Whanganui River Canoe 5 Day Itinerary | Hiking New Zealand (HikingNZ)

DAY 1

Ohinepane to Maharanui

31km / 4-5 hours paddling

Depart from Ohakune in the early morning for the Whanganui 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. Includes lunch and dinner

Start your journey from Ohakune early in the morning.

Accommodation

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.

DAY 2

Mararanui to Ohauora

31km / 5-7 hours paddling

The gorge begins to narrow as we leave the last road access point behind at Whakahoro, the second and final mooring point of the historic houseboat. Along the way, we pass Laceys and Wades Landings, several old Māori kāinga (villages) and later, Mangapapa Campsite, the striking Man of War Bluff, Kirikiriroa Horseshoe Bend, the Verandah and the Whirlpool. We continue downstream to Tamatea’s Cave before arriving at Ohauora Campsite, our riverside stop for the night. There’s plenty of time for swimming, exploring, and relaxing along the way. Includes breakfast lunch and dinner

Accommodation

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.

DAY 3

Ohauora to Mangapurua

29km / 5-7 hours paddling

After breakfast, we’re back on the river, paddling through a dramatic gorge before stopping at John Coull Campsite for a break. We continue past the confluence of the Tangarakau and Whangamomona Rivers, arriving at Mangawaiiti, a perfect spot for lunch and a swim.

Our journey then takes us past Otumangu Landing, a post-WWI farming settlement, before reaching Mangapurua for the night. From here, you can take an optional 45-minute walk to the famous, historic Bridge to Nowhere, deep in the heart of the Whanganui wilderness (this can also be walked the following morning instead). Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner

Learn the rich history of the mighty Whanganui River

Accommodation

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.

DAY 4

Mangapurua to Ramanui

5km hike & 11km paddle / 4-6 hours

After a relaxed breakfast, take an optional walk to the iconic Bridge to Nowhere before returning to your canoe. There’s time for a refreshing swim at Mangapurua before paddling the 90 minute final stretch to Ramanui Campsite. If time and weather allow, we’ll take a short walk at Tangahoe Landing to see the Tangahoe Waterfall. In the evening, enjoy dinner and hot showers at Ramanui or 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. Includes breakfast lunch and dinner

The 'Bridge to Nowhere' is well worth a visit for a slice of early New Zealand history.

Accommodation

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.

DAY 5

Ramanui to Pipiriki

22 km / 4-6 hours paddling

After breakfast, we begin the final day on the river, passing Kahura Landing, one of the filming locations for River Queen. Paddle through a steep gorge as the river cascades through Ngaporo Rapid, past Mangaio Stream and Mangaio Rock where some of the original eyebolts used by riverboats can still be seen.

We'll continue past the Pururoto Caves to the legendary Autapu Rapid, where we stop for lunch. From Autapu, navigate several small rapids before Paparoa Rapids, passing old eel traps on the way to the final landing at Pipiriki. This final stretch offers a thrilling conclusion to the journey. From Pipiriki, enjoy a scenic one-hour drive back to Ohakune. Includes breakfast and lunch

Whanganui River Canoe 5 Day

Ohinepane to Maharanui

31km / 4-5 hours paddling

Mararanui to Ohauora

31km / 5-7 hours paddling

Ohauora to Mangapurua

29km / 5-7 hours paddling

Mangapurua to Ramanui

5km hike & 11km paddle / 4-6 hours

Ramanui to Pipiriki

22 km / 4-6 hours paddling

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