From rapids and canoeing to experiencing untamed nature firsthand these are simply a few of the stuff you’ll expertise in your Whanganui Journey in New Zealand.
New Zealand has turn into a mecca for out of doors adventurers.
We’ve by no means been anyplace on this planet the place it’s really easy to get out into the wilderness independently.
Need to canoe down a gorgeous and distant stretch of river for 5 days with out a information? Certain.
No expertise in canoeing? No worries – the individual you lease the canoe from provides you with a number of pointers earlier than you set off. Appears like your type of journey?
Right here’s all the pieces it’s essential to learn about paddling the Whanganui Journey, one of many 9 Nice Walks of New Zealand.
Don’t miss out on our full information to the finest climbing in New Zealand!
Introduction To Paddling the Whanganui Journey
Set within the coronary heart of the North Island, the Whanganui Journey is a 145 km canoe journey down the Whanganui River.
The Whanganui Journey gained Nice Stroll standing for being a big Maori journey and it’s the one Nice Stroll the place you may keep in a Marae (a standard assembly floor and point of interest for Maori communities).
While the total 145 km journey takes 5 days, if this sounds prefer it’s a bit a lot you may paddle probably the most lovely part in simply three days (a complete of 87 km).
There are a selection of huts and campsites (and even one lodge) that you may keep at alongside the Whanganui River Journey. You’ll additionally get to benefit from the surroundings of Whanganui Nationwide Park.
If you happen to like solitude you may select campsites in Whanganui Nationwide Park that differ from the primary route that most individuals take, which we’ll define under.
There are a number of firms who can organise all the pieces together with canoe rent, dry barrels for all of your garments and meals, transfers to and from the ‘observe’, and a full briefing on the route and circumstances on the river.
While the Whanganui River has a few infamous rapids (one nicknamed the 50/50 for apparent causes) on the route it’s doable even for novices to handle the total 5 days.
Till the Whanganui Journey, the longest we had ever kayaked for was two hours, so we undoubtedly consider it’s doable for anybody with a way of journey to handle.
Nearly all of the Whanganui Journey is on flat, placid water or small rapids and also you spend about 5 hours paddling per day.
You quickly get into a gentle rhythm and the time goes rapidly as you’re taking within the views on the Whanganui River and revel in a very distinctive expertise.
Whanganui Journey Overview
Days required: 3 – 5
You begin from Taumarunui to do the 5 day model, or Whakahoro for the three day model of the Whanganui Journey.
Finest Time To Do The Whanganui River Journey
The New Zealand summer season is one of the best time for hotter temperatures and extra secure climate (some firms cease working within the winter, in the event you fall in it’s going to be freeeezing).
We’d advocate avoiding college and public holidays as they will get busy.
The official Nice Walks season runs from 1st October to 30th April.
Prices
Prices for the Whanganui Journey can fluctuate relying on which firm you employ. However – like most of New Zealand – it isn’t low cost.
Canoe rent begins at $190 NZD per individual for the three day model and $205 NZD per individual for the 5 day model (this consists of barrels, transfers, life jackets, paddles, emergency beacon, maps and a briefing).
Lodging
Most individuals keep within the DOC administered campsites and huts, though there are two lodge choices on your second and fourth evening in the event you select.
The huts and campsites are pretty primary, with the campsites providing operating water (which must be purified) and lengthy drop bogs.
The huts supply these in addition to gasoline stoves and bunks.
The associated fee is between $20 – 32 NZD per individual per evening (with tenting being the cheaper of the 2) between October and April.
If you wish to deal with your self on the final evening of the Whanganui Journey there may be additionally a stunning lodge with scorching showers and free do-it-yourself muffins.
We have been so pleased that we determined to go for a bit lux after 4 stable days paddling, two of which had been in torrential rain.
Much less folks know that you may additionally keep within the Blue Duck Station on evening two if you want a personal room.
Be sure you have a high-quality, light-weight backpacking tent with you for tenting throughout the Whanganui Journey.
Meals
There are a few cafes alongside the way in which (day one and two), however except for that you’ll want to carry your entire meals.
This may be packed in barrels which are tied to the canoe, you’ll want meals that may hold outdoors of a fridge for as much as 5 days.
We’d advocate cereal bars or porridge for breakfast, snacks for lunch and packet meals like pasta for dinner (we loved pesto pasta with cheese for dinner most nights).
Canoe Corporations
Three firms might help with the logistics of the Whanganui Journey and there’s not a lot distinction between them.
We selected Whanaganui River Canoes based mostly in Raetihi, however alternatively, there’s Tauamrauni Canoe Rent in Taumraruni or Yeti Canoes in Ohakune.
Which firm you select could rely on which space you need to keep in earlier than and after your journey which was our purpose for selecting Whanganui Rivers Canoes.
Rapids
The primary two days of the Whanganui River Journey have a succession of fairly quick rapids, however there is just one the place you would possibly get thrown out.
We got here shut however managed to simply about keep in, so falling out remains to be fairly unlikely.
