(90km) A Popular choice for fit backpackers or fit adults who are short on time. It is also an option early in the summer season when the river is generally a little higher.
Trip Dates and Group Discounts: With a family of 2 adults and 3 children (15 and under) the third child pays 20% of the child rate. Group concessions are available.
*Trip start dates are a guideline only - with groups we can start a trip to suit you. We also run extra trips between Christmas and New Year and in early January.
Day 01
We depart Ohakune between 7.30 and 8.00am for the river. At Whakahoro we unload canoes and barrels and show you how to pack your canoe. Once the guides are satisfied that everyone can steer their canoe then the group sets off on the river. The gorge starts to narrow and we leave the last road access point behind at Whakahoro - the second and final mooring point for the Houseboat. We pass Laceys and Wades landings and several old maori Kaianga. Later in the morning we pass Mangapapa campsite, Man of War Bluff, Kirikiriroa where the river does a huge horseshoe turn, the Verandah, the Whirlpool and on down to Tamatea's Cave and a possible lunch stop at Ohauora campsite. There is plenty of time for stops along the way and there are many safe places to get out and swim. We camp at John Coull Hut and campsite.
Day 02
Breakfast and 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. Shortly afterwards we see the first pine trees since Whakahoro (planted by the early settlers), and we stop at the Mangapurua for lunch and a walk to the Bridge to Nowhere (45 min each way). Dinner and hot showers at BTN cabins - lodge if spaces are available (please book early for a place in the lodge)
Day 03
We pass Kahura landing and one of the locations for the filming of "River Queen". It is an hours paddle through the steep gorge until the river cascades through Ngaporo rapid and down to Ngaporo campsite for a break. We 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. From Autapu there are several small rapids before the Paparoa rapids swings the canoes past the old eel traps and down to the landing at Pipiriki.
