Depart Ohakune between 7.30 and 8.00am for the river. At Ohinepane the canoes and barrels are unloaded and the guides will show you how to pack your canoe. The first day includes lunch at Poukaria Campsite, we paddle past the old riverboat landing at Kirikau and take a short walk at Marae Kowhai. View the Ohura falls, and the War and Peace Poles that were erected by the Hau Hau warriors. It's then a short paddle to the first night's camp at Maharanui.
Towering rata, rimu and kowhai trees give a unique jungle setting for your first campsite, Maharanui, which is only accessible by boat. Listen out for the birdsongs of the native tui, fantail and on a special occasion, the brown kiwi. Facilities are basic.
The gorge starts to narrow and you leave the last road access point behind at Whakahoro, the second and final mooring point for the Houseboat. You pass Laceys and Wades landings and several old Māori Kaianga. Later in the morning you pass Mangapapa campsite, Man of War Bluff, Kirikiriroa where the river does a huge horseshoe turn, the Verandah, the Whirlpool and on down to Tamatea's Cave and a possible lunch stop at Ohauora campsite. There is plenty of time for stops and there are safe places to get out and swim. Camp at John Coull Hut and campsite.
The remote John Coull campsite is nestled in the forest amongst a mix of rata, rewarewa, rimu, tawa and kowhai trees. Pitch your tent and camp under the stars; drift off to sleep listening to birdsong and the sound of the river. Facilities are basic.
Breakfast and on the river, paddle the straightest section of the river, to John Coull Hut where we stop for a break and learn about the famous auctioneer and historic site. We carry on to pass the Tangarakau and Whangamomona rivers that help fuel the mighty Whanganui River. We explore the Mangawaiiti canyon, and Otumangu landing, one of the post WW1 farming settlements before arriving at Mangpurua, our camp for the night.
Another night of camping, overlook the river front, listen for kereru, tui and fantail, while brown kiwi at night. The forest is a mix of rata, rewarewa, rimu, tawa and kowhai trees.
After a leisurely breakfast, take a brief paddle to Mangapurua stream entrance, where we stop and walk to the iconic Bridge to Nowhere. Learn about the interesting history of the former farming settlement, before setting off on a short paddle, stopping for lunch along the way. Once at camp, enjoy a hot shower, take a short walk to the Bridge To Nowhere Lodge and enjoy a cold drink on the deck, or simply relax at camp before our final group dinner. Shared cabins are available at this campsite - if you would like to secure an upgrade to a shared cabin at an extra cost then please enquire, subject to availability.
Camp near the Bridge to Nowhere Lodge. Enjoy the lodge facilities high above the river and surrounded by native bush. Located deep in the Whanganui National Park, the Lodge is only accessible by foot, boat or helicopter. Check out the nearby glow worm cave and star-gaze under the clear night skies.
After breakfast, we begin our paddle through one of the most peaceful sections of the river. Admire the massive canyon walls, the sides dripping with moss and ferns. Pass by the filming locations used for the movies River Queen and Utu. Navigate the exciting Ngaporo rapid before stopping for a break. Next, paddle into the beautiful Mangaio stream, explore the Puraroto cave and navigate the legendary Autapu rapid. From Autapu, there are several more fun rapids, followed by our first signs of civilisation - telephone poles and farmland. After our last big rapid, land at Pipiriki, where we load the gear and embark on an hour's drive back to Ohakune.
