Guided Whanganui River Canoeing
Experience one of New Zealand’s Great Walks by canoe on the Whanganui River. From Taumarunui to Pipiriki, the Whanganui River is part of the Department of Conservation (DOC) Great-Walk network. Paddle through a landscape rich with Maori and European history. You will travel through lush native forest, bush-clad hills, see waterfalls, spectacular sheer gorges and farmland, on an unforgettable trip into the heart of the Whanganui National Park.
Here at Adrift, we’ve been providing guided canoe experiences for over 20 years with qualified instructors. whose sole purpose is to ensure you have a safe, enjoyable and memorable adventure. There are many marvels and obstacles on the journey and the Canadian Canoes used, are well suited for the level 1 rapids and the long still water of the gorges.
Choose a 3-day tour from Whakahoro to Pipiriki , or a shorter, 1-day private tour starting at Taumarunui, featuring the most spectacular stretches of the Whanganui River. Read on to find out more about each of our tours and see which one is best for you.
Private 1 Day Whanganui River Guided Canoe Tour
The longest navigable river in New Zealand, the Whanganui River traverses over 200km of countryside in its winding journey through the Whanganui National Park. Travel the upper reaches of the Whanganui River, Taumarunui to Ohinepane on this 1 day private tour. The beautiful scenery does a lot of the work for us but we have tailored this trip so that your tour is run exclusively for you and your family or friends.
Just as the early explorers did, you will see and experience the NZ wilderness as you paddle through a mix of farmland and native bush, wondering if you have taken a step back in time. You’ll be in for excitement as you shoot down level 1 rapids, all of which are easily navigable with directions and instructions from your guide.
3 Day Whanganui River Guided Canoe Group Tour
Paddle 4 – 6 hours each day through the scenic middle reaches of the river, Whakahoro to Pipiriki. On this section of the Whanganui Journey you will pass through deep gorges, stunning native forest, cascading waterfalls, Tamatea’s Cave and hopefully hear a Kiwi calling, while eating dinner under the stars.
Stopping along the way we make the short walk to the iconic ‘Bridge to Nowhere’. Lost deep in the forest and completely isolated from civilisation, this lonely concrete bridge was built for returned World War 1 servicemen to reach a now-abandoned settlement. For a unique cultural experience, spend the night at Tieke Marae / Kāinga, a functioning marae and hut. Continuing downstream we will successfully negotiate the 3 largest rapids of the journey including the Ngaporo Rapid and the infamous Autapu Rapid.