Five-Day Guided Whanganui River Canoe Trip incl. All Meals & Accommodation

Includes:

• All food included. Freshly prepared meals every day, 3 Course dinners with 
  wine & beer, hot breakfasts and healthy lunches.
• Transport & accommodation. Stay at Ohakune Lodge for a seamless start and finish, with shuttles to and from the river included.
• All gear provided. High-quality and updated fleet of Canadian Canoes. Spacious tents & thick mattresses. Just bring sleeping bags.
• Experienced, qualified and safe guides
• All campsite and national park fees

Day 1: Ohakune to Maharanui

• Paddle distance: 31 km / 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.

About Canoe Safaris:

Founded in 1979, Canoe Safaris offers fun-filled river holidays for folks with little or no paddling experience. After more than three decades in operation and thousands of happy customers, they are confident that their guided canoe trips have the right balance of fun, relaxation and exploration. Their guides are well versed in local flora and fauna as well as the rich history of the Whanganui river. They have a well-deserved reputation as simply the best in outdoor dining, so leave your preconceived notions of camping food at the door and enjoy one of their superb three-course meals. They also take great pride in providing the highest quality river and camping equipment, designed for durability and comfort. Canoe Safaris has a river holiday for all ages, from families with young children to those over 70 years young.