2 Day Upper Whanganui River Canoe

This trip takes in the upper section of the river down to Whakahoro and includes many of the historic sites and rapids.

Rates

Adults - $650
Children (Ages 6-15) - $650
Family (2 Adults, 3 Children) - $2925
1 Night Accommodation in Canoe Safaris Lodge Pre Tour - $140

Schedule

This trip is suitable for the whole family and spans five days.
Day 1: Check in at 6:45am
Day 2: Return approx. 3:30pm

Itinerary

Day 1
We depart Ohakune between 7.30 and 8.00am for the river. At Ohinepane we unload canoes and barrels and show you how to pack your canoe. Guides then give a talk on river and campsite safety, and then instruction on how to paddle your canoe. On most trips we have 2 guides so if you are a little nervous you are welcome to paddle with a guide for at least the first day. Once the guides are satisfied that everyone can steer their canoe then the group sets off on the river. The first day includes lunch at Poukaria Campsite, and we paddle past the old riverboat landing at Kirikau, and take a short walk at MaraeKowhai. This was the first mooring point of the Houseboat and the first nights stay on the 3 day trip from Taumarunui to Wanganui that was so popular over 100 years ago. View the Ohura falls, and the War and Peace Poles that were erected by the Hau Hau warriors. It is then a short paddle to the first nights camp at Maharanui.

Day 2
The gorge starts to narrow and it is a short mornings paddle down to Laceys Landing and Whakahoro. It is a short paddle up the Retaruke stream to the boatramp where we are met by our bus. We have lunch at the Whakahoro hut (the old schoolhouse) before an afternoon drive back to Ohakune.