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From Discovery and CruisingTo Advanced Mountaineering Expedition
The Whanganui Journey Great Walk Guided Canoe Adventure offers a unique Great Walk experience where instead of trekking on foot, you’ll embark on a multi-day canoe adventure along the majestic Whanganui River. Winding through the lush, remote landscapes of the central North Island, this journey takes you deep into the heart of New Zealand’s natural beauty and cultural history. The river’s gentle current guides you through towering gorges draped in native bush, past dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and tranquil forested valleys. Along the way, you'll encounter serene campsites and historic marae, giving you a glimpse into the rich Maori heritage that is intimately tied to the river, known as Te Awa Tupua—an ancestor to the local iwi. Over 5 days, you will explore this wilderness at a relaxed pace, with plenty of time to absorb the stillness of the river and the wildlife that calls it home. Highlights include the famous Bridge to Nowhere, a haunting reminder of a failed settlement, along with remote campsites and gourmet camp meals. Whether you're paddling through early morning mist or drifting beneath a canopy of stars at night, the Whanganui River Journey is a tranquil and soul-stirring adventure, offering a rare connection to New Zealand’s natural and cultural heritage.
19kg of CO2-e PP per day
(117kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
Day 1
Arrive Ohakune
Make your own way to Ohakune and check-in to your trip accommodation any time after 2:00pm. Ohakune is an energetic yet laid back town in the Central North Island, and surround by picturesque scenery being at the foot of Mt Ruapehu. It is also the carrot capital of New Zealand for those that like a bit of trivia. A great base for adventurers, make yourself at home and relax tonight at your trip accommodation.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Ohinepane to Maharanui (31km/19.26 miles, 5-7 hours)
Your Great Walk adventure begins this morning at our base in Ohakune, where you will meet your guides, before setting off on a peaceful drive through the rolling hills of the central plateau through to Ohinepane. Once at the launch site, your guides will show you how to pack your canoe, paddle efficiently and will cover all the necessary information that you need for a safe and fun trip. Following an exciting morning of river rapids, we will park up and enjoy a gourmet lunch on the beach. We continue down the river after lunch, navigating rapids, stopping to explore a canyon and perhaps taking a swim at Ohura Falls. Once at our evening camp, it will be time to set up the tents and relax, before being treated to a gourmet 3 course evening meal.
Meals: L,D
Day 3
Maharanui to Ohaoura (31kms/19.26 miles, 5-7 hours)
This morning you are treated to a hot camp breakfast before continuing the journey down the Whanganui River. The gorge will start to narrow and the scenery will also begin to change. Pass by the Whakahoro and Blue Duck Station, the last road access point for 90kms. Stop for a rock jump, followed by a picnic lunch. Traverse through the large horseshoe bend at Kirikiriroa, go on a canyon walk and see the famous Tamatea's cave before arriving at our camp for the night. Perhaps enjoy a refreshing swim before dinner is served, or simply kick back, relax and enjoy the rainforest surrounds.
Meals: B,L,D
Day 4
Ohaoura to Mangapurua (29kms/18.01 miles, 5-7 hours)
This morning after a hot breakfast, and a cup of tea or coffee to get the day started, we set off on a peaceful morning paddle through the straightest part of the river through to John Coull Hut, where we stop for a break and to learn about the famous auctioneer and the historic hut site. We pass by the Tangarakau and Whangamomona Rivers, helping to fuel the mighty Whanganui River. We explore the Mangawaiti canyon and pass by Otumangu Landing, one of the first post WW1 farming settlements in the valley. Admire waterfalls and mirror reflections of the river before arriving at the Mangapurua and our campsite for this evening. You can watch the river from our elevated campsite spot and soak in the surrounding wilderness whilst enjoying your evening meal.
