National Parks - Whanganui

Whanganui River is New Zealand's longest navigable waterway.

The Whanganui River was once an important transport route for Maori, and many defensive pa (forts) were constructed on headlands along its sinuous course.

Early European settlers and traders also used the river for transport, guiding their shallow-draft boats through the long narrow gorges that today provide so much enjoyment for kayakers.

The paddling adventure that begins in Taumarunui and finishes in Pipiriki is known as the 'Whanganui Journey'.

Key Highlights

The Whanganui National Park has a very distinctive landscape of river valley systems with steep slopes, razor-sharp ridges and an almost complete cover of native lowland forest. The park is at the centre of a large sedimentary basin, so the rocks are mostly mudstones - easily sculpted by the river into fascinating shapes.

For bird watchers, there is much to be seen. There are large numbers of kereru (native pigeon), piwakawaka (fantail), tui, toutouwai (robin), riroriro (grey warbler) and miromiro (tomtit). The beautiful whio (blue duck) is the target of a Department of Conservation recovery plan, and numbers are increasing steadily.

You can also hope for sightings of kaka and yellow-crowned parakeets. At night it's possible to hear the call of the North Island brown kiwi.

Accommodation

The Department of Conservation provides three 'Great Walk' hikers' huts and a large number of campsites along the path of the Whanganui Journey. Bookings are not required for the huts on the Whanganui Journey Great Walk. There are 'Serviced' category huts along the Matemateonga Track.

Various types of overnight accommodation can be found in Taumarunui, which is close to the northern boundary of the park. The city of Wanganui provides a wide choice of accommodation at the southern end. There are a few bed and breakfast establishments between Wanganui and Pipiriki.

Key Activities

The Whanganui journey

Although it's water-based, the Whanganui Journey is classed as one of New Zealand's 'Great Walks'. The 145 kilometre river trip runs from Taumarunui to the village of Pipiriki, taking about five days to complete by canoe or kayak. A three day journey from Whakahoro to Pipiriki is also possible.

Jet boating

Jet boats operate from both ends of the Whanganui River, providing visitors with rewarding day trips into the heart of the park. Jet boat is the easiest way to access the famous 'Bridge to Nowhere' - a haunting relic from the past.

Walking

The Matemateaonga Track is one of the most popular long walks in the park. It follows an old Maori trail and takes about four days to complete. The Mangapurua Track, which takes 3 - 4 days, starts at Whakahoro and ends at the 'Bridge to Nowhere'. Most people walk into the Bridge and take a jet boat out.

The most popular walk on the river is the 1.5 hour return trip from the river to the 'Bridge to Nowhere'. Further south is the Atene Skyline Track, an excellent one day walk.

Key Tips

• Classed as Grade 2, the Whanganui River is kind to beginners - previous paddling experience isn't essential

• Although there are more than 200 rapids between Taumarunui and Pipiriki, most of them drop less than 1 metre

• Both brown and rainbow trout can be caught in the river

• Hunting of pigs, goats and fallow deer is encouraged - consult the Department of Conservation for guidelines

• Tieke Kainga is jointly managed by DOC and local Maori and traditional customs are observed. There is a bunkroom and camping facilities for use by canoeists

• Conditions, facilities and services change - always check the latest information at the nearest DOC visitor centre before you venture out.