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3 Day Guided Canoe Tour

Short on time but big on adventure? Our 3 Day Whanganui River Guided Canoe Tour covers 90km of rapids, hidden gorges and unforgettable scenery. Perfect for fit travellers who want to paddle the best of the Whanganui Journey in just three days.

$ NZD Adult: 1195 | Child: 995
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Highlights of the Whanganui River 3 Day Guided Canoe Tour

⭐Fast Paced Adventure
Cover 90km of the Whanganui River in just 3 Days. Perfect
for fit adventurers short on time.		⭐Guided for a speedy, smooth trip
Let us focus on the navigation, safety & logistics. You
enjoy the adventure.
⭐All Food included 
Refuel and energise with our famous hearty breakfasts, 
fresh lunches and gourmet 3 course dinners.		⭐All gear Provided
High Quality and updated fleet of Canadian Canoes,
Spacious tents & thick mattresses.
⭐Transport & accommodation
Stay at our Ohakune lodge for a seamless start and finish, with 
shuttles to and from the river included		⭐Decades of experience
With 40 years of Canoe Safaris expertise, our guides 
ensure you get the most from your express river journey.
⭐All experience levels welcome
Full training and ongoing canoe instruction provided to help you
master the art of canoeing.		⭐Compact & Memorable
See the iconic gorges, waterfalls & historic sites like the 
Bridge to Nowhere, in just 3 Days.

A Complete Guide to the 3-Day Whanganui River Tour

Beginning at Whakahoro and covering 90 km of the iconic Whanganui River Journey, This express Whanganui River Canoe Tour will guide you straight through the heart of the National Park over 3 spectacular days. Perfect for fit adventurers short on time, solo travellers, small groups, or families with older children. Early summer is ideal when river levels are higher, helping you glide along with ease.

Your experienced, professional & expert Whanganui River guide will lead the way, showing hidden side spots and sharing local knowledge while ensuring your safety and enjoyment on this unforgettable experience.

We take care of everything so you can fully immerse yourself in your unique, wilderness environment without the stress of logistics & safety concerns. Paddle, explore, and unwind while we provide all high-quality camping gear - Get a well deserved nights rest with our spacious dome tents and comfortable 3 Inch thick self-inflating mattresses. Wake up to hot cooked breakfasts by the river, refuel with fresh lunches & snacks, and end the day with gourmet 3-course dinners paired with New Zealand wine. Enjoy riverside campsites, swims in the river, and evenings of stargazing—all without worrying about logistics. Our expert guides handle navigation, safety, instruction and tips on paddling, so you can truly say you made the most of this once in a lifetime river journey.

If you have extra time, consider our 4-Day Whanganui River Guided Tour or the 5-Day Whanganui River Trip for a more relaxed pace and extra exploration.

Ohakune Accommodation and transport

Stay at our onsite Canoe Safaris Ohakune accommodation the night before your trip for a smooth start to the adventure. We’ll shuttle you to the river, guide your 3-day adventure and bring you back to Ohakune where you can shower, relax & unwind. Canoe Safaris Lodge offer comfortable Private Ensuite units and private Offstreet car parking for your vehicle whilst you are away exploring.

➜DEPARTURE: Whakahoro
➜DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Bumpy and Fun
➜DATES: Depart Fridays & Saturdays (October to May)
 * A guideline only - More dates available over peak periods
 and with a group we can open a trip up to suit you.
*Family discounts available*

Itinerary PDF
How to Prepare

Itinerary

Day 1: Ohakune to John Coull
Paddle distance: 38km/ 6-8hours from launch to camp
 
Depart Ohakune early (6.45-7am) and shuttle to Whakahoro. Learn to pack and steer your canoe before setting off down the narrowing gorge, leaving the last road access behind. Paddle past Laceys and Wades landings, old Māori Kaianga, Mangapapa Campsite, Man of War Bluff, and Kirikiriroa’s dramatic horseshoe bend. Paddle past Tamatea's cave and Stop for lunch at Ohauora Campsite, swim, and explore safely along the way. Camp for the night at John Coull Hut and Campsite.
Day 2: John Coull To Ramanui
Paddle distance: 28km/ 5-7 hours from camp to camp

