Whanganui River Canoe
This trip dossier contains all the information you require for booking this trip. Please print off and read carefully before booking.
| Length | 5 days | ||||||||
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| Grade |
B (Average of 4-5 hrs physical activity per day.)
Grade B
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| Start | 7:30am, 6 Tay St, Ohakune | ||||||||
| Finish | 3:00pm, Ohakune | ||||||||
| Departs |
Oct 2010: 4, 11, 18, 25 Nov 2010: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Dec 2010: 6, 13, 17, 20, 27, 28 Jan 2011: 1, 2, 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Feb 2011: 7, 14, 21, 28 Mar 2011: 7, 14,21, 28 Apr 2011: 4, 11, 18, 25 May 2011: 2, 9, 16, 23 Extra trips can also be run to suit your itinerary, minimum 2 people. Please contact us. |
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| Prices | Period 1 Jun 10 - 31 May 11 | ||||||||
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Minimum 2 clients
Maximum 16 plus guides
Itinerary
The Whanganui has a special magic not present on most rivers. Besides its rich history, much of which is still apparent on the riverbanks, it is perhaps the last remaining river that was significant in early transport networks that remains truly wild and untouched.
Day 1.
Meet your guides at the base in Ohakune and pack waterproof barrels for the trip. Drive to Ohinepane where boats and gear are unloaded and have a instruction and practice in the canoes. Stop for morning tea and lunch along the way, and pass old riverboat and houseboat landings, man made rock weirs, the Taniwha Rock, and the Maori 'War and Peace' at Maraekowhai. Day one camp is at Maharunui campsite.
Day 2.
Breakfast and on the water around 9am. A short paddle to Whakahoro - the last road out for 87km! Paddle past Wade's and Lacey's landings, The Whirlpool, old maori kaianga (village) sites and the Kirikiriroa lookout. Lunch is usually at Ohauora campsite. In the afternoon there is a short paddle to John Coull hut and campsite.
Day 3.
Paddle past the old village site of Puketapu (sacred hill) and on through the gorge to lunch at the start of the Mangapurua track. After lunch there is a short and easy (40min) walk to the Bridge to Nowhere. In the afternoon paddle to Tangahoe Station for a short waterfall walk, then another 45 mins to the night's accommodation at Bridge to Nowhere Lodge.
Day 4.
Options for the morning include a leisurely breakfast overlooking the river, and then a walk to the first hut on the Matemateonga track, just downstream of the lodge. From here the volcanic mountains of the central plateau can be seen on a clear day. After lunch it is a 1.5 hr paddle down to our last campsite just below Ngaporo rapid. Last nights dinner around the campfire.
Day 5.
A leisurely morning paddle past the Pururoto caves and Autapu rapid. There will be time to paddle the rapid more than once for the thrill-seekers in the group. You will arrive at the finishing point - Pipiriki, where you will meet your bus and driver, who brings in fresh supplies for lunch. After a walk around Pipiriki it is a one hour drive back to our base in Ohakune - arriving at around 3pm. There is an option to stay at the lodge afterwards and enjoy a farewell dinner with the guides.
Grading & Fitness
Grade: B
Average of 4-5 hrs physical activity per day.
No hiking experience necessary.
Reasonable standard of fitness required.
The paddling is easy and the relaxed pace leaves you time to explore and enjoy the unique scenery of the Whanganui National Park - with the usual river and campsite fun!
Guides & Safety
Some of the best river guides you will find anywhere in the world will guide the canoe safari. Canoe Safari guides are trained professionals and their experience and knowledge can make a huge difference to your enjoyment and safety on a trip. All guides are trained in First Aid/CPR, and most also have qualifications in Swiftwater Rescue, Risk Management, weather reading, and many are qualified Raft guides. They are also great cooks and entertainers.
Back to topWhat to take
Essential Items
Clothing:
Consider your clothing in two parts; what you will wear canoeing and what you will need in camp. Work on the assumption that your canoeing clothes will get wet so you must have a dry change for campwear. Polypropylene/thermal wear is good as it is warm when wet, fast drying and lightweight. Cotton is cold when wet - so if it is raining wool or polypropylene is better. You can use the check lists below to help you when packing for your trip.
