change

Home 

Choose your country

or

 

National Parks & Marine Reserves

 

 

Whanganui National Park

Whanganui River - click for more.
The Whanganui River winds its way through a magnificent national park.
More about this image
The Whanganui National Park is located in the central North Island north of Wanganui City. The small towns of Taumarunui, Pipiriki, Ohinepane and Whakahoro provide access to hiking and canoeing experiences in the park.

The main point of this national park is to protect the upper reaches of the Whanganui River. Winding from Tongariro National Park to the Tasman Sea through wild lowland forests, this river was once an important transport route for both Maori and early European settlers.

Western tributaries of the Whanganui flow through mudstone gorges and valleys, which colour the river waters. To the east the waters are clearer and are an important habitat for the whio (a native torrent duck).

As New Zealand's longest navigable waterway, the Whanganui turns on a great river journey. Taumarunui is the starting point for most canoe or kayak safaris; huts and campsites are spaced along the river. An overnight stay at Tieke Marae is a special highlight. Run by local Maori, the marae is a chance to see traditional customs in action.

Jetboating is another way to enjoy this national park. From Pipiriki you can journey up the river to the Bridge to Nowhere, which is all that remains of Mangapurua, an isolated settlement that was abandoned in 1942.
 


 
WHANGANUI Region


Contact Details

Contact: Department of Conservation
Phone:
 +64 6 3488 475
Postal: Private Bag 3016, Wanganui 4540
Website: www.doc.govt.nz/templates/PlaceProf
ile.aspx?id=38475
Contact: Wanganui i-SITE Visitor Centre
Phone: +64 6 3490 508
Fax: +64 6 3490 509
Postal: PO Box 637 Wanganui
Website: www.wanganui.com

Send a message



Your Email Address:
Your phone number:
Your message:
 
Send me a copy

Raetihi is the closest town to this highlight.

In Raetihi:

Other towns near Raetihi by road:

Other towns near Raetihi by rail:

Raetihi does not have any rail stations.

The nearest rail station is in Ohakune (16 minutes)

Other towns near Raetihi by air:

Raetihi does not have scheduled passenger air services.

The nearest airport is in Wanganui (79 minutes)

Disclaimer
All information available on this web site concerning products and services is provided by the suppliers of those goods and services. Because information is liable to change from time to time you should not rely on the information on this web site but should check the accuracy of the information with the relevant supplier. Tourism New Zealand is not responsible or liable for any claims arising in relation to information supplied to it.

 
Front Row Rugby Club

Front Row Rugby Club Join the Front Row Rugby Club along with Tana Umaga and thousands of others.

New Zealand Videos

New Zealand Videos Browse our collection of videos that showcase what New Zealand has to offer.

Your Words

Your Words Browse personal blogs for straight talking thoughts and opinions about our places, people and adventures.


› Email this page  
› Page top

Tools:

Souvenirs:

Your Experiences:

100% Pure - newzealand.com
Edition: 
Travel:
Our other sites: 

100% Pure New Zealand on: 
The email addresses published on this web page are for conducting communications that promote Tourism in New Zealand, and are not to be used for any other commercial purpose.
Copyright 1999-2009 Tourism New Zealand, the official website of the New Zealand Tourism Board.