Whanganui River

The Whanganui River, a serpentine lifeline that meanders out from the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, is more than just a waterway - it's a living embodiment of Māori heritage and stronghold for biodiversity. The Whanganui is New Zealand’s third largest river and stretches about 300 kilometres west from the Central Volcanic Plateau to the Tasman Sea. 

Much of its journey festoons through the endless lowland native forest of Whanganui National Park. These rainforests have scenery more akin to tropical Asia than classic Kiwi somehow. The fern-lined sandstone banks evoke a Jurassic world as narrow gorges of murky water yield to expansive river reaches.

Te Awa Tupua: A Living Ancestor

The Whanganui has long been a source of sustenance and spiritual significance for local iwi (tribes). Come here as manuhiri (guests). 

In March 2017, the Te Awa Tupua (Whanganui River Claims Settlement) Act was enacted, granting the Whanganui River and all its tributaries legal personhood. This landmark legislation recognizes the river as an ancestor of the Whanganui people, describing Te Awa Tupua as a living entity, spanning from the mountains to the sea, and encompassing all its physical and metaphysical elements.

Connecting Communities and Ecosystems

Whanganui translates to "big bay" or "large harbour," a nod to its central role in shaping the region’s cultural and historical landscape. Both Māori and early European settlers relied on the river as a vital route for connecting communities for trade.

Once the lifeblood of these communities, it now plays an equally important part in the survival of some of New Zealand’s taonga (treasure) species. Endemic īnanga (whitebait) journey upstream to spawn, endangered whio (blue duck) surf the rapids, koura (freshwater crayfish) lurk at river’s bottom, and diverse birdlife inhabits its riparian zones. 

Canoe the Whanganui River Journey

The best way to experience this time-forgotten landscape is through a whio’s-eye-view. The Whanganui River Journey is oddly unique and unashamedly also called a Great Walk - go figure. Navigate the 145 km adventure by canoe, a 3 to 5 day paddle, staying at Department of Conservation campsites or huts. This is a unique Kiwi mission not to be missed.