*4 Day Guided Canoe Tour exploring the Whanganui National Park. This one of our most popular trips! Offering a relaxed pace, more time to enjoy your surroundings and do some more off river exploration. No experience necessary - you bring a sleeping bag and personal gear and we do the rest!*
___________________________________ Rates
- **Adults (Adults 15+)** - $1445
- **Children (Ages 6-14)** - $1245
- **Family (2 Adults, 3 Children)** - $6002.50
- **1 Night Accommodation in Canoe Safaris Lodge Pre Tour** - Starting at $140
___________________________________ Schedule
This trip spans four days and is suitable for everyone, It is especially recommended for families.
- Day 1: Check in at 6:45am
- Day 4: Return approx. 3:30pm
___________________________________ Itinerary
Sample itinerary - can vary with river and campsite conditions
**Day One:**
We depart Ohakune between 6.30am and 7am for the river. At Whakahoro 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 gorge starts to narrow and we leave the last road access point behind at Whakahoro - the second and final mooring point for the Houseboat. We pass Laceys and Wades landings and several old maori Kaianga. Later in the morning we pass Mangapapa campsite, Man of War Bluff, Kirikiriroa where the river does a huge horseshoe turn, the Verandah, the Whirlpool and on down to Tamatea's Cave and a possible lunch stop at Ohauora campsite. There is plenty of time for stops along the way and there are many safe places to get out and swim. We camp at John Coull Hut and campsite.
**Day Two:**
Breakfast and on the river at 9am. A morning paddle past the Tangarakau and Whangamomona rivers, Mangawaiiti campsite, and Otumangu landing - one of the post WW1 faming settlements. Shortly afterwards we see the first pine trees since Whakahoro (planted by the early settlers), and we stop at the Mangapurua for lunch and a walk to the Bridge to Nowhere (45 min each way). After the walk there is time for a swim before we paddle the last 1.5hrs down to Bridge to Nowhere Lodge and Cabins. If the weather and time allows we also take a short walk at Tangahoe landing to the Tangahoe waterfall. Dinner and hot showers at the cabins. (Please note - book early to ensure a bed)
**Day Three:**
After a leisurely breakfast there is a walk to the Matemateonga track and up to the Puketotara hut. View across to Mt Ruapehu. After returning to the lodge we are back on the river for a short paddle until lunch. We pass Kahura landing and one of the locations for the filming of "River Queen". It is an hours paddle through the steep gorge until the river cascades through Ngaporo rapid and down to Ngaporo - our final campsite
**Day Four:**
After breakfast we paddle past the Mangaio stream and Mangaio rock where several of the early eyebolts can still be seen that were winching points for the riverboats. From Autapu rapid there are several small rapids before the Paparoa rapids swings the canoes past the old eel traps and down to the landing at Pipiriki.
Booking Notes
#What Next
If you have booked directly via our website and are receiving this confirmation email for the first time, please await another follow up confirmation email from us with lots of extra information around arrival, final payment and packing information. We will be in touch as soon as possible and aim to acknowledge all new bookings within 24 hours.
#Check-In
Our tours depart at 6.45am sharp, with all customers packed and ready to go at this time. If you are arriving at our Lodge for pre trip accommodation with us, please give us an estimated time of arrival. Accommodation is limited, so this must be booked in advance and during peak times we also utilize our overflow motel which is a quick 10 second drive away.
If you are staying elsewhere please come round the day before your trip to check in for your tour or call us for alternative arrangements if this is not possible.
Please download this PDF for suggested gear lists and extra trip information to help you plan your upcoming adventure.
[View Guided Pre Trip info 2022.pdf](https://cdn.filestackcontent.com/YZSzsQXQuCyrQE2pH5Sc)
Ensure you have a thorough look through this attachment and let us now if you have any questions.
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Thanks for booking with **Canoe Safaris**! We look forward to seeing you here for your Whanganui adventure.
