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Whanganui River Canoe

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  • Whanganui River Canoe

Tour Details

Start

6:45am, 6 Tay St, Ohakune

Finish

3:30pm, Ohakune

DEPARTURE DATES

4, 11, 18, 25 October, 2021
1, 8, 15, 22, 29 November, 2021
6, 13, 20, 27 December, 2021
3, 10, 17, 24, 31 January, 2022
7, 14, 21, 28 February, 2022
7, 14, 21, 28 March, 2022
4, 11, 18, 25 April, 2022
2, 9, 16, 23, 30 May, 2022

Prices

Period 1st Jun 21 - 30th Jun 22
5 Day Adult NZD $1,345.00
5 Day Child NZD $1,095.00
4 Day Adult NZD $1,145.00
4 Day Child NZD $995.00

Pre-track Briefing

Please call by the base at 6 Tay Street, Ohakune, the day before to collect your dry bags for packing.

Days

5 days

Fitness grade

Grade: B
("Soft Adventure" with an element of challenge)
whanganui-river-canoe-map.jpg
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Child rate applies to 15 years and under.

5-day trips depart on Mondays (dates above).
4-day trips depart the following day (on Tuesdays), to book the 4 day trip please enquire.
The 4-day trip begins at 7.15am and follows Days 2 - 5 of the 5-day itinerary.

 

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Transport

Transport to and from the river from Ohakune is in a minibus.
Pick up from accommodation or the train station can be arranged. Please indicate at time of booking.

Additional Costs

There are no additional costs. All meals are included in the price of the trip.

Price includes: Accommodation, all meals, transfers, canoes, life-jackets, waterproof storage barrels and camera case, camping equipment, guide.

Grading & Fitness

Grade: B

  • Average of 4-5 hrs physical activity per day
  • At times carrying small backpack of 4-5kgs
  • No hiking experience necessary
  • Reasonable standard of fitness required 

The paddling is easy and our usual relaxed pace leaves you time to explore and enjoy the unique scenery of the Whanganui National Park – with the usual river and campsite fun!

Accommodation

3 nights camping and one night at a lodge.

Motel type accommodation at Ohakune before and after the journey is available from $120 per night for 2 people. Extra person is NZ$20. Motel includes a kitchen with electric hob & microwave, one room with queen, single, & double sofa bed. Ensuite, Sky satellite TV, electric blankets, etc. Please advise when booking if you would like this booked for you.

What to Take

Consider your clothing in two parts; what you will wear canoeing and what you will need in camp. Work on the assumption that your canoeing clothes will get wet so you must have a dry change for campwear. Polypropylene/thermal wear is good as it is warm when wet, fast drying and lightweight.

Cotton is cold when wet – so if it is raining wool or polypropylene is better. You can use the check lists below to help you when packing for your trip.

Canoeing Clothes:

  • Swimwear
  • Sandshoes, sandals or wetsuit booties
  • Shorts
  • Sunhat
  • Woollen or polypropylene top
  • Waterproof lightweight jacket or parka
  • Windproof leggings (optional)
  • Woollen socks
  • Tracksuit or polypro pants (not jeans)
  • Light gloves (for warmth or blisters)

Camping Clothes:

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Complete change of warm clothes
  • Spare lightweight top
  • Waterproof rain jacket
  • Warm socks
  • Sleeping bag
  • Towels (2 small)
  • Warm hat (depending on time of year)
  • Extra snacks
  • Sunglasses (with strap)
  • Insect repellent
  • Sunscreen
  • Camera with spare memory
  • Water bottle
  • Torch/Flash light
  • Book or other reading material
  • First Aid kit
  • Personal medication if required
  • Other personal items
  • Plastic bags for extra water proofing
  • Footwear: It is advised everyone wears something on their feet at all times. There will be occasions when you will need to step out of your canoe into river shallows. In these slippery conditions sandshoes or sandals are better than jandals/flip flops.

Supplied:

  • Snug tents
  • Great food and wine
  • Thermarest airbeds
  • Excellent guides
  • Waterproof barrels are provided for your gear, with easy access for cameras, sunscreen, etc.
  • All river gear, paddles, life-jackets.

