About Canoe Safaris - 40+ Years of River Adventures
Founded in 1979, Canoe Safaris has been guiding unforgettable canoe adventures on the Whanganui and Rangitīkei Rivers for over 40 years. With thousands of happy customers and consistent 5-star reviews, we’re proud to offer river journeys that combine fun, safety, and the magic of New Zealand’s wilderness. Whether you’re new to paddling or an experienced adventurer, our guided tours strike the perfect balance of relaxation, challenge, discovery, and excitement.
Our History
Since our first trip more than four decades ago, Canoe Safaris has been committed to sharing the beauty of New Zealand’s North Island rivers with locals, and travellers from around the globe. We’ve grown from a small family business into one of the country’s most trusted canoe guiding companies while holding onto our personal touch and small-business values. Our goal has always remained the same - to ensure guests of all ages, interests & abilities make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Thousands of adventurers — from families with young children to explorers in their eighties — have joined us to Canoe the Whanganui River and Paddle the Rangitīkei River along with rafting the Mohaka, many leaving with lifelong memories and new friendships. Our reputation for safe, well-organised, and welcoming trips has been built on the dedication of our guides and the joy of our guests.
Our Guides
The Canoe Safaris guiding team is the heart of what we do. Company owner Phillip Collins has been guiding trips on the Whanganui River since 2012 and has worked on rivers all over the world. Every member of our team is highly trained and are experts in river safety, first aid, and rescue, while also bringing the journey to life with stories about local history, wildlife, and Māori heritage.
At the end of a day paddling, our guides transform into camp chefs — serving hearty, three-course meals that often surprise guests with just how good wilderness dining can be. And yes, a bottle of New Zealand wine is always close at hand.
Our Food
We’ve built a reputation for having some of the best food on the river. Forget the usual camp meals — think hot cooked breakfasts, fresh lunches, plentiful snacks and gourmet three-course dinners enjoyed under the stars by the riverside. Our trips prove that eating well is just as important as paddling well.
Our Gear
Comfort and safety come first. We upgrade gear every season and provide high-quality equipment including spacious Genuine imported Canadian canoes, waterproof barrels, roomy tents, thick mattresses, and all the camping essentials. Everything is chosen for durability, comfort, and keeping you dry — so you can focus on the adventure.
Our Commitment to the Environment
We operate under approved concessions with the Department of Conservation (DoC) for Whanganui National Park and Kaweka Forest Park, and we’re proud members of the New Zealand Rafting Association. Our guides also hold canoe and rafting qualifications with the New Zealand Outdoor Instructors Association (NZOIA).
On every trip we practice Leave No Trace principles: asking guests to use eco-friendly toiletries, pack out all rubbish, and avoid single-use plastics. Together, we can help protect the river for future generations.
So, Why Choose Canoe Safaris for your Whanganui River Canoe Trip? | |
Canoe Safaris | Other Typical Whanganui Trips |
| ✅Expert Guides NZOIA trained, first aid and wilderness rescue qualified. White water rescue certified. Extensive Canoe Guiding experience. | ⚠️Staff vary in canoeing knowledge, instruction can often be given by drivers - not canoeists. |
| ✅Food & Comfort Gourmet Camp meals, Spacious Tents & comfy mattresses. New & updated Equipment. Lightweight Canoes with comfy mesh webbed seating. | ⚠️Basic Camp food options. Bulky, heavy canoes with hard plastic seats |
| ✅Trip options Guaranteed 1-5 day Guided Trip options every week & Flexible itineraries & freedom hire available. | ⚠️Limited scheduling for guided options, mainly freedom hire trips. |
| ✅Reputation Thousands of happy customers & 5* Star Reviews. Number 1 on Trip Advisor. | ⚠️Mixed experiences and reviews |
| ✅Sustainable Practices Strong commitment to leave no trace ethos & Environmentally friendly decisions | ⚠️Messaging and implementation varies by operator |
| ✅Pre & post Trip Accommodation Newly renovated Ensuite Motel rooms for a comfortable Ohakune stay at Canoe Safaris Lodge | ⚠️Camping options, communal stays, or not provided. |
Whether you’re after a 3‑Day Canoe Tour, a 4‑Day Guided Trip, or the full 5‑Day Whanganui River Journey. Canoe Safaris offers a premium, stress-free, all-inclusive river experience — ideal for families, couples, solo adventurers, and international visitors. Book now and Secure your spot today!
