Whanganui
Whanganui River - OPEN
(North to South)
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.
Potential hazards: Don't canoe the river when water levels are rising or its in flood. If you capsize you may not be able to get back in or swim to the rivers edge; Vehicles on road, stick to the left and single file if biking on the road.
No dogs; fires only in designated fireplaces.
Recommended that you discuss the details of your journey - launch point, itinerary and exit point - with your chosen kayak/canoe hire operator. They will have valuable advice about where to stay and how far to attempt each day based on your own abilities.
From Pipiriki to Wanganui city, there are 3 options:
1. Walk the Whanganui River Rd (62 kms of tarsealed country road to SH4 then a further 16km to Wanganui; 3-4 days walking)
2. Bike the Whanganui River Rd (62 kms of tarsealed country road to SH4 then a fruther 16km to Wanganui; 1-2 days cycling)
3. Continue by river, however you will need to confirm an exit point with your kayak/canoe 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 huts/campsites/exit points are as follows (with indicative times, though each person will differ):
- Mangapurua to Tieke Kainga - 10.5km, 2hrs
- Tieke Kainga to Ngaporo campsite - 12.5km, 2.5hrs
- Ngaporo to Pipiriki - 9km, 1.5hrs
- Pipikiri to Jerusalem - 10.5km, 2hrs
- Jerusalem to Matahiwi Landing - 11km, 2hrs
- Matahiwi Landing to Koriniti Pa - 7km, 1.5hrs
- Koriniti Pa to Pungarehu Marae - 26.5km, 5hrs
- Pungarehu Marae to Upokongaro - 24km, 5hrs
- Upokongaro to Wanganui Top 10 Holiday Park - 4.5km, 45min
- Wanganui Top 10 Holiday Park to Wanganui Motor Boat Club slipway (Anzac Parade) - 4km, 45min
The Whanganui River winds its way from the mountains to the Tasman Sea through countless hills and valleys. Lowland forest surrounds the river in its middle and lower reaches, forming the heart of Whanganui National Park. Although a river journey, the Whanganui is part of New Zealand’s “Great Walks” network.
- Vehicles on road or track - stick to the left & single file if biking on roads.
- Tides, waves & rivers - safer at low tide Be aware of tides if staying on the river all the way to Wanganui
- River crossings - Never cross flooded rivers & don’t canoe the river when water levels are rising or it’s in flood. If you capsize you may not be able to get back in nor swim to the river’s edge.
- Track exposed to sun, wind or cold
(North to South)
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.
Potential hazards: Don't canoe the river when water levels are rising or its in flood. If you capsize you may not be able to get back in or swim to the rivers edge; Vehicles on road, stick to the left and single file if biking on the road.
No dogs; fires only in designated fireplaces.
Recommended that you discuss the details of your journey - launch point, itinerary and exit point - with your chosen kayak/canoe hire operator. They will have valuable advice about where to stay and how far to attempt each day based on your own abilities.
From Pipiriki to Wanganui city, there are 3 options:
1. Walk the Whanganui River Rd (62 kms of tarsealed country road to SH4 then a further 16km to Wanganui; 3-4 days walking)
2. Bike the Whanganui River Rd (62 kms of tarsealed country road to SH4 then a fruther 16km to Wanganui; 1-2 days cycling)
3. Continue by river, however you will need to confirm an exit point with your kayak/canoe 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 huts/campsites/exit points are as follows (with indicative times, though each person will differ):
- Mangapurua to Tieke Kainga - 10.5km, 2hrs
- Tieke Kainga to Ngaporo campsite - 12.5km, 2.5hrs
- Ngaporo to Pipiriki - 9km, 1.5hrs
- Pipikiri to Jerusalem - 10.5km, 2hrs
- Jerusalem to Matahiwi Landing - 11km, 2hrs
- Matahiwi Landing to Koriniti Pa - 7km, 1.5hrs
- Koriniti Pa to Pungarehu Marae - 26.5km, 5hrs
- Pungarehu Marae to Upokongaro - 24km, 5hrs
- Upokongaro to Wanganui Top 10 Holiday Park - 4.5km, 45min
- Wanganui Top 10 Holiday Park to Wanganui Motor Boat Club slipway (Anzac Parade) - 4km, 45min
The Whanganui River winds its way from the mountains to the Tasman Sea through countless hills and valleys. Lowland forest surrounds the river in its middle and lower reaches, forming the heart of Whanganui National Park. Although a river journey, the Whanganui is part of New Zealand’s “Great Walks” network.
General / visitor information
-
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 itself, there is a landing at the Wanganui Motor Boat Club ramp.
Bush setting. Hot showers, camp kitchen, shop, free Wi-Fi. Catering by pre-arrangement, booking advised for cottages in summer. Ideal place for a rest day. N.B. camping often may be exchanged for work instead of cash.
3081, Whanganui River Rd, RD6 - P: 06 927 6809 - E: info@theflyingfox.co.nz
Wanganui
General Information
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.
DOC Visitor Information Centre - 31 Taupo Quay - P: 0800 926 426 or 06 349 0508 - E: info@whanganui.govt.nz -
DOC - P: 06 345 2402 or 06 349 2100
Whanganui River TOP 10 Holiday Park - 460 Somme Parade, Whanganui - P: 06 343 8402 or 0800 272 664 - Backpackers, motel and camping
Local Transport
Wanganui River City Cabs - 155 London St, Wanganui - P: 06 345 3333 or 0800 345 3333
Tranzit Whanganui - Main Terminal at Maria Place, Wanganui - P: 06 345 4433 or 0508 800 800 - W: www.horizons.govt.nz
Wanganui Taxis - Cnr Russell & London Sts, Wanganui - P: 06 343 5555 or 0800 343 5555
Poste Restante
226 Victoria Ave, Whanganui - P: 06 345 0348
Resupply
New World - 374 Victoria Ave, Whanganui - P: 06 349 0990
Pak N Save Supermarket - 167 Glasgow St - P: 06 349 1230
Woolworths @ Gull - 428 Victoria Ave - P: 06 348 7233
- Respect private land
- No litter
- No dogs
- No firearms
- Camp with care
- Fires only in designated fireplaces
- Take all rubbish with you
- Use toilets provided
- Kiwis - no dogs allowed
- Conservation Area - No domestic animals allowed (i.e. includes dogs, cats or birds)
(Start)
- Picnic area
- Toilets
- Basic camp site
(On Route)
- No amenities No resupply
- Basic camp site
- Accommodation
(End)
- Full range of amenities in Wanganui
- Carpark
- Picnic area
- Toilets
- Shop
- Phone
- Accommodation
