Rental Safari

Back to The Whanganui River

Departure –

Canoe Safaris Base (Ohakune)

Difficulty –

Bumpy and Fun

A do it yourself holiday!

Call for our January specials for groups of 3 or more!

Under most conditions the river is an easy Grade 1+ suitable for novice paddlers, but best for those with paddling/outdoor experience or groups with an experienced leader. The National Park section of the Whanganui river is almost 90 km in length and the only road access is at the end - Pipiriki.

The river has a large catchment area and has been known to rise 5 metres overnight. Jetboats are available for evacuation on the Whanganui but can be expensive. Hire clients are responsible for getting themselves and all equipment including Canoes to Pipiriki (or another selected take out point) at the pre-arranged pick up time, and in the same condition as it was when hired. Damage or loss will be charged to the hirer. If you are concerned that your group lacks experience, or you have a number of young children please ask about our guided trips. Our Guides know the river and different river conditions.

Canoe Safaris is based in central Ohakune at 6 Tay Street (corner Tay and Rata - opposite the Police Station) Clyde Street is the main street when entering town and Rata Street is off that. For most hire you are required to be there no later than 7.30am on the day your trip begins (unless otherwise stated). If you are running late please ring and let us know. We have safe parking at our base while you are on the river. Please advise us if you need to be picked up from other points in Ohakune. Trips return to Canoe Safaris at approx 4.00pm.

400m from our base is a supermarket for those needing to purchase additional supplies before their trip. A BP garage is also 400m away and can refill LPG gas bottles Tne the Pub and restaurants are also is 400m away.

Conservation Campsite and Hut passes can be purchased from Canoe Safaris before your trip . We can also arrange accommodation or camping at Ramanui (Bridge to Nowhere Lodge) Lodge ($35.00 p.p lodge, $10.00 p.p camping) 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.

Stay at our Lodge in Ohakune the night before the trip and pack your barrels there.

Itinerary
What To Bring
Rates & Dates

HAVE YOU PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE?

The National Park section of the Whanganui River is almost 90 km in length and the only access by road is at the end - Pipiriki. Under most conditions the river is an easy Grade 1+ suitable for novice paddlers, but best for those with paddling/outdoor experience or groups with an experienced leader. The river has a large catchment area and has been known to rise 5 metres overnight.

Jetboats are available for evacuation on the Whanganui but can be expensive. Hire clients are responsible for getting themselves and all equipment including Canoes to Pipiriki (or other selected take out point) at the pre-arranged pick up time, and in the same condition as it was when hired. Damage or loss will be charged to the hirer.

If you are concerned that your group lacks experience, or you have a number of young children please ask about our guided trips or hire a guide.

WHAT TO BRING (rough guide):- 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. Polypropylene/thermal wear is good as it is warm when wet, fast drying and lightweight. Cotton is cold when wet - so if it is raining wool or polypropylene is better.

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

Miscellaneous Items: Tent;Sleeping mat; Sleeping bag; Cooking gear; Food supplies; 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

Clients should also organize food, tents, sleeping mats and cooking gear - everything should be kept compact, as space is limited.

Canoe & Kayak Hire Prices: (please ask about group concessions and great deals on accommodation)

2 Day Canoe/Kayak Hire - $140.00 per person

accommodation before $15.00 per person

3 Day Canoe/Kayak Hire - $165.00 per person

accommodation before $15.00 per person

4 Day Canoe/Kayak Hire - $175.00 per person

accommodation before $15.00 per person

5 Day Canoe/Kayak Hire - $190.00 per person

accommodation before $15.00 per person

Locator Beacons/ Sat Phones We now have several Locator Beacons and Satellite Phones for hire on the river - or if you happen to be tramping in the Tongariro area. These are small units to carry, and we carry one on all of our guided trips.

Radio Hire Prices:

3 Day Hire - $45.00

4 Day Hire - $60.00

5 Day Hire - $70.00

Please ask about prices for longer hire.