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3-Day Whanganui River Journey Guided Tour

Enjoy a relaxing 3-day guided Whanganui River journey in our unique 6-seater Voyager canoes. Let your expert guide navigate - while you soak in stunning river views and unwind on this unforgettable New Zealand adventure.

$ NZD Adult: 1195 | Child: 995
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DEPARTURE: Whakahoro

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Safe and Fun

DATES: Depart Fridays & Saturdays (October to May) 
Plus extra dates over school holidays and peak periods

Highlights of the Whanganui Voyager Tour

⭐ Paddle in Style 
Unique 6 person Voyager Canoes. Perfect for comfort
and camaraderie		⭐ Top Quality Gear Provided
Spacious tents & Thick self inflating mattresses.
Waterproof barrels & Canadian Canoes
⭐Exceptional Dining
3 Course dinners, Cooked breakfasts, Fresh lunches,
Wine, Beer & Snacks		⭐Unforgettable stays
Riverside camping and the iconic Bridge to Nowhere 
campground
⭐ Hassle Free transfers
Return shuttles from Ohakune included with Private,
Offstreet car parking for your vehicle		⭐ Expert guides
40+ years of Whanganui River Guiding - sharing history,
wildlife and safe paddling skills
⭐Pre/Post trip accommodation options
Stay at our very own Canoe Safaris lodge for a seamless
start and finish.		⭐Scenic stops and wildlife encounters
Visit iconic landmarks and spot native wildlife like the Whio
(Blue Duck), Kingfisher & Tui

If you have just three days, but want to fully unwind while exploring the stunning Whanganui River, this is the trip for you. Our six person Voyager Canoes are inspired by historic Canadian fur trading vessels, designed for comfort and ease, with a professional & experienced guide managing the navigation and paddling - with some help from you.  

Enjoy delicious 3-course dinners paired with New Zealand wines, Top Quality camping equipment and unforgettable riverside campsite settings.

This Guided Tour is perfect for those new to canoeing, or those feeling particularly nervous, or for those who are looking for a relaxed & hassle free adventure. It is particular suited to family groups with younger children who will appreciate the roomy voyager canoes.  The Voyager canoes are also available on longer trips so if spending more time immersed in the Whanganui Wilderness interests you - Take a look at our relaxed pace 4 Day Guided Whanganui River Tour and full 5 Day Guided Whanganui River Trip.

Itinerary
How to Prepare

Itinerary

Day 1: Whakahoro to John Coull
We depart Ohakune at 7am bound for Whakahoro where we unload canoes and barrels. Settle into the Voyager canoe as the gorge starts to narrow . We pass historic colonial houseboat landings and several old Māori Kainga. You'll have plenty of time for stops & swims before reaching John Coull Campsite to set up for the night.
Day 2: John Coull to Ramanui (Aka - Bridge to Nowhwere campground
After a filling breakfast, we are back on the river at 9am. A morning paddle past the Tangarakau and Whangamomona rivers, Mangawaiiti campsite, and Otumangu landing - one of the post WW1 faming settlements. A short paddle to Mangapurua for lunch followed by a guided walk to the iconic Bridge to Nowhere. Then paddle the last 1.5hrs down Ramanui where you can access a hot shower and lodge with bar & deck overlooking the river.
Day 3: Ramanui to Pipiriki
Begin the day with a paddle past Kahura landing - one of the locations for the filming of "River Queen".  Paddle through steep gorges and reflective waters to the exciting Ngaporo rapid. Paddle past the Mangaio stream and Mangaio rock where several of the early eyebolts can still be seen that were winching points for the riverboats. Next it's the Pururoto caves and then Autapu rapid where we stop for lunch. Paddle towards your journey's end at Pipiriki.

 

Guided Voyager Canoe Tour FAQ's

  • Can i book the Voyager if my group is smaller than 6 people?
    Yes! The voyager canoe comfortably fits 4 to 6 guests plus a professional guide. For groups smaller than 4, we provide tandem Canoes (2-person Craft) to ensure safety and an enjoyable experience.
  • Why should i choose the Voyager canoe over Tandem canoes for my Whanganui River Tour?
    The Voyager canoe is perfect for families with young children, beginners, or anyone feeling uncertain about canoeing in general. With an expert guide in full control, you can relax and enjoy the stunning Whanganui River Scenery, worry-free
  • Is the Voyager canoe suitable for first-time paddlers or beginners?
    Definitely! The guided Voyager canoe offers a safe and supportive environment for beginners. The guide manages paddling and navigation, allowing you to focus on the adventure and wildlife.

                                                                                                                

 

  • Will the itinerary or activities differ between Voyager and tandem canoe trips?
    No. Whether you choose the Voyager or tandem canoes, the itinerary, route, and experiences are the same. All tours include professional guides, quality gear, and full support throughout your Whanganui River journey. The itinerary and route of the 3 Day Whanganui Canoe Trip, the 4 Day Guided Whanganui River Tour and the 5 Day Guided Whanganui River Trip is exactly the same in whichever vessel you choose.
  • Are there any special accommodations for families or groups with children on the Voyager canoe?
    Yes, the Voyager canoe is designed with families in mind, offering extra space and stability. It's an excellent option for groups with children under 14 or guests needing extra comfort.
  • What safety measures are in place during the Voyager canoe trip?
    Our experienced guides lead every trip, providing safety briefings, using top-quality lifejackets, and managing river navigation. The Voyager canoe itself is stable and built for safety, ensuring peace of mind on your Whanganui River adventure.
two paddlers in the Whanganui gorge
Canoeing the Whanganui River
Whanganui River waterfall
+ 2
Bridge To Nowhere

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What our customers say

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

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

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

Had the most enjoyable trip in my life. Took the 4 day canoe safari down the Wanganui river. We thoroughly enjoyed it, couldn't have asked for better guides, Erin and Jordan. Their knowledge and expertise was invaluable. The scenery was out of this world, at times we felt as though no one...

Sharon Gamble

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

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

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

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

Did the 3-day guided canoe trip down the Whanganui river with Phil and Simon as our guides. Even though all of us were first-time canoeists and a few of us were non-swimmers, they looked after us very well and were amazing at teaching us the skills we needed to keep ourselves safe. The...

Mark Loh

We went on the four day canoe safari and absolutely loved it! Amazing scenery, and great service. Aidan and Morgan really went the extra mile to make sure everyone was happy and comfortable. Food was just like the comforts of home! We were very well looked after, and felt safe on the...

Nicola Johansen

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