Great Walks - Whanganui Journey

145kms - 5 days

Let the water do the walking

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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.

A rugged land with a soft heart

The land around the Whanganui River Journey is remote and rugged. Steep- sided forested valleys stretch as far as the eye can see. Beneath the blanketing vegetation and fertile volcanic top soils, the land is mainly soft sandstone and mudstone (papa) uplifted from the seabed just a million years ago. Over time, natural waterways have eroded the land to form deep gorges, sharp ridge lines, vertical cliff-faces and countless waterfalls. As you wind your way down the Whanganui River, the land rises steeply on all sides providing the sensation of being cradled deep in heart of the forest.

No need to pack a kayak

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An amphitheatre for birdsong

The vertical forests concentrate the melodies of the abundant native birdlife. The day begins with a dawn chorus which then continues through the day. Plump kereru (wood pigeon) plummet from the forest canopy before gaining sufficient speed to rise again and noisily crash-land into the foliage in search of more berries. They are the Lancaster bombers of New Zealand’s forests.

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

At one point, you can leave your canoe and follow an easy hiking trail to discover a bridge in the middle of nowhere. Deep in the forest, completely isolated from any signs of civilisation, this substantial concrete road bridge spans a deep ravine. It was constructed in the 1936 to improve access to the Mangapurua Valley Soldiers Settlement. This area was abandoned in 1942, so the bridge was in use for only six years. Today it provides a perfect platform for views across the forest canopy.

Other activities in the area

There 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 born

Maori 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.

Booking a walk with a tour provider

There are a number of specialist tour operators who can aide you in bringing your walking experience to life. Whether you are looking for a guided tour or accommodation along the track browse through our business listings to find the walkin experience that is right for you.

• Whanganui River businesses
• Accommodation in Whanganui

Booking a walk independently

If you want to walk a Great Walk independently you will need a Great Walks Pass The fees for this varies between each Great Walk, but all prices are very reasonable as they are heavily subsidised in order to foster participation by many people.

• Great Walks Pass
• Fees

For some Great Walks you may need to make a booking, for others simply purchase a Great Walks hut or campsite pass before your trip

• For the Milford, Kepler, Routeburn, Heaphy and Abel Tasman the online system allows you to check availability and pay for your booking. Book online
• Department of Conservation (DOC) Visitor Centres national wide can make hut or campsite bookings on your behalf. A booking fee applies.
• Call on +64-3-249 8514, fax +64-3-249 8515, email greatwalksbooking@doc.govt.nz

More information

• Information from DOC including features, track description and places to stay. Whanganui Journey
• Information from DOC about the 9 Great Walks
• Read about safety tips for walking and hiking in New Zealand's great outdoors
   

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