4-Day Guided Whanganui River Tour

This guided canoe tour is designed for families, groups, and those who simply want to take their time and enjoy the ride. With an extra day on the water, you’ll have more opportunities for side trips into canyons, relaxed swim breaks, and early camp arrivals for unwinding under the stars.

With a slower pace, our expert guides can personalise the experience, ensuring everyone gets the most out of their adventure. Whether you’re refining your paddling technique or simply enjoying the journey, this tour offers flexibility and fun in equal measure.

We take care of everything—from booking national park and DOC permits to providing spacious tents, 3” thick mattresses, and high-quality safety gear. Enjoy freshly prepared meals, from cooked breakfasts to gourmet three-course dinners with a splash of New Zealand wine.

This 4-day Whanganui River journey departs from the same starting point as the 3-day Whanganui Canoe tour. Kicking off at Whakahoro and then covering 90km to Pipiriki. As this spans 4 days, this tour offers a more relaxed, enjoyable pace. 

If you’d like to keep things simple, consider staying at our on-site accommodation in Ohakune the night before. This way, you’ll have plenty of time to organise your barrels and dry bags before an early start.

Families of two adults and three children (14 and under) receive a 50% discount on the third child’s rate. Group discounts are available, and custom departure dates can be arranged for private groups. We regularly welcome and encourage solo travellers and smaller groups.

If you don’t see a date that works, contact us—We often run extra trips during peak seasons!

Day 1:Whakahoro to Ohauora

We depart Ohakune between 6:45am and 7:00am and head to Whakahoro, where you’ll learn how to pack your canoe. The journey begins as the river narrows, passing historic sites like colonial houseboat moorings and old Māori settlements (Kāinga). Enjoy a possible lunch stop at Mangapapa, then paddle past dramatic river bends, waterfalls, and hidden caves before setting up camp at Ohauora. If time allows, we’ll take a short side trip to explore canyons or enjoy a swim.

Day 2 - Ohauora to Mangapurua

After breakfast, we’re back on the river at 9am and paddle through a deep gorge before stopping at John Coull Campsite for a break. As we continue, we’ll pass the confluence of the Tangarakau and Whangamomona Rivers before reaching Mangawaiiti, an ideal lunch and swim spot. The journey then takes us past Otumangu landing, a post-WWI farming settlement, before arriving at Mangapurua for the night. From here, we can take an optional 45-minute walk to the famous Bridge to Nowhere.

Day 3 - Mangapurua to Ramanui

In the morning, you’ll have the chance to explore the Bridge to Nowhere before paddling downstream through striking geological formations. Along the way, we stop at an abandoned colonial farm before arriving at Ramanui Campsite. Here, you can unwind with a hot shower and a hearty dinner. If you’d like, you can upgrade to a shared cabin for added comfort—be sure to book early!

Day 4 - Ramanui to Pipiriki

The final stretch begins with a paddle past Kahura landing, a key filming location for ‘River Queen’. The river winds through stunning gorges, leading to the thrilling Ngaporo Rapid. After a lunch break, we pass historic winching points and eel traps before tackling the Paparoa Rapids, bringing us to our journey’s end at Pipiriki.