How to get here
Canoe Safaris’ base of operation is located in Ohakune – the adventure capital of New Zealand! Nestled in the heart of the North Island, we’re only a short road trip away from most major cities. Once you get here, our buses will transport you to the start of your Whanganui Adventure.
Ohakune is well serviced for transport. Three and a half hours drive from Wellington on state highway one, and four and a half hours drive from Auckland. The nearest large centres are Taupo, Palmerston North and Whanganui all about one and a half hours drive away. Ohakune is well serviced by both Buses and Trains, and a pickup service is available by arrangement. See the map for a detailed description.
Our base is at 6 Tay St, Ohakune. Ohakune is a central point for getting to and from the Whanganui River - around 1.5 hours to a put in point at Whakahoro/Taumarunui and 45 minutes back from the take out at Pipiriki.
Where to stay before and after the trip: We recommend arriving the night before the trip and staying with us at our onsite motel in Ohakune. It makes it very handy to be based onsite for the nice early start the next day. You can arrive whenever you like the day before your departure and collect the barrels & drybags for packing your gear and answer any other questions you may have about your upcoming Whanganui River Tour. If you want to make your whole journey as relaxing as possible, book in for our onsite Ohakune accommodation after your tour aswell! Enjoy a well deserved soak in Canoe Safaris hot tub and dinner at one of Ohakune's many restaurants. (We highly recommend Osteria And the Cyprus Tree!)
Canoes And Kayaks
All canoes and kayaks are imported from the US or Canada, and are some of the best boats available. We take great pride in having the best equipment on the river and are constantly updating our fleet. Canoes come complete with storage barrels, lifejackets (PFD's), bailers, rope and paddles. Canoes have straps for securing gear and barrels. We have River guidebooks for sale, DoC Maps, and we give a training session and campsite recommendations/paddling times at the start of your hire trip. Canoe rental price includes all paddling gear, transport to and from the river.
From May to October we hire to experienced paddlers and we can provide wetsuits, booties and thermos flasks for your trip. Consider 3 days with 2 nights in huts.
Dept of Conservation Campsite and Hut passes can be purchased online before your trip. To check availability and to book your passes online please go to:
Click on “Book Online”
We can book this for you but a small fee will apply. You will need the names of all of the members of your group.
We can also arrange accommodation or camping at Ramanui (Bridge to Nowhere Lodge) Lodge. If booking your own campsites, we do need to see proof of this before we embark on the day of your tour.
Please ask us about group hire discounts. Book early for busy times!
