5 Day Guided Canoe Safari

We often meet clients at our base in Ohakune the night before the trip to check river gear and allow you to meet the guides. We have 6 Motel units at our base and plenty of safe off street parking, so once you arrive it's very quick and easy to get packed for the trip.

Day one.  We depart Ohakune between 7.30 and 8.00am for the river. At Ohinepane we unload canoes and barrels and show you how to pack your canoe. Guides then give a talk on river and campsite safety, and then instruction on how to paddle your canoe. On most trips we have 2 guides so if you are a little nervous you are welcome to paddle with a guide for at least the first day. Once the guides are satisfied that everyone can steer their canoe then the group sets off on the river. The first day includes lunch at Poukaria Campsite, and we paddle past the old riverboat landing at Kirikau, and take a short walk at MaraeKowhai. This was the first mooring point of the Houseboat and the first nights stay on the 3 day trip from Taumarunui to Wanganui that was so popular over 100 years ago. View the Ohura falls, and the War and Peace Poles that were erected by the Hau Hau warriors. It is then a short paddle to the first nights camp at Maharanui.

Day Two. The gorge starts to narrow and we leave the last road access point behind at Whakahoro - the second and final mooring point for the Houseboat. We pass Laceys and Wades landings and several old maori Kaianga. Later in the morning we pass Mangapapa campsite, Man of War Bluff, Kirikiriroa where the river does a huge horseshoe turn, the Verandah, the Whirlpool and on down to Tamatea's Cave and a possible lunch stop at Ohauora campsite. There is plenty of time for stops along the way and there are many safe places to get out and swim. We camp at John Coull Hut and campsite.

Day Three. Breakfast and on the river at 9am. A morning paddle past the Tangarakau and Whangamomona rivers, Mangawaiiti campsite, and Otumangu landing - one of the post WW1 faming settlements. Shortly afterwards we see the first pine trees since Whakahoro (planted by the early settlers), and we stop at the Mangapurua for lunch and a walk to the Bridge to Nowhere (45 min each way). After the walk there is time for a swim before we paddle the last 1.5hrs down to Bridge to Nowhere Lodge. If the weather and time allows we also take a short walk at Tangahoe landing to the Tangahoe waterfall.  Dinner and hot showers at the lodge. (Please note - book early to ensure a bed at the lodge)

Day Four. After a leisurely breakfast there is a walk to the Matemateonga track and up to the Puketotara hut. View across to Mt Ruapehu. After returning to the lodge we are back on the river for a short paddle until lunch. We pass Kahura landing and one of the locations for the filming of "River Queen". It is an hours paddle through the steep gorge until the river cascades through Ngaporo rapid and down to Ngaporo - our final campsite. There is a big eddy to swim in, or a short paddle across the river to a waterfall for a cold shower! Dinner overlooking the river.

Day Five. After breakfast we paddle past the Mangaio stream and Mangaio rock where several of the early eyebolts can still be seen that were winching points for the riverboats. Next it's the Pururoto caves and then Autapu rapid. If the river is low there is time to unload a couple of canoes and for the adventurous to take another run through the middle of the waves. A great spot for some action photos! It's also a great place for a swim with the guides through the rapid. From Autapu there are several small rapids before the Paparoa rapids swings the canoes past the old eel traps and down to the landing at Pipiriki. After unloading boats and loading the trailer we stop in Pipiriki for lunch, and there is time for a short walk around the settlement - the old Pipiriki Hotel site (and hidden coolstore), Colonial house, and half a maori canoe. After lunch it is a short one hour drive back to Ohakune. Time for a cold drink with the guides, afternoon tea, and dinner with the guides if you decide to stay the last night at our lodge. It's a fantastic trip for all ages - perfect for families and the kids will always have something to do.

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. Cooking gear. 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 Mondays*, October to May (also December 17, 27, 28, and January 1, 2)

Price: 5 Day—$865/Adult, $575/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.