5 Day - Whanganui River Canoe Safari

Whanganui-River-Journey-

A Whanganui River Safari is a great way to unwind away from the pressures of everyday life. Just imagine a holiday away from the car and phone, no television, no shops. Just you and your partner, an open Canadian canoe, a few books maybe, and some friends to share the unique experience.

Day 1: Drive to Ohinepane, Paddle to Maharunui Campsite

Meet your guides and pack your gear into your waterproof barrels. We then drive to Ohinepane. After some dedicated instruction and practice time in the canoes our adventure down the river begins. We stop in key areas of interest along the way, passing old houseboat landings, man made rock weirs, the Taniwha Rock, and the Maori 'War and Peace' at Maraekowhai. Stay at Maharunui campsite.

Day 2: Paddle from Maharunui campsite to John Coull hut and campsite.

Breakfast and on the water around 9am. A short paddle to Whakahoro - the last road out for 87km! Paddle past Wade's and Lacey's landings, The Whirlpool, old maori kaianga (village) sites and the Kirikiriroa lookout. Lunch is usually at Ohauora campsite. In the afternoon there is a short paddle to John Coull hut and campsite.



Day 3 Paddle from John Coull Hut to the Bridge to Nowhere Lodge

Paddle past the old village site of Puketapu (sacred hill) and on through the gorge to lunch at the start of the Mangapurua track. After lunch there is a short and easy (40min) walk to the Bridge to Nowhere. In the afternoon paddle to Tangahoe Station for a short waterfall walk, then another 45 mins to the night's accommodation at Bridge to Nowhere Lodge.

Day 4 - Bridge to Nowhere Lodge to Ngaporo rapid Campsite

Options for the morning include a leisurely breakfast overlooking the river, and then a walk to the first hut on the Matemateonga track, just downstream of the lodge. From here the volcanic mountains of the central plateau can be seen on a clear day. After lunch it is a 1.5 hr paddle down to our last campsite just below Ngaporo rapid. Last nights dinner around the campfire.

Day 5 – Paddle from Ngaporo Rapid Camp to Pipiriki – Bus to Ohakune.

A leisurely morning paddle past the Pururoto caves and Autapu rapid. There will be time to paddle the rapid more than once for the thrill-seekers in the group. You will arrive at the finishing point - Pipiriki, where you will meet your bus and driver, who brings in fresh supplies for lunch. After a walk around Pipiriki it is a one hour drive back to our base in Ohakune - arriving at around 3pm. There is an option to stay at the lodge afterwards and enjoy a farewell dinner with the guides.