The third and fourth days are as flat as they arrive, minus one whirlpool originally of day three.
We did see somebody tip right here however apparently this isn’t widespread.
The ultimate day has thrilling rapids. There are two on the very finish of the Whanganui River Journey that are so bumpy that fifty% of individuals come out of their canoe.
Nevertheless, a lot of the sooner rapids are slim, which means you may paddle to the facet and keep away from the worst of them if you wish to (however you then’ll be lacking out on a few of the enjoyable!).
What To Pack For Your Whanganui River Journey
- Rain Coats
- Thermals
- Meals: Breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, and tea/espresso
- Rest room Paper (not one of the huts and campsites have this)
- Fuel burner and matches for the campsites
- Consuming water – not less than for the beginning. Afterward you’ll must boil some water or use purification tablets
- A tenting kitchen set – pot to boil, plate, cutlery, and mug
- A heat sleeping bag (even in summer season it could actually drop to single digits)
- Battery pack to cost digital camera batteries
- Ear plugs/headphones – You haven’t skilled loud night breathing till you’ve stayed in a DOC hut
- Solar cream and bug repellent
- Torch
- Garbage luggage – All that you just absorb, should exit with you
- Moist wipes – To maintain a semblance of hygiene
The Whanganui Journey Itinerary
Day 1: Taumaranui to Ohinepane, 22km (about 3.5 hours)
Not too many individuals select to do the five-day model, skipping the primary two days and beginning at Whakahoro.
This implies you’re more likely to have these stretches of the Whanganui River all to your self, and that makes it fairly particular.
The primary day of the Whanganui River Journey is brief, however it definitely helps you to begin with a bang.
The Nice Walks information describes it merely as “a day of rapids”!
We have been novices when it got here to canoeing, so have been fairly nervous about even controlling the canoe, not to mention navigating the rapids.
Within the first 4 bends, you face two fairly turbulent rapids that throw you round, baptizing you within the Whanganui River.
After the preliminary bumps, issues get a bit simpler and extra simple.
There are many quick rapids on corners to maintain the thrill up and also you’ll do nicely in the event you don’t get caught within the eddys (the opposite facet of a fast which flows in the wrong way to the river, spinning you round).
It’s honest to say we spent a good period of time on days one and two spinning uncontrollably however all the time being spat out ultimately!
The Whanganui River right here is primarily by the farmlands and rolling hills, it feels such as you’re gliding by Hobbiton.
It’s a enjoyable stretch of paddling with some lovely landscapes which are punctuated with some rapids for pleasure.
A high tip is to look out for the lavender farm (there’s a small signal) on the right-hand facet of the Whanganui River, round 18 km in.
There’s a small sandbank to moor at and a stairway main as much as the farm.
They’ve a espresso store right here which makes for a blissful break.
They don’t settle for overseas playing cards, so be sure you carry money.
The do-it-yourself muffins have been scrumptious.
After 3.5 hours of paddling you’ll make it to Ohinepane Campsite.
The native chickens are slightly over-friendly and will likely be pecking round your tent a lot of the evening earlier than waking you up very first thing within the morning! It’s a beautiful spot although, with a small cooking space and bathroom.
Day 2: Ohinepane – Whakahoro, 35km (about 5.5 hours)
The second day could have modified lately, however once we paddled (in April 2018) there had been an enormous storm that created many slips within the space.
This meant that timber had come down from the tops of the valley into the Whanganui River, creating extra obstacles.
This may occasionally have modified since, however be ready for this part to have extra obstacles than the maps will present!
As you set off, you’re confronted with a biggish fast to ease you into the day!
The remainder of the day can have fairly a number of rapids to hurry you alongside and hold issues fascinating.
You go by much more lovely surroundings and you are feeling like you might be starting to go away from civilization.
The second half of the day is the part that results in Whakahoro and requires probably the most consideration as a number of timber have fallen into the river and lodged there.
This in flip created rapids that flowed by them and – in the event you’re not cautious – might take you straight right into a tree.
You’ll should be ready to paddle very laborious as quickly as you see them.
The day finishes at Whakahoro: a campsite and bunkhouse that’s 400m up a steep hill!
Lugging the barrels up had nearly everybody cursing the situation, however as soon as there it’s a really beautiful spot.
Nevertheless, the largest reward is the Blue Duck Station, a guesthouse the place you may pay for a scorching bathe ($4NZD) and dig into piping scorching meals (together with bacon and egg brekkies) and scorching drinks.
Pop alongside as quickly as you may because the dinner (served communal type) does require reserving.
It’s only a few minutes from the campsite to the Blue Duck.
The Whakahoro is one of the best campsite on the Whanganui Journey, set on the highest of a cliff amongst farmland wanting right down to the Whanganui River. It’s a very picturesque vantage level.
Day 3: Whakahoro – John Coull Hut, 37.5km (about 5.5 hours)
Day three is the place the surroundings steps up a gear as you enter the Whanganui Gorge and the beginning of the Whanganui Nationwide Park.
That is when all street entry stops and also you really enter the wilderness of the nationwide park.
