6 Day (145.5km) - Guided Tour5 Day (125km) option also available. Starting at Ohinepane, approx 20km downstream from Taumaranui.
Starting at Cherry Grove Taumaranui. The 6 day trip begins at a leisurely pace with time to explore or relax. This also enables those who have little or no experience in a canoe or kayak to become familiar with their boats.
There is plenty of time to explore some interesting historical sites close to the river, including the Nukunuku Museum and the Maraekowhai Niu Poles. As we progress further down the river, the farmland gives way to steep gorges and inaccessible native bush.
Once past Whakahoro, we enter the main part of the spectacular Whanganui National Park. We visit many places including, Kirikiriroa, one of many old Maori village sites, Tarepokiore, 'The Whirlpool', Tamatea Cave, John Coull Hut, Otumangu Landing, the Bridge to Nowhere, The 'Drop Scene' and Puraroto Caves, on our way to historic Pipiriki.
NEW - 10 Day TripHave you ever wanted to follow in the footsteps of the great explorers in history?
Well now you can by canoeing the entire length of the Whanganui River with Yeti Tours.
Starting:
Ending:
Distance:
Number of days:
Running:
| Cherry Grove, Taumaranui
Wanganui
234 kms
10 days
10th Jan
10th Feb
10th Mar
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What to Expect: Upper Section
During the first few days you will experience some exhilarating grade 2 rapids as this part of the river has slightly more gradient. You will pass by rural farm land and deep gorges. During the first few days you will see/visit:
Laurens Lavender Farm, where you will be able to have a glorious afternoon tea in the beautiful surroundings of lavender.
The Nukunuku Museum which houses a collection of artefacts obtained from the river, some of which date back 100s of years.
The Maraekowhai Niu Poles that were erected during the times of the Hauhau wars. There is one war pole and a peace pole.
Groyne Walls are still abundant in this section of the river from days when the river boats used to travel from Whanganui to Taumaranui.
Middle Section
On this section you will be paddling through the Whanganui National Park, there is not a road in days and the river bank is cloaked in dense native bush. The river eases off a little here and although there are still a few rapids, you will have more time to absorb your surroundings as you paddle down the river. On this section you will see/visit:
Kirikiri, one of many old Maori village sites that you will pass on your journey down the middle section.
Tamatea Cave where the great explorer Tamatea sheltered from a storm.
John Coull Hut
Bridge to Nowhere full of history from early settlers in that area. A one day hike into the Mangapurua Track.
Tieke Kainga, one of many Maraes on the river.
The Drop Scene and Puraroto Caves.
Pipiriki Marae complete with traditional welcome and a nights stay there.
Bottom Section
This dramatic landscape opens out in the lower reaches of the river to follow farmland and open valleys to the coastal dunes and cliffs which border the Tasman Sea to the west. Here you will visit/see:
Jeruslaem - The Old Roman catholic mission church. This was a mission headquarters of mother Mary Aubert and the home of a commune led by the late James K Baxter (a famous writer).
Pass the battle site of Moutoa Island.
Kawana flour mills which were restored in 1980.
Koriniti - Formerly a large settlement.
You will pass by many other old small Maori settlements as you get closer to the town of Wanganui.
Book EarlySo not to miss out on this once in a life time trip
Cost: $150 per person per day
Group discounts available for 10 people or more.
Cost includes all meals, transport, equipment and a knowledgeable guide.
New...Mokau RiverDuration: 3 Days
Skill Level Required: None
Departs: Saturday, Monday & Wednesday
Minimum: 4 people required
This is a trip for those who want to get away from the day to day grind, and want a nice sedate canoeing experience, the Mokau has stunning views of the only lowland coastal forest left in its natural state.
Starting at Te Matai you will paddle alongside limestone cliffs and through a few small shallow rapids. This quickly turns into willow lined regenerating farm land with minimal to no rapids (so nice and safe).
You will paddle past some low land Nikau forest and there is the option of a side trip to an abandoned coal mine.
Finishes close to Mokau.
CostFreedom hire: $225 per person
Guided: $595 per person
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