When is a walk not a walk? When it's a river journey. Paddle for three to five days down the mysterious Whanganui River.
The Whanganui Journey is named as one of New Zealand's 'Great Walks', but it's actually a kayak or canoe journey down the Whanganui River. Beginning in Taumarunui, the journey takes an average of five days to complete in its entirety. If you don't have time for the full 145 kilometre trip, you can cut the journey short by starting further downstream in Whakahoro. Canadian-style canoes are particularly suited to the river's gentle rapids.
Campsites and huts provide accommodation along the way. All campsites and huts have a water supply with a table and benches; huts have bunks with mattresses, stoves, benches, tables and cooking facilities. Bottled gas for cooking and heating is provided in most huts.
Paddling down the Whanganui River is a special way to experience early New Zealand history. For hundreds of years the river was an important travelling route for Maori who lived along its shores, and in the early days of European settlement it was a veritable highway for steamboats of every size. Today the river, and the beautiful lowland forest that it wanders through, is protected by a national park for much of its journey. Highlights include Tieke Marae and the Bridge to Nowhere, an amazing structure which really does go nowhere!
The land surrounding the river is only about one million years old. Formed of soft sandstone and mudstone from the ocean-bed, it has been eroded by water to form sharp ridges, deep gorges, sheer cliffs and spectacular waterfalls.
Bird watching is a daily pleasure. Watch for native kereru (wood pigeon), fantails, tui, robins, grey warblers and tomtits. Ruru (native owls) are plentiful and the call of the brown kiwi can often be heard at night.
By Hilary Sheaff
By Jarod Thomas