Canoe & kayak Trips

The Taumarunui to Pipiriki section of the Whanganui River is categorised as a DOC ‘Great Walk.’  DOC provides the campsites and huts along this stretch.

The Taumarunui to Ohinepane section has grade 2 rapids, while the rest of the river is graded between 1 to 1.5.

The 3 days Whakahoro to Pipiriki journey takes in the best of the Whanganui River and Whanganui National Park has to offer.  For this reason it is the most popular of all paddling excursions. 

The 5-6 day trip (which is categorised as a NZ DOC Great Walk) offers people with leisure time on their hands a longer and more relaxing trip.

Whanganui River Journey Great Walk Track Description

The 145 kilometre river journey from Taumarunui to Pipiriki takes an average 5 days to complete by canoe. Although a river journey, the Whanganui is part of New Zealand's Great Walks network. Distances between campsites and huts are as follows:

• Cherry Grove, Taumarunui to Ohinepane campsite — 22 kilometres
• Ohinepane to Poukaria campsite — 14 kilometres
• Poukaria to Maharanui campsite — 17 kilometres
• Maharanui to Whakahoro campsite — 4 kilometres
• Whakahoro to Mangapapa campsite — 11 kilometres
• Mangapapa to Ohauora campsite — 16 kilometres
• Ohauora to John Coull hut/campsite — 10.5 kilometres
• John Coull Hut to Mangawaiiti campsite — 9.5 kilometres
• Mangawaiiti to Mangapurua campsite — 9 kilometres
• Mangapurua to Tieke Kainga hut/campsite— 10.5 kilometres
• Tieke to Ngaporo campsite — 12.5 kilometres
• Ngaporo to Pipiriki — 8 kilometres

Other Trips

Another very good trip option is our one day with jet boat return. This paddle commences at Whakahoro, the beginning of the Whanganui National Park. This 1-day option is a relaxing, quite paddle with the added bonus of a refreshing and exhilarating jet boat ride to finish off the day.

Freedom Canoe and Kayak Hire

Includes associated paddling equipment (waterproof storage barrels, life jackets etc.), river guide booklet, river reading/paddling instruction, and is backed by our own jet boat safety service. Clients are welcome to utilise our Raurimu base facilities. On offer are hot showers, toilets, river and weather condition updates, shop, cafe and is open until late for those coming off the river in the afternoon.

Return transport from local areas on State Highway 4 or Raurimu are included in all the prices, as well as vehicle parking at Raurimu.

An extra day can be taken at no extra cost on 3-5 day options.

Duration	Description	Cost
1-day	Kayak with jet Boat Return	$125 pp
1-day	Kayak Retaruke River	$80 pp
2-day	Paddle with Jet Boat Return	$180 pp
2-day	Taumarunui to Whakahoro	$135 pp
2-day	Kayak Retaruke and Whanganui Rivers	$165 pp
3-day	Whakahoro to Pipiriki	$160 pp
4-day	Ohinepane to Pipiriki	$170 pp
5-day	Taumarunui to Pipiriki	$180 pp

Executive Canoe Hire

For those wanting the very best. These custom Canadian Canoes are made from the latest materials and technology. They have excellent handling capabilities, high load capacity and seat design for extra comfort.

Duration	Description	Cost
3-day	Whakahoro to Pipiriki	$175 pp
4-day	Ohinepane to Pipiriki	$180 pp

Logistical Support & Guided Tours

Guided tours are fun, informative, luxurious, and hassle free. Guides are available for all our canoeing, jet boating and tramping trips.

Packages involve everything required for the trip. This includes experienced guides, tents, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, food, canoe and/ or jet boat hire, DoC hut and campsite passes, return transfers, vehicle storage, information on cultural and geological points of interest, first aid kits and additional safety equipment. All you need to bring is your own personal gear. Trampers on the Mangapurua Track only carry a day backpack.

Our guided trips work on the ratio of 1 guide per 10 clients (5 boats), with at least one guide first aid certified. For additional safety back-up, an EPIRB, mountain radio and a full jet boat service are on hand.

Guides provide knowledge of the areas changing conditions along with proper paddling techniques for those canoeing the Whanganui or Retaruke Rivers. Clients set the pace and your guide will plan the best locations for overnight stops to accommodate the groups progress. Our guides are also quite partial to the odd sing-along around the campsites in the evenings.

Catering includes all meals during the trip. Breakfast on the day of departure and the evening meal on the final day of a tour are not included. Meals are good, wholesome, cooked Kiwi cuisine. Please advise on any dietary requirements at the time of booking. To reduce costs of a guided trip, there is a self catering option.

Prices for guided tours are available by contacting us on 0800 226631 or email wades.landing@xtra.co.nz. Discounts can apply to group bookings.

Equipment Hire

• Tents - $25
• Gas Cookers - $20
• Sleeping Bags - $15
• Bed Rolls - $5
• Cooking Equipment - $5

Car Ferrying

• Raurimu to Taumarunui - $50 pp
• Raurimu to Ohinepane $55 pp
• Raurimu to Whakahoro $50 pp
• Raurimu to Pipiriki $50 pp