Whanganui River Canoe & Kayak Hire
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Whanganui National Park with our top quality Canoes and Kayaks available for rent. Drifting along the Whanganui River is a quintessential Kiwi adventure, and Canoe Safaris invites you to experience it for yourself – whether you're a seasoned paddler or just starting out. Book now and create unforgettable memories!
We Provide the Gear, You Enjoy the Journey
Ready to experience the Whanganui River? We make it easy with our fully equipped Whanganui River Canoe and Kayak Hire service. Our rental packages include high-quality canoes or kayaks, paddles, waterproof barrels, detailed river maps, transport to and from the river, and a clear safety briefing.
Just bring your personal essentials, camping equipment and food - and we'll handle the rest.
You will also have to show your Department of Conservation (Doc) great walk campsite or hut bookings when you arrive at our base.
Canoe & Kayak Hire Pricing
Our rental rates cover all essential gear, transport logistics and expert advice to ensure you have a seamless adventure.
3-Day Hire | $235.00 per person |
4-Day Hire | $245.00 per person |
5-Day Hire | $255.00 per person |
Where your journey begins
Our base is conveniently located in central Ohakune at 6 Tay St (corner of Tay and Rata St), making it an ideal starting point for your Whanganui River Adventure. From here, it's about 1-1.5 hours to the launch point at Whakahoro/Ohinepane and just 45 minutes back from Pipiriki at the journey's end.
For those needing a place to stay before or after their trip, we offer motel accommodation at our Ohakune base - Book online or give us a call for pricing and availability. We encourage you to stop by the night before the trip to pick up barrels, discuss campsites, and go over any last minute details. Secure parking is available, so you can leave your car safely whilst you're on the river.
If you need a lift, we offer pick-ups from the local bus and train stations (pre-booking required), as well as from other accommodations in town and the nearby DoC campsite.
Stocking up before your trip? A New World supermarket is just around the corner for any last-minute supplies. A BP garage is 500m away for LPG refills, and if you're after a bite to eat, there are plenty of Ohakune cafes, restaurants and bars within walking distance.
Stay Safe with a Locator Beacon
We no longer charge for this and offer FREE locator beacon rental for our Whanganui Canoe Hire clients.
We do also encourage you to bring your own devices if you have them (Garmin InReach, Satellite Phone)
There is now limited cellphone coverage in the Whanganui National Park under New Zealand's ONE network. However please don't rely on this as it doesn't yet have full coverage.
River start points
- 3 & 4 Day Whanganui River Trips start at Whakahoro
- 5 Day Whanganui River Trips start at Ohinepane
Departure and return times
We aim to depart our Ohakune base for 3-5 day trips at 6.45am, then on the final day, return you back from Pipiriki to Ohakune at 3.30pm
Planning your campsites along the Whanganui Journey
Please read our guide to the Campsites of the Whanganui River for some help with planning your route, deciding which campsites/huts to stay at, what facilities you will find along the way and other factors to consider.
Do you have previous experience?
The Whanganui National Park section of the Whanganui River is almost 90 km in length and the only access by road is at the end - Pipiriki. While most of the river is a gentle Grade 1+, some paddling experience or outdoor confidence is recommended. Water levels can change unexpectedly, and in rare cases, jetboat evacuation (at an additional cost) may be required. The river has a large catchment area and has been known to rise 5 metres overnight.
Important considerations:
- Safety is our main priority - a minimum group size of four (two canoes) is required for Freedom Hire trips.
- Children under 14 are generally not permitted, but exceptions can be made for those with strong skills and stamina.
- Rental equipment must be returned on time and in good condition—damages or losses will incur charges.
- If you’re new to paddling, lack experience, are travelling with young children, or would like more of a hassle free adventure with all equipment and food provided, consider our guided Whanganui River tours for an all-inclusive, safe & fun-filled experience. Joining a guided tour ensures you get the historical and cultural trip commentary and shown the hidden gems - Tributaries, canyons and waterfalls.