How to get here

Canoe Safaris’ base is located in Ohakune, the adventure capital of New Zealand’s North Island! Conveniently nestled within easy reach of major cities, Ohakune is the perfect starting point for your Whanganui River adventure. Once you arrive, our shuttle service will transport you and your gear to the river put-in, ensuring a smooth and stress-free start to your canoe journey, and then return you back to Ohakune at the end of your tour.

How do i get to Ohakune?

Ohakune is easily accessible by car, bus or train.

By Car:

Wellington - 3.5 hours via SH1 & SH49
Auckland - 4.5 hours via SH1 & SH 4
Palmerston North, Whanganui, Taupo - 1.5 - 2 hours.

If arriving via car, we have secure, private off-street car parking for your vehicle.

By Bus:

Intercity bus services regularly stop in Ohakune (Canoe Safaris offers free bus station pick up)

By Train:

Northern Explorer Rail - This scenic train stops at Ohakune Multiple times a week (Canoe Safaris offers free rail station pick up)

By Plane:

The closest airports are Palmerston North and Whanganui. Palmerston North has more options for public transport.

We can offer airport shuttle services (cost efficient option for larger groups). Please enquire for availability and pricing.

Ohakune Accommodation

To ensure a smooth start and relaxed finish, we recommend staying at our onsite Canoe Safaris Lodge with comfortable ensuite units, secure gear storage and convenient central Ohakune location

Arrive the day before your canoe trip -
➜Collect your barrels & drybags
➜Pack and organize your gear with guidance from our team
➜Ask any last-minute questions about your Whanganui River Tour
➜Explore Ohakune
Stay after your canoe trip -
➜Enjoy a soak in our hot tub
➜Freshen up after your canoe journey
➜Dine at nearby Ohakune restaurants (we recommend Osteria and The Cyprus Tree)

If you would like to base yourself at Canoe Safaris whilst you explore the area, We welcome you to stay with us for longer either side of your trip.

Map & Directions

Canoe Safaris base is at 6 Tay St, Ohakune, 4625 ( See Map below) Ohakune is a central point for getting to and from the Whanganui River - around 1.5 hours to a put in point at Whakahoro/Taumarunui and 45 minutes back from the take out at Pipiriki.

The Canoe Safaris Team wants to make your journey as seamless as possible. Being local, we can offer helpful tips and suggestions for travel to us. Please don’t hesitate to ask for assistance—we’re here to ensure your Whanganui River adventure starts smoothly and stress-free.

see our location

What our customers say

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

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...

Hawkdwn

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

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 friend and I, both in our 70s, did the 3 day 2 night Whanganui River canoe trip run by Canoe Safaris in March 2025, staying at their Lodge the previous 2 nights. It was exceptionally well organized and great fun. Never once did we feel in any danger. The 2 guides were excellent, teaching us...

Jonathan Wake, New Zealand

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

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

We did a family 4 day guided canoe trip, it was absolutely amazing. Very professional, our guides Morgan and Aiden were very knowledgeable and friendly. The food was way above expectation and the memories we have made will be with us forever. Highly recommend.

Leeann Morgan

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 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

How to get here

How do i get to Ohakune?

Ohakune Accommodation

Map & Directions

Private Groups

Rangitikei River Tours

Whanganui River Tours