Instantly you’ll be dwarfed by large cliffs on both facet of you, the one sounds are that of your paddle and the early morning hen tune.
Whakahoro is the place most individuals begin the Whanganui Journey, selecting to keep away from the rapids of the primary two days.
Nevertheless, these rapids have been good coaching for what will likely be approaching day 5!
The part from Whakahoro to John Coull isn’t just very picturesque, it’s also an extremely calm part of the river.
At factors we selected to cease paddling solely, drifting in full silence and taking in our environment within the nationwide park.
If you happen to’ve had rain there will likely be loads of waterfalls on this stretch.
The one impediment to navigate is a whirlpool that goals to propel you right into a cave!
As long as you paddle laborious and vast, you’ll be okay.
We tried this and cleared it safely (nicely, aside from being spun backward).
Because the river could be very nonetheless, day three requires much more paddling and energy than the primary two.
It is just when you might have a totally nonetheless river that you just realise how a lot the fast-flowing rapids really helped!
That is the primary level that you may select to remain in a hut slightly than tenting.
Need one other paddling journey? Take a look at our publish on kayaking in Abel Tasman Nationwide Park!
Day 4: John Coull Hut – Bridge to Nowhere Lodge, 29km (about 5 hours)
Day 4 was our favourite day of the entire Whanganui Journey.
There’s an opportunity to cease on the mysterious Bridge to Nowhere, the surroundings is beautiful and in the event you determined to deal with your self, there may be the Bridge to Nowhere Lodge (extra on that later).
The day began with two hours of heavy rain (normal in NZ) paddling by the thick soupy water to the touchdown for the Bridge to Nowhere stroll.
We’d advocate going early as it is a in style day journey within the space (you may take a jet boat to it from a city additional up the river), so that you’ll need to keep away from the crowds and be capable to discover mooring on your canoe.
After a brief stroll, you’ll get to the Bridge to Nowhere –fairly actually what it says on the tin. It’s a remnant of a undertaking to carry entry for autos to the Whanganui River and help the constructing of a settlement for returned troopers from the First World Warfare.
Nevertheless, the land was not conducive for farming and settlement, and it was deserted.
The bridge remained, it’s now lined in ferns and regenerated bushland.
It’s a very spectacular sight and to not be missed.
You possibly can stroll throughout it or take it in from the point of view above.
We actually loved getting out of the canoe and exploring this space.
Simply be sure you carry some footwear that do nicely in mud. Flip-flops could be difficult alongside this path after rain.
After the Bridge to Nowhere it’s a mild three-hour paddle to your lodging for the day.
If you happen to go along with the DOC decisions, you may camp or keep at a standard Marae.
Right here you may expertise a glimpse of the indigenous tradition of New Zealand.
Whether or not you get a standard Maori greeting depends upon their plans for the day, it didn’t occur on our journey, however we’ve heard it typically does.
On the alternative facet of the river is the Bridge to Nowhere Lodge.
Tucked on the highest of a hill, this place has a stellar view.
However even higher, it has scorching showers, personal snug bedrooms and – better of all – a bar!
After 4 days paddling, we thought a glass of wine was nicely deserved.
It’s also possible to get a do-it-yourself dinner (we cooked for ourselves because the dinner was expensive) and breakfast.
It was pure bliss.
There’s a lounge with board video games and books to learn so it might be fairly a social place relying on who’s there on the time.
Day 5: Bridge to Nowhere Lodge – Papriki, 21.5km (about 4 hours)
The ultimate day of the Whanganui River Journey is a brief stretch of river earlier than hitting the 2 roughest rapids of the entire journey, and those that throw out 50% of people that try them.
The day begins out on calm river once more, earlier than reaching Ngāporo the place the primary massive fast is.
The rapids are simply earlier than the campsite and you may select to plow straight by the center for the last word journey or spherical the skin for the least likelihood of capsize.
It’s not lengthy earlier than you hit the second fast.
We watched two actually eager canoers go head on into the fast, and have been quickly tipped out into the river!
Having misplaced to the fast they swam to catch their canoe and spent the subsequent 5 minutes bailing water out, they have been within the unfortunate 50%!
As soon as extra, you may select to undergo it, or paddle vast and thru the safer part.
There’s a ultimate fast that’s simply earlier than the touchdown at Pipriki and is one other enjoyable one to navigate.
If you happen to do it proper, you may get propelled to the end, barely having to paddle!
By the point you arrive at Pipriki you’ll have paddled 145 km of the Whanganui River by the attractive New Zealand countryside.
The Whanganui River Journey is an epic journey, and one we cherished the actual fact you’ll be able to go it alone with out a information.
Don’t miss this canoe journey and probably the most uncommon of the Nice Walks of New Zealand.
If you happen to haven’t quenched your thirst for Nice Walks, you may try the Tongariro Northern Circuit which is simply half-hour away. This can be a Nice Stroll by volcanic panorama and incorporates the Tongariro Crossing – which has been described as probably the greatest day walks on this planet.