Canoeing Clothes:
Camping Clothes:
We supply:
Transport
Transport to and from the river from Ohakune is in a minibus.
Back to topFood
Gourmet style eating with fantastic menus of fresh vegetables, fruit, hearty steaks, chicken and bottled wine. Three course feasting at its best, all cooked to perfection by the guides, and eaten in good company on a grassy river terrace.
There is fantastic trout fishing on all the rivers. Bring your fishing pole and favourite tackle. You catch 'em and you guides will cook 'em.
Accommodation
3 nights camping and one night at a lodge.
Motel type accommodation at Ohakune before and after the journey is available from $95 for 2 people. Motel includes kitchen with electric hob & microwave, one room with queen, single, & double sofa bed. Ensuite, Sky satellite TV, electric blankets, etc. When booking, please let us know if you would like to book this.
Questions
How do the trips work?
Each group is guided by experienced, competent and friendly guides. Most have worked on canoe safaris for many years, so they know all the nice little waterfalls and hidden sidestreams and history that many people said were the highlights of their trip.
What age is suitable?
Almost anyone can enjoy a canoe adventure. Many people are over 60 and thoroughly enjoy the trip, finding it well within their capabilities. Many clients have never canoed, rafted or camped before, but this is not a problem. Careful instruction and training is given as required, and your comfort and enjoyment is the main priority. The emphasis is on relaxation and fun, all in a unique setting. Children are no problem - young ones usually sit up on a barrel in a guide canoe and wield a paddle as their energy allows. Rapids present no special problems (they're perfect for beginners). Just big enough for a bit of fun, but not actually dangerous.
When is the best time to come?
OCTOBER TO DECEMBER:
Daylight saving begins, the majestic Rata trees are in flower and there are more birds. Higher water levels mean easier paddling - especially if you are considering a rafting trip.
JANUARY :
School holiday time is when most people are on the river, but you won't see many of them as we all travel at around the same pace! Fine weather and a little warmer. Early bookings essential.
FEBRUARY / MARCH / APRIL:
The weather has really settled down by now. March can be slightly more chilly, so swimming is less popular, but the exotic trees turning into autumn gold more than compensate. April school holidays and Easter are popular for end of season trips.
What type of boats are they?
River cruising in a Canadian canoe is a unique experience. Quite apart from the romance of it all is the space! Nothing cramped and uncomfortable, just lean back and relax. Not to mention the fun of sharing the rapids with a partner, just the ticket.
Do you need to have previous canoeing or river travel experience?
The National Park section of the Whanganui river is almost 90 km in length and the only road access is at the end - Pipiriki. Under most conditions the river is an easy Grade 1+ suitable for novice paddlers, but best for those with paddling/outdoor experience or groups with an experienced leader.
Is it safe?
The river has a large catchment area and has been known to rise 5 metres overnight. The guides know the river and different river conditions and are trained professionals. They will take care of you.
What if I'm a vegetarian?
No worries. There are vegetarian and vegan menus and guides have a lot of experience in catering for people with special dietary requirements. Please let us know when you book.
How do I get to Ohakune?
Ohakune is well serviced for transport. Three and a half hours drive from Wellington on State Highway 1, and four and a half hours drive from Auckland. The nearest large centres are Taupo, Palmerston North and Whanganui - all about one and a half hours drive away. Ohakune is well serviced by both buses and trains, and a pickup service is available by arrangement.
Additional Costs
There are no additional costs. All meals are included in the price of the trip.
Price includes: Accommodation, all meals, transfers, canoes, life-jackets, waterproof storage barrels and camera case, camping equipment, guide.
Booking Conditions
Payment:
For bookings 4 or more months in advance of the departure a 25% deposit can be paid with the remainder due 65 days prior to your trip. For bookings within 4 months of the departure, full payment is required.
Cancellations:
More than 20 days prior to departure - 80% refund if full amount paid
20 to 10 days prior to departure - 50% refund
Less than 10 days prior to departure - NO REFUND
Deposits are not refunded
Travel Insurance:
We highly recommend travel insurance.
Notes:
This trip is run in conjunction with another operator.
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