After breakfast, paddle past the Tangarakau and Whangamomona Rivers, Mangawaiiti Campsite, and Otumangu Landing, a post-WWI farming settlement. See the first pine trees since Whakahoro (planted by early settlers), then stop at Mangapurua for lunch. Take an optional 45-minute walk to the famous Bridge to Nowhere. Dinner and hot showers await at Ramanui Campground (Book early for cabin upgrade)
Day 3: Ramanui to Pipiriki
Paddle distance: 22km/ 4-6- hours camp to finish

Paddle past Kahura Landing, one of the filming locations for River Queen, then navigate the steep gorge to Ngaporo Rapid and Ngaporo Campsite for a break. Continue past Mangaio Stream and Mangaio Rock, where early eyebolts mark former riverboat winching points. Explore Pururoto Caves, tackle Autapu Rapid, and finish through the Paparoa Rapids past old eel traps to reach Pipiriki Landing.
 

FAQ's - Whanganui River 3 Day Canoe Trip

  • Q: Who is the Whanganui River 3 Day Canoe Trip suitable for?
    A: This trip is perfect for fit adults, solo travellers, couples, and families with older children. It’s ideal if you want a fast-paced Whanganui River journey while still enjoying the scenery and hidden gems.
  • Q: What experience levels do I need for this canoe journey?
    A: No experience is required. Beginners are very welcome. Our expert guides provide instruction in paddling, river safety, and navigation so you can enjoy a safe, fun, and memorable 3-day canoe adventure.
  • Q: Can I take my children on this trip?
    A: Yes – it is suited to older children who can enjoy the adventure, but younger kids may be better suited to a more family-friendly canoe adventure on our 4- or 5-day trips with a slower pace and more stops.
  • Q: Is it safe for first-time paddlers?
    A: Absolutely. Canoe Safaris guides are trained in whitewater rescue, safety procedures, and first aid. They manage the navigation so you can focus on the scenery and adventure.
  • Q: What is the price and are there group discounts available?
    A: The 3 Day Whanganui River trip costs $1195 per adult and $995 per child. This includes your experienced guide, canoe hire, camping gear, all meals, and transport to and from the river. Families of 2 adults and 3 children (14 and under) receive 50% off for the third child. Group concessions are available for larger parties.
  • Q: What is included in the Whanganui 3-Day Canoe Trip?
    A: Everything is covered! Your trip includes high-quality Canadian canoes, tents, thick mattresses, all meals (gourmet 3-course dinners, breakfasts, lunches, snacks), campsite fees, transport, and expert guide support.
  • Q: Where does the trip start and finish?
    A: We meet in Ohakune for pre-trip accommodation, packing briefings, lifejacket fittings and river transport. The tour starts at Whakahoro and finishes at Pipiriki which you can find here on our Whanganui River Map, with shuttle transport back to Ohakune included.
  • Q: How physically demanding is the 3-Day Trip?
    A: While it’s a shorter and faster tour, when you Canoe the Whanganui River it does involve paddling several hours a day.It’s best suited for those with a moderate level of fitness, but our guides pace the journey and provide tips to make it manageable, with plenty of stops for swimming, exploring, or just enjoying the riverside views.
  • Q: What should I pack?
    A: Essentials for your canoe & camping trip include quick-dry clothing, waterproof layers, swimwear, towel, footwear for river and camp, personal toiletries, and a sleeping bag.
  • Q: Can we customize the trip dates?
    A: Trip start dates are flexible for private groups. We also run extra trips during peak periods. Contact us to discuss options that fit your schedule.

 

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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

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

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 had a magic 4 days on the Whanganui thanks to Kirsty Phil Keira and Jackson. The equipment, food, guiding and training were faultless. Phil's instruction was enough to make us confident on the river without overloading two novices and Keira's and Jackson's enthusiasm and...

Larry B, New Zealand

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

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 had a brilliant trip on the Rangitikei River with this amazingly organised and friendly company. Kirsty and Phil looked after us so well- from their (well Kirsty's) first response to our enquiry to waving us off at the end of a magnificent and well supported two day trip. The tuition and...

Kate Brennan, New Zealand

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

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

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