put in point at Whakahoro/Ohinipane and 45 minutes back from the take out at Pipiriki.
We have Motel accommodation available at our base in Ohakune. Call for prices and availability. You can collect barrels and gear before your trip and leave your car safely while you are on the river. Clients are welcome to call in the night before their trip to pick up barrels/discuss campsites etc. We can pickup from the bus and train stations if pre booked, and from other accommodations in town and the DoC campsite.
Near our base is a New World supermarket for those needing to purchase additional supplies before their trip. A BP garage is 500m away and can refill LPG gas bottles. Bars and Cafes are also 500m away. We usually try to depart Ohakune at around 7.30am for 3 day hire, and 8.00am for longer hire. Pickup from Pipiriki is usually 2.00pm – back to Ohakune by 3.30pm.
Locator Beacons
We now have several Locator Beacons for hire on the river - or if you happen to be tramping in the Tongariro area. These are small units to carry, and we carry one on all of our Guided Whanganui River Tours.
Locator Beacon Prices
3 Day Hire | $45.00 |
4 Day Hire | $60.00 |
5 Day Hire | $70.00 |
Please ask about prices for longer hire.
Do you have previous experience?
The Whanganui National Park section of the Whanganui River is almost 90 km in length and the only access by road is at the end - Pipiriki. Under most conditions the river is an easy Grade 1+ suitable for novice paddlers, but best for those with paddling/outdoor experience or groups with an experienced leader. The river has a large catchment area and has been known to rise 5 metres overnight.
Safety is our Main Priority which is why we have a rule of a minimum of 4 people required in order for a Freedom hire Trip to depart, We generally don't allow children aged 14 and under. However - If you have a child under 14 and feel they have the experience, fitness & stamina required then please get in touch and we can talk more about this and see if we have an option to suit you.
Jetboats are available for evacuation on the Whanganui but can be expensive and are not covered in the hire cost.
Hire clients are responsible for getting themselves and all equipment including Canoes to Pipiriki (or other selected take out point) at the pre-arranged pick up time, and in the same condition as it was when hired.
Damage or loss will be charged to the hirer.
If you are concerned that your group lacks experience, or you have a number of young children please ask about our Whanganui River guided tours, or about hiring a guide.