Looking to go on an exciting river trip but don’t know how to get started and what you will need? Canoe Safaris provides guided tours that take a lot of the stress out of planning a canoe trip. There are however some essentials that you should bring along with you even on our guided tours! We go over some essentials that you should pack for your canoe trip.
A Variety of Clothes
A good range of clothing is essential for safety and comfort during your stay on your Whanganui River Trip. Weather in New Zealand can be temperamental and being around water poses the threat of getting a bit damp, so it’s wise to pack waterproof clothing and clothing backups.
Swimwear, shorts, poly props, light long pants, hat, waterproof jacket, woolen socks, gloves, campsite casual clothes, and comfortable shoes are all things you should look to bring on your trip. For a comprehensive list of clothing, check out our What to Bring guide.
Food
On your Canoe Safaris guided Whanganui River trips, we take care of keeping you fed throughout the exciting journey. We cater three meals a day, including three course dinners and provide plenty of snacks to graze on during the day in between meals. This takes the stress off you lugging around cooking equipment all trip long, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the natural experience.
However if you have some particular “favourites” it can be a good idea to pack some for a quick pick-me-up when needed on the trip.
Sunscreen
The New Zealand sunshine is significantly different to sunshine in other parts of the globe. New Zealand’s sunburn time can sometimes be as low as 7 minutes! Don’t get caught unaware and ruin the trip with a nasty sunburn. Bring a bottle of high SPF (marine friendly) sunscreen to apply in the mornings and several times throughout the day.
Make sure to check the brands and reviews of your sunblock as well, as some sunscreen manufacturers have been found to provide insufficient protection against New Zealand’s harsh rays.
Bug Spray
Being out in nature is a beautiful and soul-filling experience but it also comes with a few easily solvable downsides. Bugs, sandflies, and mosquitoes can be a nuisance at times for the unprepared. Pack some spray-on or roll-on insect repellent that can be applied when you go through or stay in a spot with more bugs than usual.
Sleeping Kit
We provide you with high quality tents and superior inflating sleeping mats on our guided trips already, so all you need to bring is a high-quality sleeping bag. A sleeping bag that packs down small but is also thick enough to keep you warm will be best, as you want to travel light and sleep comfortably. For night-time, you should also bring a headlamp or a torch for finding things in the dark. A good book can also enhance the experience, giving your mind some stimulation before heading to bed.
Physical preparation
Whatever your fitness levels, there are a number of ways to prepare specifically for a canoe trip. Below are links to some easy movements that once repeated, will build your endurance, and performance for multi day tours.
Book a Guided River Tour Today
Book your Whanganui River trip today to be guided through one of New Zealand’s most pristine natural and historical environments. Our guides are knowledgeable and friendly, ready to make your trip one to remember.
We pride ourselves on being able to teach anyone the correct canoe skills and techniques to get you not just down the river, but in a more relaxed and competent style so your muscles can enjoy building on them the next day. Mult-day options are available so that you can make the most of your time in the area. Experience New Zealand at its best.
What our customers say
We had a magic 4 days on the Whanganui thanks to Kirsty Phil Keira and Jackson. The equipment, food, guiding and training were faultless. Phil's instruction was enough to make us confident on the river without overloading two novices and Keira's and Jackson's enthusiasm and...
Larry B, New Zealand
This was out and out one of the best experiences I've ever had. The trip exceeded my expectations in every department. The hospitality was second to none and the care taken for all of us was outstanding. Safety was never forgotten and was balanced with a load of fun and great humour...
Simon Christie
SIMPLY SENSATIONAL. Just completed the 3 day trip. Our guides Wilson and Gregor were fantastic. Cool, clear, calm (even when I tipped the wife out of our canoe). Always felt safe, always felt informed. The food was sensational. From the time we were greeted to the time we departed, I was very...
Warren J, Christchurch, NZ
We did the 5 day, fully guided and catered river journey, with our four children and three other families. This was truly one of the best holidays we have ever had. Phil and Ian, our guides, organised every detail. It was enormous fun canoeing down the river, jumping off rocks and canyoning. We...
Sarah Scott-Brown
I would like to thank Mike, Stefan and Sophie for a great rafting experience on the Mohaka River. They were all such fun, very experienced and wonderful chefs too. Certainly a fantastic holiday and one to be recommended. So a big thank you for making it happen.
Sinda Hall
We were part of a group of 8 friends doing the 3 day trip with Phil and Wai as guides. They were both terrific and very organised. Phil is excellent explaining how to manoeuvre through the rapids and the safety control was first class.
52Diane
Absolutely amazing experience with Canoe safaris! We did a 4-day canoe trip in the Whanganui river with Canoe safaris. Our guides, Phil and Ian are highly experienced, professional and helpful. Almost everything we need were provided, including tent, 3-meals everyday plus snacks, life jacket,...
Mandy Qiu
peaceful, primal, professional, Challenging, adrenalin - I experienced all of these on a three day trip down the Whanganui river with a group of 18 people and two amazing guides - Simon and Aiden. These guys worked tirelessly to ensure we were kept safe and well fed and were happy to share their...
Michele Laurie
This was the best family trip ever! Three course meals, a wealth of knowledge from our awesome guides, and no devices, were just three reasons we would highly recommend this adventure. Phil and Simon were amazing guides and worked from the moment we were collected for our trip to the moment we...
Richard Beechey
A couple of good mates decided we'd do this trip some time ago and Canoe Safari's helped make it happen. Alex, Bailey, Lesley and Canon our guides / hosts were absolutely amazing. Scenery was stunning - seems like little has changed on the landscape in hundreds of years... still...
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