Sleeping bags are available for hire (requests for hired sleeping bags must be made at least 5 days before the departure date):

  • 3 days $20
  • 4 days $30
  • 5 days $40

Maximum baggage weight allowed is 8kg

* Please do not bring cell phones, as there is no cell phone coverage in the area.

Food

Your trip provides simply the best in outdoor dining. If you have pre conceived notions of basic eating on camping trips then your in for a pleasantly interesting surprise! A top notch bottled New Zealand wine accompanies all evening meals.

Guides & Safety

Each season brings new guides from New Zealand and around the world. All are river professionals and great cooks as well! We are the only company on the Whanganui river that hires guides with river rescue qualifications and Canoe specific guiding certificates. Your safety, comfort and river experience is our total priority!!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do the trips work?
Each group is guided by experienced, competent and friendly guides. Most have worked on canoe safaris for many years, so they know all the nice little waterfalls and hidden sidestreams and history that many people said were the highlights of their trip.
What age is suitable?
Almost anyone can enjoy a canoe adventure. Many people are over 60 and thoroughly enjoy the trip, finding it well within their capabilities. Many clients have never canoed, rafted or camped before, but this is not a problem. Careful instruction and training is given as required, and your comfort and enjoyment is the main priority. The emphasis is on relaxation and fun, all in a unique setting. Children are no problem – young ones usually sit up on a barrel in a guide canoe and wield a paddle as their energy allows. Rapids present no special problems (they’re perfect for beginners). Just big enough for a bit of fun, but not actually dangerous.
When is the best time to come?
October to December:

Daylight saving begins, the majestic Rata trees are in flower and there are more birds. Higher water levels mean easier paddling – especially if you are considering a rafting trip.

January:

School holiday time is when most people are on the river, but you won’t see many of them as we all travel at around the same pace! Fine weather and a little warmer. Early bookings essential.

February / March / April:

The weather has really settled down by now. March can be slightly more chilly, so swimming is less popular, but the exotic trees turning into autumn gold more than compensate. April school holidays and Easter are popular for end of season trips.
What type of boats are they?
River cruising in a Canadian canoe is a unique experience. Quite apart from the romance of it all is the space! Nothing cramped and uncomfortable, just lean back and relax. Not to mention the fun of sharing the rapids with a partner, just the ticket.
Do you need to have previous canoeing or river travel experience?
The National Park section of the Whanganui river is almost 90 km in length and the only road access is at the end – Pipiriki. Under most conditions the river is an easy Grade 1+ suitable for novice paddlers, but best for those with paddling/outdoor experience or groups with an experienced leader.
Is it safe?
The river has a large catchment area and has been known to rise 5 metres overnight. The guides know the river and different river conditions and are trained professionals. They will take care of you.
What if I’m a vegetarian?
No worries. There are vegetarian and vegan menus and guides have a lot of experience in catering for people with special dietary requirements. Please let us know when you book.
How do I get to Ohakune?
Ohakune is well serviced for transport. Three and a half hours drive from Wellington on State Highway 1, and four and a half hours drive from Auckland. The nearest large centres are Taupo, Palmerston North and Whanganui – all about one and a half hours drive away. Ohakune is well serviced by both buses and trains, and a pickup service is available by arrangement.

Booking Conditions

Payment:

For bookings 4 or more months in advance of the departure a 25% deposit can be paid with the remainder due 65 days prior to your trip. For bookings within 4 months of the departure, full payment is required. 

Cancellations:

More than 60 days prior to departure: $85 per person cancellation fee

59 - 30 days prior to departure: $200 per person cancellation fee

29 - 10 days prior to departure: cancellation fee is 50% of full ticket price 

9 days or less prior to departure: NO REFUND

Travel Insurance

We highly recommend travel insurance. For more great pictures and insight information visit our Active Earth Adventures Pinterest or Facebook page.

 

Our Active Earth Adventures site has adventures beyond New Zealand as well as cycling, skiing, rafting... holidays in New Zealand.

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