This tour is designed for those who want to experience one of NZ’s Great Walks but from Canoe.  This is a unique way of spending time in another of New Zealand’s wonderful National Parks. The Whanganui National Park has rugged terrain covered in lush native forest with the Whanganui River flowing through the heart of it.

The Whanganui River is rich with Maori and European history, the largest reminder of which is the famous ‘Bridge to Nowhere’. Just as the early explorers did, you will see and experience the NZ wilderness, pondering if you have taken a step back in time. Paddling downstream you will travel through bush-clad hills, see waterfalls, spectacular sheer gorges, farmland as well as some rapids en-route.

Route Description

Day 1: Whakahoro to John Coull Hut. This day involves a 6-hour paddle to John Coull Hut passing. We will be passing Tamateas Cave at approx 4 hours.

Day 2: John Coull Hut to Tieke Marae. Today we have a 5-hour paddle from John Coull Hut to Tieke Marae stopping at the Bridge to Nowhere along the way (1.5 hour return walk).  

Day 3: Tieke Marae to Pipiriki. It is a four-hour paddle to Pipiriki where we will be met by our transport which will take us back to the Adrift Tongariro base by 5:00 pm. We will successfully negotiate the 3 largest rapids of the journey including the Ngaporo Rapid and the infamous Autapu Rapid.

Included

Guide/s, transport between the Adrift Tongariro base and the river put in, Department of Conservation hut or camping passes, meals (vegetarian available on request at time of booking), nourishments and needs whilst on tour. Adrift Tongariro also provides all cooking, camping and canoeing equipment (canoe, dry barrels for your gear, PFD’s, paddles, tents and sleeping mats).

Timings

Tour starts and finishes at the Adrift Tongariro Base 53 Carroll St, National Park Village.

Trip departures available summer only (1 October - 31 May) on application and confirmation.

Meet at the Adrift Tongariro Base: 9:00am

Return: 5:00pm

Your vehicle can be left at our base whilst canoeing.

We endeavor to remove the risk of clients not having adequate clothing and equipment for the conditions. To achieve this, we request clients to meet at the Adrift Tongariro base to improve both safety and service as this is outfitted with all equipment and clothing needs for the conditions of the day.

Gear List

Personal medications (e.g. Asthma Inhaler, blister protection etc), Sun hat, Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Suntan lotion, covered sandals, shorts, light top, 2 warm top layers (wool, merino, thermals, fleece, soft shell etc. are good layers), waterproof raincoat, 1 set of spare warm clothing to change into at the end of the day, including underwear 1 x spare warm top 1 x pair longs 2 pairs of socks, water bottle and sleeping bag. But please don’t bring too much.

Gear Hire

Adrift Tongariro has available for hire personal equipment footwear and clothing to supplement that which you don’t have and need including boots, socks, thermal longs, fleece longs, waterproof pants, thermal tops, fleece tops, waterproof tops, warm gloves, warm hats, sun hats, sunglasses, backpacks, walking poles and sleeping bags and liners.

Re-confirmation

It is essential all clients phone the Adrift Tongariro base between 10:00am - 5:00pm the day prior to trip date to confirm tour departure time and discuss exact timings.  +64 7892 2751.

We like to meet clients the evening prior to the trip at our base at approx 5.30pm to give them their barrels to pack their gear into.

Terms and Conditions

For full terms and conditions click here.