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Whanganui Journey |
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Take a walk down the Whanganui River, without touching the ground. This memorable kayak or canoe adventure flows through a wildly beautiful national park.145kms - 5 days
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Let the water do the walking
The five day journey takes you beyond the clutches of modern civilisation. Drifting with the river through steep-sided canyons there are more than 200 rapids to be navigated however in normal conditions it never goes beyond a grade two degree of difficulty, which means it is suitable for complete novices. With the exception of a small town two days down river, there are no shops, roads or settlements along the way; just peace, quiet, abundant birdlife and native forests clinging to the cliff faces along the river edge. Each night is spent under the stars. Tents are pitched at grass camp sites with just the basic necessities - a water supply, toilets and a cooking shelter. A highlight of the journey is the option to spend one night immersed in Maori traditions, protocol and hospitality at the ancient Maori pa (fortress) Tieke Kainga. Featured Video
walking_video_caption A rugged land with a soft heart
No need to pack a kayakIt is remarkably easy to experience the wonder of the Whanganui River Journey. One or two-person kayaks and open (Canadian) canoes can be hired in Taumaranui, along with any other equipment needed. Several companies offer informative guided journeys while shorter journeys can also be arranged with jet boat pick-ups from the remote camping areas. An amphitheatre for birdsong
The native tui with its bell-like notes and rasping coughs, clicks and rattles are conspicuous with their sleek dark-metallic feathers and tuft of white on their neck. Fantails execute seemingly impossible aerial manoeuvres in pursuit of invisible insects while the sounds of native robins, grey warblers and tomtits can also be heard. At dusk, around John Coull Hut, long-tailed bats can be seen crossing the river high above the canopy. And at night, the sharp screech of kiwi can often be heard. The bridge to nowhere
Other activities in the areaThere are numerous hiking tails in the Whanganui National Park, ranging from short walks to multi-day adventures. You can also fish for brown and rainbow trout. A restored historic riverboat carries visitors along the lower reaches of the river from the city of Wanganui, or you can take a faster trip in a jet boat.
When mountains fight, great rivers are bornMaori legend says the Whanganui River was created by Mount Taranaki as it fled from the wrath of Mount Tongariro, in the central North Island. Taranaki had tried to seduce Tongariro’s wife, the beautiful Mount Pihanga. Enraged, Tongariro erupted and showered Taranaki in molten lava and hot ash. Defeated and deeply saddened, Taranaki escaped to the west carving a trench to the sea before heading north to its current location. Clear water flowed from the side of Tongariro to fill the trench and create the Whanganui River.
History goes with the flow
Early Maori people explored and settled along the banks of the Whanganui River. They cultivated the fertile soil and built sophisticated traps for lamprey and eels. To this day, the river holds deep spiritual significance for the local Maori people.
European missionaries arrived in the 1840s and 50 years later river boats were servicing European settlers as far inland as Taumarunui. Passenger travel flourished as early tourists, motivated initially by the lack of good roads, discovered the river’s remarkable natural beauty.
By the 1920s, roads to and from the central North Island’s volcanic attractions were improving and the river boat service faded away. Farming interests then began to grow in the area, which prompted early conservation groups to seek government protection for the natural environment. These visionary efforts created the foundation for what grew to become the Whanganui National Park - 742 square kilometres of pure, untouched wilderness, and through its core runs the Whanganui River Journey.
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Ruapehu IN & AROUND THE AREAWalking:Other Things to See & Do:TownsOther towns near Taumarunui (Whanganui Journey) by road:
Weather in the area
Booking & Preparation Whether you want to walk independently or with a guide we have the information about what you need to get prepared and how you can go about booking.
Department of Conservation The land the 9 Great Walks sit on is "Conservation Land" which is managed by the Department of Conservation. They are responsible for maintaining huts, campsites, tracks, bridges and other facilities.
Recommended ReadingExplore Te Ara - The Encyclopaedia of New Zealand - the comprehensive guide to New Zealand’s people, environment, history and culture.
This community-driven site gives a walker’s perspective of New Zealand walks. Highlights of the site are its large searchable database and multitude of contributor’s photographs.
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