This trip starts at Whakahoro and covers 90km to Pipiriki. Great for those with a little less time and who are a little fitter.
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. 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. 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
After a leisurely breakfast there is a walk to the Matemateonga track and up to the Puketotara hut. View across to Mt Ruapehu. After returning to the lodge we are back on the river for a short paddle until lunch. 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 - our final campsite
Day 04
After breakfast 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. From Autapu rapid there are several small rapids before the Paparoa rapids swings the canoes past the old eel traps and down to the landing at Pipiriki.
Consider your clothing in two parts. Firstly, what you will wear canoeing and secondly, what you will need in camp. Also work on the assumption that your canoeing clothes will get wet so you must have a dry change for campwear.
Comfortable shoes. Complete change of warm clothes. Spare lightweight top. Warm socks. Towels (2 small). Warm hat (depending on time of year)
We advise everyone to wear something on his or her feet at all times. There will be occasions when you will need to step out of your canoe into river shallows. In these slippery conditions sandshoes or sandals are better than jandals.
Swimwear. Sandshoes, sandals or wetsuit booties. Shorts. Sunhat. Woolen or polypropylene top. Waterproof lightweight jacket or parka. Windproof leggings (optional). Woolen socks. Tracksuit or polypro pants (not jeans). Light gloves (for warmth or blisters)
