Starting at $1245 | Tuesday Departures (Guideline only, more dates available throughout the season)
Paddle four days down New Zealand’s Whanganui River, weaving through ancient forests and sacred landscapes. Discover why this guided canoe trip is a must-do for adventure seekers and cultural travelers alike.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4 days
Fitness Level
Participants should have a moderate level of fitness and be comfortable with physical activity over several days.
Wildlife
History
The Whanganui River was granted legal personhood status in 2017, recognizing its vital cultural and environmental significance.
Conservation
The river corridor is carefully managed to minimize impact, with visitors encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles and respect sacred sites.
Canoe Safaris
Starting at $1245 | Tuesday Departures (Guideline only, more dates available throughout the season)
Canoe Safaris operates from Ohakune in the Manawatū-Whanganui region and offers a range of guided canoe trips, self-hire options, and lodge accommodation. The company runs guided adventures on the Rangitikei River and the Whanganui River, including one-day, two-day, three-day, four-day and five-day itineraries. Popular guided routes listed include the Three-Day Guided Rangitikei River Canoe, Two-Day Guided Rangitikei River Canoe, Four-Day Guided Rangitikei River Canoe, Three-Day Guided Whanganui National Park Canoe, Four-Day Guided Whanganui National Park Canoe, and Five-Day Guided Whanganui National Park Canoe. Self-guided hire options include the Three-Day Whanganui National Park Canoe Hire and Four-Day Whanganui National Park Canoe Hire. Shorter experiences include the One Day Guided Lavender Farm Canoe on the Whanganui River. Accommodation is provided at Ohakune Lodge Accommodation, a studio-style lodge at the base of Turoa ski resort with kitchen facilities and a Hot Spring Spa Pool. Trips feature grade one and two rapids on the Rangitikei River, river camping, fishing and walks to waterfalls and historic sites where described. The Whanganui National Park itineraries travel along the Whanganui River and present scenic paddling opportunities and cultural history in locations where noted. Canoe Safaris lists guided trips and hire options across multiple durations to suit families, groups, and paddlers with varying experience. Information on specific routes, durations, and amenities is available in each trip listing.
Some trips include riverside lunches, visits to the Lavender Farm Cafe, and highlights such as Gravity Canyon bungy; self-hire Whanganui itineraries can navigate nearly 90 km of river in National Park.
Base Location
Ohakune, Manawatū-Whanganui
Launch point for river and lodge trips
Tours Offered
11 trips
Range from 1 to 5 days
Family Friendly
Most trips
Suitable for families and groups
Trip Durations
1–5 days
Short and multi-day options available
Secure guided trips, self-hire packages, or Ohakune Lodge accommodation — plan multi-day adventures on the Rangitikei and Whanganui rivers.
Bring Waterproof Gear
Pack rain jackets and dry bags to protect your essentials from river spray and possible rain.
Practice Basic Paddle Strokes
Familiarize yourself with essential canoe strokes before arrival to maximize your enjoyment on the river.
Respect the Sacred River
Follow all guidelines provided by your guides to honor the river’s cultural significance and fragile environment.
Prepare for Variable Weather
Layer your clothing to handle both cool mornings and warmer afternoons during your trip.
Canoe PFD (Personal Flotation Device)
Safety first — a properly fitting PFD is crucial when paddling river waters.
Waterproof Dry Bags
Keep your gear dry and organized during river travel and camping.
Layered Clothing
Spring mornings can be chilly, so bring layers to stay comfortable when paddling.
spring
Sturdy Hiking Sandals or Water Shoes
Protect your feet during river entries and walks on rocky riverbanks.
summer