From rapids and canoeing to experiencing untamed nature firsthand these are just some of the things you’ll experience on your Whanganui Journey In New Zealand.
New Zealand has become a mecca for outdoor adventurers.
We’ve never been anywhere in the world where’s it’s so easy to get out into the wilderness independently.
Want to canoe down a beautiful and remote stretch of river for five days without a guide? Sure.
No experience in canoeing?
No worries – the person you rent the canoe from will give you a few pointers before you set off.
Sounds like your kind of adventure?
Here’s everything you need to know about paddling the Whanganui Journey, one of the nine Great Walks of New Zealand.
Don’t miss out on our complete guide to the best hiking in New Zealand!
Introduction To Paddling the Whanganui Journey
Set in the heart of the North Island, the Whanganui Journey is a 145 km canoe trip down the Whanganui River.
It gained Great Walk status for being a significant Maori journey and it’s the only Great Walk where you can stay in a Marae (a traditional meeting ground and focal point for Maori communities).
Whilst the full 145 km journey takes five days, if this sounds like it’s a bit much you can paddle the most beautiful section in just three days (a total of 87 km).
There are a variety of campsites and huts (and even one lodge) that you can stay at along the way.
If you like solitude you can choose campsites that differ from the main route that most people take, which we’ll outline below.
There are a few companies who can organise everything including canoe hire, dry barrels for all your clothes and food, transfers to and from the ‘track’, and a full briefing on the route and conditions on the river.
Whilst there are a couple of notorious rapids (one nicknamed the 50/50 for obvious reasons) on the route it’s possible even for beginners to manage the full five days.
Until the Whanganui Journey, the longest we had ever kayaked for was two hours, so we definitely believe it’s possible for anyone with a sense of adventure to manage.
The majority of the journey is on flat, placid water or small rapids and you spend about five hours paddling per day.
You soon get into a steady rhythm and the time goes quickly as you take in the views and enjoy a truly unique experience.
Whanganui Journey Overview
Days required: 3 – 5
You start from Taumarunui to do…
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