Whanganui Journey
The only water trail among New Zealand's nine Great Walks. Paddle a canoe down the Whanganui River through gorges of untouched rainforest.
The Whanganui Journey is one of New Zealand's Great Walks managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC). The full route runs about 145 km from Taumarunui to Pipiriki and takes five days. The more common version is a three-day, roughly 88 km trip starting from Whakahoro. Canoes or kayaks float downstream past fern-covered deep gorges, waterfalls and mild rapids. You spend nights at riverside campsites or DOC huts, and can go ashore to walk to the Bridge to Nowhere. The river is the ancestor of the Māori Whanganui iwi, and in 2017 it became the world's first river to be granted legal personhood. No canoeing experience is needed. Operators in Taumarunui, Ohakune and other towns offer boat rentals, waterproof barrels and transfers. During the Great Walks season, book accommodation on the DOC website in advance. In summer, protect yourself from the sun and sandflies.
Opening hours
Oct–Apr (Great Trail season)
Nearby sights
- Bridge to Nowhere
- Whanganui River Road & Jerusalem
- Bason Botanic Gardens
- Kai Iwi Beach
- Virginia Lake Reserve
- Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehua Whanganui
- Whanganui Regional Museum
- Whanganui River Traders Market