5-Day Guided Whanganui River Trip
Experience our most popular Guided Whanganui River Trip. Canoe 120 km of the Whanganui River Journey through pristine wilderness, waterfalls, and historic sites. Expert guides, gourmet meals, and all gear included—perfect for adventure and escape.
Highlights of the 5 Day Guided Whanganui River Canoe Trip | |
| ⭐The Complete Journey Paddle the full 120-145km Whanganui River Journey: One of New Zealand's Great walks - by canoe | ⭐All Inclusive Tour All Food, Gear, Canoe training, Guides, Campsite passes & Transport provided - Just bring a sleeping bag |
| ⭐Scenic Camping Camp under the stars in beautiful, remote riverside settings and wake refreshed to native birdsong | ⭐Gourmet Riverside Dining Freshly prepared meals everyday, 3 Course dinners with wine & beer, hot breakfasts and healthy lunches |
| ⭐Relaxed Pace Take your time - Soak in the scenery, wildlife & history. Enjoy shorter paddling days with more time to explore | ⭐High Quality Gear New and updated equipment, Spacious tents, comfortable mattresses and genuine Canadian canoes |
| ⭐Beginner Friendly All abilities welcome, no experience required | ⭐Professional Guided Experience Expert River Guides ensure a safe, fun - filled and informative journey for all skill levels |
| ⭐Transport and Logistics Shuttle to and from the river included with car & luggage storage. We handle the details - You enjoy the adventure! | ⭐40+ years of experience Canoe Safaris has been guiding Whanganui River Canoe Trips for decades with thousands of happy adventurers |
Here's everything you need to know
This is our most popular Whanganui River trip. Perfect for families, groups, solo adventurers and first-time paddlers. Escape the screens and fully immerse yourself in this unforgettable 5 Day Whanganui River Journey.
We provide everything you need so that you can relax and enjoy the experience. From hot cooked breakfasts to healthy filling lunches followed by gourmet 3 course dinners with NZ wine. Spacious tents to thick, self inflating mattresses, all canoe camping gear, campsite passes and river transport. We have it covered. -You only need to bring your sleeping bag and personal items
Paddle 120km through the stunning Whanganui National Park in a genuine Canadian open canoe, Break up the paddling each day with visits to canyons, tributaries, waterfalls, hidden gems and historic sites. Our expert guides provide instruction on paddling, river safety and navigation ensuring you get the most of of this once in a lifetime trip with a safe, fun and memorable adventure.
Our 5 Day Trips start from Ohinepane, with many of our guests choosing to stay at our onsite Canoe Safaris Lodge for their Ohakune accommodation the night before and after the trip. Enjoy comfortable private ensuite units and secure parking for a seamless start and finish.
Ready to experience one of New Zealand's Great Walks, by canoe? Get in touch today to secure your spot - The Team at Canoe Safaris are here to make it easy!
➜DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Bumpy and Fun
➜DATES: Depart Mondays & Wednesdays (October to May)
* A guideline only - more dates available over peak periods and with groups we can start a trip to suit you
Itinerary
Day 1: Ohakune to Maharanui
Paddle distance : 31km / 4-5 hours from launch to camp
We depart Ohakune between 6.45-7am and shuttle to Ohinepane to begin your Whanganui River Journey. After unloading and learning how to pack your canoe, we set off downstream. Along the way, enjoy lunch at Poukaria Campsite, paddle past the historic riverboat landing at Kirikau, and take a short walk at Marae Kowhai to see the Ohura Falls and the striking War and Peace Poles erected by Hau Hau warriors. A final gentle paddle brings us to our first riverside campsite at Maharanui.
Day 2: Maharanui to Ohauora
Paddle distance: 31km/5-7 hours from camp to camp
The gorge begins to narrow as we leave the last road access point behind at Whakahoro, the second and final mooring point of the historic houseboat. Along the way, we pass Laceys and Wades Landings, several old Māori kāinga (villages), and later Mangapapa Campsite, the striking Man of War Bluff, Kirikiriroa Horseshoe Bend, the Verandah, and the Whirlpool. We continue downstream to Tamatea’s Cave before arriving at Ohauora Campsite, our riverside stop for the night. There’s plenty of time for swimming, exploring, and relaxing along the way.
Day 3: Ohauora to Mangapurua
Paddle distance:29km/ 5-7 hours camp to camp
After breakfast, we’re back on the river at 9 am, paddling through a dramatic gorge before stopping at John Coull Campsite for a break. We continue past the confluence of the Tangarakau and Whangamomona Rivers, arriving at Mangawaiiti — a perfect spot for lunch and a swim.
The journey then takes us past Otumangu Landing, a post-WWI farming settlement, before reaching Mangapurua for the night. From here, you can take an optional 45-minute walk to the famous, historic Bridge to Nowhere, deep in the heart of the Whanganui wilderness.(this can also be walked the following morning instead)
Day 4: Mangapurua to Ramanui
Paddle distance: 5km walk & 11km paddle/4-6 hours camp to camp
After a relaxed breakfast, take an optional 45-minute walk to the iconic Bridge to Nowhere before returning to your canoe. There’s time for a refreshing swim at Mangapurua before paddling the 90 minute final stretch to Ramanui Campsite.
If time and weather allow, we’ll take a short walk at Tangahoe Landing to see the Tangahoe Waterfall. In the evening, enjoy dinner and hot showers at Ramanui, with the option to upgrade to a cabin (pre-bookings only).
Day 5: Ramanui to Pipiriki
Paddle distance: 22km/4-6 hours camp to finish
After breakfast, we begin the final day on the river, passing Kahura Landing, one of the filming locations for River Queen. Paddle through a steep gorge as the river cascades through Ngaporo Rapid, past Mangaio Stream and Mangaio Rock, where some of the original eyebolts used by riverboats can still be seen.
Continue past the Pururoto Caves to the legendary Autapu Rapid, where we stop for lunch. From Autapu, navigate several small rapids before Paparoa Rapids, passing old eel traps on the way to the final landing at Pipiriki.
From Pipiriki, enjoy a scenic one-hour drive back to Ohakune. This final stretch offers a thrilling conclusion to the journey and is suitable for all ages—perfect for families, with plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained.
.jpg)
