3 Day Whanganui River Guided Canoe Group Tour
Experience one of New Zealand’s Great Walks by canoe. Paddle 4 – 6 hours each day through the scenic middle reaches of the river, Whakahoro to Pipiriki.
The Whanganui River is rich with Maori and European history, the largest reminder of which is the famous ‘Bridge to Nowhere’. Just as the early explorers did, you will see and experience the NZ wilderness, pondering if you have taken a step back in time. Pass through deep gorges, stunning native forest, cascading waterfalls, Tamatea’s Cave and hopefully hear a Kiwi calling, while eating dinner under the stars. For a unique cultural experience, spend the night at Tieke Marae / Kāinga, a functioning marae and hut.
The Canadian Canoes used, are well suited to negotiate the 3 largest rapids of the journey including the Ngaporo Rapid and the Autapu Rapid. No canoeing experience is necessary and all training is given on the day for a fantastic experience, suitable for the whole family and all abilities.
3 Day Whanganui River
PREMIUM
Guided Canoe Group Tour
Canoe equipment included
Canoe, dry barrels for your gear, PFD’s, paddles
All additional clothing hire
Available as an optional extra
Transport
Between the start and end of the tour and the Adrift Tongariro base included
Accommodation transfers
Not available with this tour
All meals, nourishments and basic needs included
All cooking and camping equipment included
Camping passes included
Interested in a private 1 day tour?
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Reconfirmation
We like to meet clients the evening prior to the trip at our base at approx 5.30pm to give them their barrels to pack their gear into. It is essential all clients phone the Adrift Tongariro base between 10:00am – 5:00pm the day prior to the trip date to confirm the tour departure time and discuss exact timings. +64 7892 2751.
What to expect on the day
Call the day before to reconfirm your tour and start time. Meet the team at the Adrift Tongariro base the evening prior to the trip at approx 5.30pm to collect your dry barrels to pack your gear into. Please note these are not guaranteed waterproof.
The morning of the tour, clients can park their vehicle outside the Adrift Tongariro base safely, at no cost for the trip. When you arrive, our guides will check everyone in, go over the trip conditions and assess and provide the required equipment, and additional clothing and boots if needed. Once we meet you, you are under our guidance so you can then relax and enjoy the journey with Adrift.
We will then transport you and the guides from the Adrift Tongariro base in National Park Village to the river put in. Here we give a safety briefing, and paddling training, and information about what to do if you do fall out. 1 hour after arriving we start the journey. See below for a description of the journey.
At the end of the tour we transport you back to the Adrift Tongariro base in National Park Village. Once you arrive back at our base you then return in your vehicle back to your accommodation.
Adrift Tongariro Base
53 Carroll Street
National Park 3948
River information
Total distance: 88km (54.7 miles)
Paddling time: 4 – 6 hours each day
Rapid grading: 3 grade 1.5 rapids including Ngaporo Rapid and Autapu Rapid
River Section: Whakahoro to Pipiriki
Route Description
Day 1 – Whakahoro to John Coull Hut: 6 hours, 37.5 km
Long stretches of the middle section of the river are calm and still. You’ll travel through towering gorges, the sides dripping with moss and ferns and past numerous waterfalls. After navigating the Tarepokiore (whirlpool) rapid we will be passing the large overhang known as Tamateas Cave at approx 4 hours. Please do not enter the cave as it is wāhi tapu (a sacred place).
Day 2 – John Coull Hut to Tīeke Marae: 5 hours, 29 km
The Tāngarākau and Whangamōmona rivers join the Whanganui on this stretch. Continue your trip downstream stopping at the Mangapurua Landing to walk to the Bridge to Nowhere (1.5 hour return walk). Afterwards, you’ll continue on to Tīeke Kāinga. Learn about the history of Tīeke and the protocol of the marae.
Day 3 – Tīeke Marae to Pipiriki: 4 hours, 21.5 km
We will successfully negotiate the 3 largest rapids of the journey including the Ngaporo Rapid and the Autapu Rapid. At Pipiriki, we will be met by our transport which will take us back to the Adrift Tongariro base by 5:00 pm.
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