How To Prepare
Preparing for your Whanganui River Trip or Rangitikei River Adventure is all part of the journey. The Team at Canoe Safaris are here to make it easy, stress-free and fun! This guide will help you get prepared. From what to pack, how to organise your transport, where to stay before your trip — we’ve outlined everything you need to know.
Before You Arrive
•Book early
Whanganui River Tours can book out fast, especially during peak season. To secure your preferred date we recommend booking 2-6 months in advance. Flexible? Last minute spaces can be available so please get in touch to check availability.
•Booking process
You can book directly online OR contact Kirsty & Phil at Canoe safaris via phone or email. We'll collect your trip details (name, age, dietary restrictions..) then send you a full trip confirmation email with suggested gear lists and trip planning information.
•Pre & Post Trip Accommodation
For a smooth start and relaxed finish, we recommend staying nearby - ideally at our very own Canoe Safaris Ohakune Accommodation. You'll be packed, rested and onsite for the early morning departure. Your trip finishes back in Ohakune at 3.30pm on the final day so you can choose to relax in Ohakune continue to your next destination.
•Getting to Ohakune for the start of your tour
Ohakune is based in central North Island NZ, easily accessed by car, Intercity bus services or the Northern Explorer rail. We can pick you up from the Ohakune bus & train station free of charge and help to arrange transport if needed. Read our guide on how to get here.
•What's included with the tours
➜Guided Whanganui River Tours - All meals, all high-quality gear(tent, mattress, watertight barrels & drybags, Canadian canoes & safety gear), national park/campsite fees, expert guides, safety briefings, ongoing canoe instruction, river commentary and river navigation.
➜Whanganui Canoe Rental/Freedom hire - canoes, paddles, lifejackets, safety ropes, barrels & drybags, map, rescue beacon and pre departure safety briefing.
Both guided and unguided packages include transport to and from the Whanganui River with car and gear storage whilst you are away.
•What you need to arrange
➜Guided Whanganui River Tours - Sleeping bag (available for hire), clothing and personal items, getting to Ohakune, Travel Insurance.
➜Whanganui Canoe rental/freedom hire - Food, Cooking gear, Camping gear (tent/sleeping gear), campsite bookings, getting to Ohakune, Travel Insurance
•Physical requirements - Our Whanganui River tours are beginner friendly with a basic - medium level of fitness & mobility being required. It is not essential to have canoeing experience. We do however encourage our guests to get some paddling experience and build up their general & walking fitness to help make their tour more enjoyable
What to bring
A full PDF packing list will be sent upon booking, but to help get you started -
✅ Clothing for canoeing (Layers of quick-dry Merino, Polypropylene & Active Wear material. No cotton)
✅Waterproof and windproof layers.
✅ Warm, dry clothing for camp (Fleece, Merino, Warm Jumpers)
✅ Footwear (camp shoes & river shoes)
✅ Sleeping bag & liner (available for rent)
✅ Tent & Mattress (provided on guided tours)
✅ Torch/headlamp
✅ Swimwear, towel
✅ Sunscreen, insect repellent
✅ Personal toiletries
✅ Personal medication
✅ Sunglasses & sunhat
✅ Headlamp/Torch
✅Phone/Camera
✅ Reusable water bottle
✅ Optional extras; Pillow, Reading material, sunglasses strap, first aid kit, spare plastic bags, cash/card, waterproof phone case, gloves, warm hat.
What to expect
So you have booked your Whanganui River Trip with Canoe Safaris, what can you expect?
•Arrival at Canoe Safaris base
We meet you the day before your tour at our Ohakune base, we then brief you on packing the barrels & drybags and run through details for the coming days and answer any last minute questions. The following morning, nice and early - you meet the team, get fitted for lifejackets and we shuttle you to the river for a paddle & safety briefing before Day 1 paddling gets underway.
•Daily routine on the river
Our Whanganui River itinerary is well thought out, Paddling is completed in 2 hour stages before we make one of our regular stops for a bathroom break, snack break, lunch, swim, or a chance to explore a canyon or historically important place.
Paddle through beautiful scenery and spectacular surroundings before arriving at camp each day.
•At camp
Whanganui river campsites are scenic, remote and the facilities are managed by DoC. Your guide will prepare your gourmet camp meals here whilst you enjoy the peaceful riverside settings, go for a swim, explore or stargaze into the evening. This is a great chance to share a meal and stories from the day with the others in your group. Each evening your guide will ruin through the plan for the following day, including time to up for your cooked breakfast and hot coffee.
•Safety & Support
On guided tours - your safe, professional, white water rescue trained guides will have 2 way communication with the staff at Ohakune base who are constantly monitoring any changes that may affect the tour such as weather and river conditions. Each tour has -
- River Maps
- First Aid Kits & Canoe Repair kits
- Emergency communication devices
Ready to Canoe the Whanganui River with confidence? Whether you are a first time paddler or experienced explorer, Canoe Safaris is here every step of the way to make this an unforgettable experience.