Day 5
Mangapurua to Ramanui (5km/3.1 miles walk, 11km/6.83 miles paddle, 4-6 hours)
Following breakfast this morning, we take a brief paddle to the Mangapurua stream entrance, where we stop and walk to the iconic Bridge to Nowhere. Here you lean more about the interesting history of the former farming settlement before setting off for a short paddle, stopping for lunch along the way. Once at camp this evening, enjoy a hot shower and a short stroll to the Bridge to Nowhere Lodge where you can enjoy a cold drink on the deck (own expense), or simply relax at camp before our final group dinner.
Day 6
Ramanui to Pipiriki (22kms/13.67 miles, 4-6 hours)
Your final day on the Whanganui Journey beings with a paddle through one of the most peaceful sections of the river. As you paddle, you can admire the huge canyon walls covered by moss and ferns. We pass by the film locations used for movies River Queen and Utu before navigating the exciting Ngaporo rapid and stopping for a break. Following a rest, we are back on the water and paddling into the beautiful Mangaio stream. We explore the Puraroto cave and navigate the legendary Autapu rapid. From Autapu there are several more fun rapids to navigate, followed by our first signs of civilisation in the form of telephone poles and farmland. After our last big rapid on the trip, we land at Pipiriki where our journey ends. We load our gear and embark on a 1 hour drive back through to Ohakune. Perhaps relax in the spa at your accommodation, or head out for a drink and some dinner (own expense), either way you can reflect on all you have seen and accomplished over the past five days in this uniquely beautiful part of New Zealand.
Meals: B,L
Day 7
Trip ends in Ohakune
Your trip ends this morning on check out from your accommodation.
What's included
What's not included
The Whanganui River is a living being that nourishes and sustains the land and the people both physically and spiritually from the Mountains to the Sea, known as Te Awa Tupua. The Whanganui River is a Grade 1 on a scale of 1-5. With a few Grade 2 rapids interspersed throughout to keep it exciting. The Grade 2 rapids are generally found in the upper section above Whakahoro, and then also on the final day of all trips.
Ohakune accommodation is based on private double/twin share lodge rooms with ensuite bathroom and all linen. Kitchen with electric hob & microwave, one room with queen, single, & double sofa bed. Ensuite, Sky satellite & flat screen TV's, electric blankets etc are provided. Property is 2 minutes walk to downtown shops and restaurants. Property also has a hot tub for guests to enjoy.
Whilst on the river, you will be accommodated in 2 person tents. Sleeping mats will be supplied.
INTRODUCTORY to MODERATE This trip involves canoeing for up to six or seven hours a day at a slow but steady pace. Although canoeing is easier than hiking, you will enjoy your trip more with a reasonable level of fitness and good health. Our introductory to moderate trips are not ‘easy’. During the canoe stages you will encounter some stages with some more technical rapids compared to others, the grading of these does not exceed a Grade 2 level. Fun but a little more challenging. If you have issues with balance, core strength or weight, please contact us as we would like to chat about these to make everyone more comfortable. Carrying the gear up the riverbank is the most physically demanding task, however, with teamwork this is easily accomplished. Suggested preparation: We recommend 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (fast walking, jogging or cycling) four times a week for three months leading up to your departure. Hill or stair walking with a full daypack is also highly recommended at least once a week for leg strengthening and aerobic fitness. Walking in variable weather conditions is advisable.
Per Person, Twin Share
There will be bathroom breaks every couple of hours at the Department of Conservation managed sites with long drop toilets.
The canoe seats are not hard plastic, they are mesh webbed seats so are generally quite comfortable and we don't receive any complaints in that area. Some clients, occasionally (about 10% of people) bring their own foam padding just for that extra level of comfort.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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Our itineraries have been carefully designed and researched with you in mind. The logistics are handled for you allowing you the freedom to walk New Zealand at a level of your choosing and in your own stride.
A core Maori value exercising guardianship in relation to nature, flora and fauna and its people, ensuring that sustainability and environment are valued, respected and protected for future generations to enjoy.
As a small business ourselves, we love supporting and sharing New Zealand with other small and likeminded businesses and communities to showcase for you, what our land and people have to offer.
5Days
Introductory to Moderate
4Days
Moderate
Introductory
6Days
Moderate to Challenging