Price from:
896 USD
2 Day Whanganui Guided Paddle with Local Māori Guide.
Please note that DOC Sites are unavailable for bookings between 6th January and 12th January 2024 due to a local Cultural Event on the Whanganui River.
Duration
2 Days
About
Start this trip by meeting your Kaitiaki (guide) prior to departure in Owhango, before setting off for your 2 days amongst the Whanganui National Park
You will be taught Waiatas (songs) and get a great insight by your Kaitiaki (guide) on Maori History past and present as well as being taken to places of historic interest that only they can get too.
Your choice to travel in luxury in our 6 person Wakas steered by your Kaitiaki (guide) or in a 2-man canoe.
*For Single Paddlers Please Phone 0800 2 CANOE*
Includes
* Qualified Tangata Whenua (local), Kaitiaki (Guides) born and raised on the Whanganui Awa (River).
* Canoes and all equipment
* Fully Catered Meals/Snacks/Drinks
* All Accommodation and Gear for stays provided (tents if camping)
* Accommodation for the night prior to departure
* Free Wifi
* Hot showers, drinks on return
* Our Kaitiaki carry the most modern safety equipment, including Garmin In Reach for communication, for your safety.
* Dry Bags and Barrels
What to Bring:
* You really only need your clothes, personals and a sleeping bag (we have these if needed)
Important Information
- It is important to book your Department of Conservation (DOC) passes but if you have any difficulty we would be pleased to help you arrange this. PLEASE NOTE A OUT OF SEASON FEE APPLIES BETWEEN 1ST MAY AND 31ST AUGUST OF 50-00PP,THIS WILL BE CHARGED ON ARRIVAL
- You will need to sign a standard waiver before your paddle begins.
- If you are making a booking for a large group, please let us know if you require another departure time.
Booking Notes
# Welcome to Your 2-Day Fully Guided & Catered Cultural Whanganui River Journey
Congratulations on booking your Whanganui River adventure with Owhango Adventures.
We look forward to welcoming you onto the Whanganui Awa and sharing an unforgettable cultural experience with you. Please read the information below carefully before your journey, as it contains everything you need to know before you arrive.
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# Complimentary Accommodation Before Your Journey
✅ Enjoy **free accommodation at our Owhango base** on the night prior to your departure.
**Check-in:** From **4:00 pm**
**Late arrivals:** Welcome
Our accommodation operates as a simple self-service check-in system.
• The sliding door on the carpark side of the building will remain unlocked for guest access.
• Your room allocation, departure details and guide information will be displayed on the whiteboard in the guest lounge.
• Room keys will be left in your allocated room.
• Free secure parking is available while you are enjoying your river journey.
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# Before Departure
✅ A cooked breakfast is provided before departure.
✅ All guests must complete and sign a waiver form before departing.
✅ Your Kaitiaki will conduct a comprehensive safety briefing, paddling instruction and introduction to the cultural significance of the Whanganui Awa before launching.
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# Your Guided Cultural Experience
This is a **fully guided and fully catered cultural journey** led by experienced **Tangata Whenua Kaitiaki** who were born and raised alongside the Whanganui River.
Throughout your adventure you'll experience:
✅ Māori history and storytelling
✅ Local legends and cultural interpretation
✅ Waiata and tikanga
✅ Native wildlife and river ecology
✅ A genuine connection with the people and history of the Whanganui Awa
Guests may choose to travel in either:
• A traditional **2-person canoe**, paddled by themselves, or
• A **6-person Waka**, expertly steered by your Kaitiaki, allowing you to relax and immerse yourself in the stories, scenery and culture while travelling together.
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# River Accommodation
Your overnight accommodation is at **Poukaria DOC Campsite**, located within beautiful Whanganui National Park.
Owhango Adventures takes care of **all Department of Conservation campsite bookings** on your behalf.
Camping equipment can also be hired if required.
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# Meals Included
Your journey is **fully catered**.
From breakfast on the morning of departure through until lunch on the final day, we provide:
✅ Cooked breakfast
✅ Morning tea
✅ Lunch
✅ Afternoon snacks
✅ Dinner
✅ Tea, coffee and hot drinks
✅ Drinking water
We are happy to cater for most dietary requirements.
⚠ Specialised dietary requests and severe allergies may incur an additional charge.
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# What You Need to Bring
We've taken care of almost everything for you.
Please bring:
• Sleeping bag
• Towel
• Comfortable clothing suitable for the weather
• Personal toiletries
• Personal medications
• Camera (optional)
Everything else required for your journey is supplied, including all river equipment and safety gear.
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# Departure Information
Our shuttle departs from the Owhango Adventures base at approximately **7:10 am**.
Guests will be transported to the **Nga Huinga** river launch site.
Please ensure you are ready before departure, as the shuttle cannot be delayed.
