Is prior paddling experience required?

No, the trip is suitable for beginners with comprehensive safety briefings and expert guides providing hands-on training.

What is the minimum age to join the trip?

Guests must be at least 10 years old. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Are meals provided during the trip?

Yes, all meals are catered and included, featuring three meals per day prepared fresh for the group.

Where do I start and end the trip?

The journey begins at Raetihi Holiday Park with transport to Whakahoro to launch and finishes at Pipiriki before returning to Raetihi.

Can I leave my vehicle at the start?

Yes, safe, secure parking is available at Raetihi Holiday Park with prior arrangement.

What level of fitness do I need?

Moderate fitness is recommended to comfortably paddle daily and participate in short walks.

Whanganui River Paddling with Unique Whanganui River Experience

The Whanganui River, New Zealand's third-longest river, carves a path of deep cultural significance and unspoiled wilderness through the Manawatū-Whanganui region. The Unique Whanganui River Experience offers a four-day journey that moves beyond simple recreation into a fully immersive encounter with this remarkable river corridor. Over four days and three nights, guests navigate the awa under the guidance of skilled Awa Navigators, local experts who expertly blend paddling instruction with rich Māori cultural storytelling.

Launching from Whakahoro after gathering at Raetihi Holiday Park, this trip covers calm stretches of river punctuated by gentle rapids that invite a mix of peaceful gliding and light adventure. Each day unfolds with paddling through native bushlands where long-tailed bats flit at dusk and the haunting songs of brown kiwi drift through the night. Nights are spent at riverside campsites or huts, where catered meals nurture energize the body and evenings bring traditional pōwhiri welcomes and waiata sessions around campfires.

A highlight includes a forest walk to the Bridge to Nowhere, a remarkable 100-year-old historic relic suspended over a remote valley, encapsulating the region's rugged pioneer spirit. Visiting Tīeke Kāinga marae imbues the trip with a deep sense of place and connection, where guests receive a traditional whakatau welcome.

This journey is designed for paddlers aged 10 and up, with no prior experience required, making it an accessible yet profoundly unique way to experience New Zealand's cultural heartland and natural beauty. The combination of expert river coaching, comprehensive inclusions like all meals and camping gear, and the chance to unplug from modern life makes the Unique Whanganui River Experience a standout adventure destination in the North Island’s backcountry.