2 Day Canoe (Rangitikei)

Rangitikei river safari stop

Difficulty –

 

This trip starts at on the river at Mokai and covers the deep papa gorges down the river to Mangaweka. We pass under several of the huge viaducts on the main trunk railway, as well as the bungy and rope swing at Gravity Canyon.

The two day trip takes in the end of the upper gorge of this part of the river - lots of small rapids. The first day has some of the best scenery on the river and a rapid every 50m or so. The river gets easier the further down we get.

If you've done the Whanganui, or some paddling before then we know that this trip wont disappoint you. We've had overseas guests who rate the Rangitikei over many other rivers that they have paddled.

 

 

 Day one - depart canoe Safaris base, Ohakune at 7.30am and drive to Mokai. Unload bus and trailer and load gear into canoes. Comprehensive safety talk and paddle instruction.Plenty of time to practice in the large pool at the start. Paddle  down to Omatane campsite with a short waterfall walk on the way. We pass under the bungy jump site at Gravity Canyon.There's plenty of time in the afternoon for swimming and fishing.

 

Day Two - the rapids are spaced every 50m or so but there's nothing too hard in this section. We paddle down towards ToeToe road, and under the first of the railway viaducts. The Kawhatau river enter on the left. Before Mangaweka there is a short walk to the remains of the old Mangaweka Power Scheme - built in 1911. We paddle down to Mangaweka and take out at the Mangaweka campsite. Return to Ohakune around 3.30pm.

 

Clothing: Consider your clothing in two parts—Firstly, what you will wear canoeing and secondly, what you will need in camp. Also work on the assumption that your canoeing clothes will get wet so you must have a dry change for campwear.

Canoeing Clothes: Swimwear. Sandshoes, sandals or wetsuit booties. Shorts. Sunhat. Woolen or polypropylene top. Waterproof lightweight jacket or parka. Windproof leggings (optional). Woolen socks. Tracksuit or polypro pants (not jeans). Light gloves (for warmth or blisters)

Camping Clothes: Comfortable shoes. Complete change of warm clothes. Spare lightweight top. Warm socks. Towels (2 small). Warm hat (depending on time of year)

Footwear: We advise everyone to wear something on his or her feet at all times. There will be occasions when you will need to step out of your canoe into river shallows. In these slippery conditions sandshoes or sandals are better than jandals.

Miscellaneous Items: Sleeping bag. Extra Snacks. Sunglasses (with strap). Torch. Insect repellent. Suncreen. Camera (with spare film). Plastic bags/rubbish bags. Umbrella (optional). Water bottle. Book or other reading material. First Aid Kit. Spare rope. Personal medication (if required). Other personal items.

Depart Saturdays*, October to May

Price: $395/Adult, $295/Child

Trip Dates and Group Discounts: With a family of 2 adults and 3 children the third child pays 20% of the child rate

Group concessions are available.

 

* Trip start dates are a guideline only – with groups we can start a trip to suit you. We also run extra trips between Christmas and New Year and in early January