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# Journey Completion
Your adventure concludes at **Whakahoro** on Day Two.
Return collection from Whakahoro is approximately **12:00 pm**.
Your shuttle back to Owhango is included.
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# Weather & River Conditions
Your safety is our highest priority.
River journeys are subject to weather conditions, river levels and operational safety requirements.
Should conditions be considered unsafe, Owhango Adventures reserves the right to delay, modify, postpone or cancel departures.
Where a journey is cancelled by Owhango Adventures and postponement is not possible, a full refund will be provided.
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# Health & Safety
✅ Lifejackets (PFDs) must be worn at all times while on the river.
✅ Our Kaitiaki carry modern emergency communication equipment, including Garmin inReach satellite devices.
✅ Moderate fitness and mobility are recommended.
✅ Swimming ability is recommended but not essential.
🚫 Alcohol and recreational drugs are strictly prohibited during the journey.
Please advise us before your trip if you have any medical conditions, injuries, allergies or disabilities that may affect your safety or participation.
Please note that cellphone coverage is limited or unavailable throughout much of the river journey.
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# Equipment & Liability
Waterproof barrels and dry bags are supplied for your personal gear.
While every effort is made to protect your belongings, Owhango Adventures accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to personal items, cameras, phones or other valuables.
Outdoor adventure activities involve inherent risks, including changing weather, river conditions and remote environments.
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# Important Information
✅ Minimum participant age is **7 years**.
✅ Children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
✅ Personal travel insurance is strongly recommended.
✅ Refunds are not available for change of mind once payment has been made or after the journey has commenced.
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Thank you for choosing Owhango Adventures.
We look forward to sharing the beauty, history and cultural significance of the Whanganui Awa with you and providing an experience you'll remember for years to come.
Cancellation Policy
# Cancellation Policy
We understand that plans can change, and we aim to be as fair and flexible as possible while ensuring we can continue to provide exceptional experiences for all guests.
## Customer Cancellations
✅ **More than 72 hours before departure**
Receive a **100% refund** of all payments made.
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✅ **Within 72 hours of departure**
Receive a **50% refund** of all payments made.
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## Cancellations by Owhango Adventures
Your safety is our highest priority.
If Owhango Adventures cancels your journey due to unsafe weather, river conditions, natural hazards or other operational safety concerns, you may choose to:
• Transfer your booking to another available departure date, or
• Receive a **100% refund** of all monies paid.
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## Medical Cancellations
We understand that genuine medical situations can arise unexpectedly.
A **100% refund** may be considered where:
• A valid medical certificate is provided.
• The refund request is submitted within **14 days** of the medical certificate being issued.
Medical refunds apply only to:
• The person named on the medical certificate.
• One immediate travelling companion included within the same booking.
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## Journey Changes
Where river or weather conditions require a delayed departure or an alternative itinerary, Owhango Adventures may:
• Delay departure until conditions improve.
• Modify the itinerary while maintaining a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Postpone the journey to another available date.
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## Once Your Journey Has Started
Once your guided experience has commenced, refunds cannot be provided for:
• Early departure from the trip.
• Unused meals or services.
• Weather experienced during the journey.
• Fatigue or inability to continue.
• Change of mind.
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## Additional Transport or Recovery Costs
Should additional transport, shuttle services, jet boat recovery or other assistance be required due to personal circumstances, injury, fatigue or guest decision-making, these costs may be charged to the customer unless otherwise agreed by Owhango Adventures.
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## Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend all guests arrange comprehensive travel insurance to cover:
• Cancellation or interruption of your holiday.
• Medical emergencies.
• Personal belongings.
• Unexpected travel delays.
• Events beyond your control.
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Owhango Adventures reserves the right to delay, modify, postpone or cancel any journey where required to ensure the safety of our guests, staff and the natural environment.
Important Information
🔵 A full safety briefing and paddling instruction session will be provided prior to departure
🔵 All participants must wear the provided lifejacket / PFD at all times while on the river
🔵 Qualified Tangata Whenua Kaitiaki guides accompany the group throughout the journey
🔵 Kaitiaki carry modern safety equipment including Garmin InReach emergency communication devices
🔵 Participants must follow all guide instructions at all times for safety purposes
🔵 River conditions and weather can change rapidly and itineraries may be adjusted if required
🔵 Swimming ability is strongly recommended
🔵 Moderate fitness and mobility are required for paddling and campsite access
🔵 Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited during the journey
🔵 Customers with medical conditions, injuries, allergies, or disabilities that may affect safety must notify us prior to departure
🔵 There is limited to no cellphone reception throughout much of the Whanganui River Journey
🔵 Outdoor activities involve inherent risks including river currents, changing weather, uneven terrain, and remote conditions
🔵 Emergency evacuation or additional assistance may be delayed due to the remote nature of the river environment
