3-Day Whanganui River Journey Guided Tour

(90km) If you have only 3 days but still want to relax or if you feel nervous, this Whanganui River journey guided tour is for you. Our Voyager canoes are 6 seater craft so the guide can navigate the river and control the canoe for you.

$ 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

Itinerary

What to Bring

(90km) If you have only 3 days but still want to relax then this is the trip for you.

We've had two six person open canoes built to offer three day Whanganui trips in fully guided canoes. These canoes are based on the early Voyageur canoes from the fur trading days in Canada. Comfort on this trip is a priority and it is the little extras that we've added that will make the trip unforgettable.

The trip includes excellent 3 course meals, bottled NZ wine, all camping equipment, one night at our pre-set campsite and one night at Bridge to Nowhere Lodge overlooking the river. Cruise in style in our Big Canoes.

Note - it is possible to book these canoes on our longer trips. They are ideal for family groups.

Trip Dates and Group Discounts: With a family of 2 adults and 3 children (14 and under) the third child pays 50% 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.

Itinerary

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. 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. 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). After the walk there is time for a swim before we paddle the last 1.5hrs down to 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. After unloading boats and loading the trailer we have a quick stop in Pipiriki and a short one hour drive back to Ohakune.

Voyager Canoe Trip FAQ's

What if i have less than 6 people in my group but would like the Voyager canoe?
We can also use this vessel with 4 customers, plus guide. Anything less than 4 and we will use Tandem Canoes (2 person Craft)
Why choose the Voyager over Tandem canoes?
If your group has lots of small children or people who are nervous and very unsure of their ability. The Voyager Canoe takes away any safety concerns that the group may have as the guide is totally in charge of the vessel, and everybody in it.

What else will be different on my trip if i am in a voyager canoe?
Quite simply - Nothing! The itinerary and route of the 3 Day Whanganui Trip, the 4 Day Guided Canoe Tour and the 5 Day Guided Whanganui River Trip is exactly the same in whichever vessel you choose.

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5 Day Guided Whanganui River Trip

$ NZD Adult: 1595 | Child: 1345

Join our most popular Guided Whanganui River adventure. A once-in-a-lifetime experience and unforgettable escape, Perfect for disconnecting from devices and reconnecting with

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4 Day Guided Whanganui River Tour

$ NZD Adult: 1395 | Child: 1245

Starting at Whakahoro covering 90km to Pipiriki. Great for those with a little more time than the 3 Day Whanganui tour and would like to relax and experience as much as possible

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3 Day Guided Canoe Tour

$ NZD Adult: 1195 | Child: 995

A Popular choice for fit backpackers or fit adults who are short on time and enjoy a challenge. It is also a great option early in the summer season when the river is generally a

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2 Day Upper Whanganui

$ NZD Adult: 745 | Child: 745

Ideal if you have just a weekend to spare, or if you want to "test the water" before deciding on a longer trip.

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2 Day Bridge To Nowhere Canoe And Jetboat

Two Day Bridge to Nowhere Tours

$ NZD Adult: 835 | Child: 835

Don’t have time for the full three day trip? We’ve got the perfect alternative for you. Embark on an unforgettable two day adventure on the Whanganui River and create lifelong

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1 Day Lavender Farm Canoe

$ NZD Adult: 375 | Child: 375

If you’re keen to explore the Whanganui River but short on time, our fully guided 1-Day Lavender Farm Canoe Trip offers the perfect solution. Designed for families, beginners, and

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What our customers say

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

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 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

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

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

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

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 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 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