The upper-middle part of the Whanganui River is part of DOC’s Great Walks network.

Mangapurua Landing to Pipiriki
(32 kms; 6-9 hours, 1-2 days kayaking)
River transport is the only option from Mangapurua Landing to Pipiriki. You must pre-book this so jetboats can deliver kayaks or canoes to Mangapurua Landing for you.
Paddle south on the Whanganui River as it winds its way through countless hills and valleys. Lowland forest surrounds this part of the river - the heart of Whanganui National Park. This section ends at the boat ramp at the small settlement Pipiriki.

Distances between campsites and huts are as follows:

• Mangapurua to Tieke Kainga — 10.5 kms
• Tieke Kainga  to Ngaporo campsite — 12.5 kms
• Ngaporo to Pipiriki — 8 kms

Pipiriki to the southern end of the Whanganui River Road
There are 3 options for this section:
1. Walk the Whanganui River Rd (62 kms of tarsealed country road; 2-3 days walking)
2. Bike the Whanganui River Rd (62 kms of tarsealed country road;1-2 days cycling)
3. Continue by kayak, however you will need to confirm an exit point with your kayak provider as there are fewer landings on this southern part of the river. (They can also advise you on accommodation options as these may need to be pre-booked).

Distances between key locations are as follows:

• Pipikiri to Jerusalem — 10.5 kms
• Jerusalem to Matahiwi Landing — 11 kms
• Matahiwi Landing to Koriniti Pa — 7 kms
• Koriniti Pa to Pungarehu Marae – 26.5 kms
• Pungarehu Marae to road end – 6 kms

For local information and a list of suppliers, contact i-site Visitor Information centre, 101 Guyton St, Wanganui Tel: +6 349-0508  www.wanganui.com or email wanganui@i-site.org

For background information on the Whanganui Journey and to use the facilities provided by DOC, contact www.doc.govt.nz

For help with transfers, bikes & kayaks from Pipiriki to Wanganui and surrounds, contact www.whanganuitours.co.nz or www.ruapehuwhanganuitrails.co.nz

Note: Should kayakers wish to continue beyond Pungarehu Marae and can make arrangements with their kayak suppliers, other landings might be:

• A jetty at Upokongaro (that the paddleboat Waimarie uses); it is a little high above the river at low tide though.
• A Top 10 Campsite on the river about 3-4 kms from Whanganui town.
• In Wanganui City itself, there is a landing at the Motor Boat Club slipway. 

Amenities Between Mangapurua & Pipiriki:

• Tieke Kainga Hut - Whanganui River (Great Walk hut, needs to be booked through DOC) Grid reference: Topo50 map sheet BJ32, E1771782, N5643882, 20 Bunks, Cooking, Heating, Mattresses
• Bridge to Nowhere Lodge (catered & self-catering accommodation), opposite Tieke Kainga, on Whanganui River, Tel: 0800 480-308 www.bridgetonowhere.co.nz
• Ngaporo campsite
• Pipiriki —public shelter with cold water, picnic and camping areas, toilets & parking,
   

Amenities between Pipiriki & the southern end of Whanganui River Road:

• i-site can advise on a range of private accommodation options (pre-booking is advised).
• DOC can advise on the one public campsite. 

Amenities at Whanganui:  

• All services are available in Whanganui. There's a full range of accommodation, including a Top 10 Campsite on the river about 3-4 kms from town.