sign in sign up
<<
Home , Ohakune, Pipiriki, Raetihi, Taumarunui, Waiouru, Whakahoro

Cape Reinga

Kaitaia

Kerikeri

Kaikohe

WHANGAREI

Dargaville

reat arrier Mangawhai Heads sland otea sland

Warkworth

Orewa

Helensville

AUCKLAND Whitianga Tāmaki Makaurau/ Visitor Centre

Thames Kauaeranga Visitor Centre Pukekohe Whangamata Waiuku Tuakau

Paeroa Waihi

Te Aroha Huntly Katikati

Ngaruawahia Morrinsville TAURANGA

HAMILTON Raglan Te Puke Matamata

Cambridge

WHAKATANE Ohope Edgecumbe Putaruru Putaruru Opotiki

Kawerau ROTORUA TOKOROA

Te Kuiti

Murupara

LAKE WAIKAREMOANA TAUPOPlan and prepare Lake GISBORNE aupo Visitor Centre hinepane

Waitara whango Frasertown Lepperton JOURNEY TONGARIRO WHANGANUI Oakura haahoro NORTHERN Wairoa Inglewood Raurimu CIRCUIT ational ar

Egmont National Park Visitor Centre Tongariro National Dawson Falls Visitor Centre Park Visitor Centre Stratford JOURNEY

Eltham Opunake Duration: 3 or 5 days Great Walks season: ipirii Distance: 88 km or 145 km (one way) Normanby NAPIER 1 October 2020 – 30 April 2021 Hawera Hawke’s Bay Regional Visitor Centre

Taihape HASTINGS

WHANGANUI Otane Waipawa Waipukurau

Marton

Bulls Dannevirke

Ashhurst Woodville Foxton Beach Foxton Pahiatua

Shannon

LEVIN Eketahuna

Otaki

MASTERTON

Carterton Greytown Featherston

LOWER HUTT Martinborough Pōneke/Wellington Visitor Centre

100 km WHANGANUI Paddling guide Maharanui Campsite 24 campers Ohinepane Campsite Poukaria Campsite Campsite JOURNEY 36 campers 20 campers 36 campers

Paddle through a landscape of Taumarunui towering cliffs and deep valleys 3 – 5 hr / 22 km 6 – 8 hr / 35 km on the magical Whanganui Journey. You’ll travel through calm waters and foaming rapids, on an unforgettable trip into the heart of the . Experience the beauty, history and culture of the mighty in the south-west of the . Choose a 5-day journey from Day 1: Taumarunui to Day 2: Ohinepane to Taumarunui to (145 km), Ohinepane Whakahoro or a shorter, 3-day journey starting at Whakahoro (88 km), featuring 3 – 5 hours, 22 km 6 – 8 hours, 35 km the most spectacular stretches of Access point is at Ngahuinga Access point is at Ohinepane the river. (Cherry Grove) in Taumarunui. (accessed from River Road SH43). In 2017 the Whanganui River was Travelling the upper reaches of From here, you’ll paddle deeper the Whanganui River, you’ll pass into a rich and rugged landscape. legally recognised as Te Awa Tupua, through a mixture of farmland and Farms become fewer, native a living and indivisible whole native bush. You’ll be in for some forest dominates and the hills from the mountains to the sea, its excitement as you shoot down rise. On the way you will pass tributaries and all its physical and rapids on this section of the river. Poukaria Campsite (a great metaphysical elements. Due care spot to stop for lunch) and Maharanui Campsite. Take a and respect to the river at all times short trip up the Ōhura River has always been a key expectation to see the Ōhura Falls. of tāngata whenua and the new legal status reinforces this.

This guide describes a 5-day trip by canoe or kayak from Taumarunui to Pipiriki for independent, non-guided travellers during the Great Walks season (1 October 2020 – 30 April 2021).

Outside the Great Walks season (May to September) conditions are more hazardous – see the safety information.

Duration: 3 or 5 days Distance: 88 km or 145 km

(one way) COVER: Canoe Safaris

 Great Walks season: ABOVE LEFT TO RIGHT: © Monster Valley; © Monster Valley; 1 October 2020 – Matthew Pike / Wilderness Magazine; Laura Honey; DOC/90 Seconds 30 April 2021 MAIN PHOTO: DOC car hut campsite park Mangapapa Campsite Maharanui Campsite 20 campers John Coull 24 campers Hut and Campsite Mangawaiiti Mangapurua Tīeke Kāinga Whakahoro Campsite Ohauora Campsite 24 bunks Campsite Campsite 20 bunks Ngaporo Campsite 36 campers 20 campers 36 campers 36 campers 20 campers 36 campers 20 campers

Pipiriki

7 – 9 hr / 37.5 km 7 – 9 hr / 29 km 4 – 6 hr / 21.5 km

Day 4: John Coull Hut to Day 5: Tīeke Kāinga Day 3: Whakahoro to John Coull Hut Tīeke Kāinga to Pipiriki

7 – 9 hours, 37.5 km 7 – 9 hours, 29 km 4 – 6 hours, 21.5 km Many begin their river journey here, at the most On this section, you’ll continue your You’ll pass the narrow gorge of scenic middle section of the river. You’ll travel journey through deep gorges and past the Manganuioteao River where through towering gorges, the sides dripping stunning native forest. The Tāngarākau it enters the Whanganui after its with moss and ferns. After heavy rain, there are and Whangamōmona rivers join the journey all the way from the slopes numerous waterfalls. Long stretches of the river Whanganui on this stretch. Perched of Mt Ruapehu. The Ngaporo and are calm and still, with mirror-like reflections of high above the river, Mangawaiiti is an Autapu rapids can provide plenty the surrounding hills. attractive spot to camp or stop for lunch. of excitement and perhaps a cool dip on a hot day. Through the day, Past Mangapapa Campsite, you’ll take a long Continue your trip downstream past the you’ll see the landscape changing. loop around the Kirikiriroa peninsula, pass the Mangapurua Landing, where you can You leave the deep gorges behind Tarepokiore (whirlpool) rapid and then the large stop and walk to the iconic Bridge to and native forest gives way to overhang known as Tamatea’s Cave. Please do Nowhere. Afterwards, you’ll continue on farmland. At Pipiriki village, you not enter the cave as it is wāhi tapu (a sacred to Tīeke Kāinga. Here you can examine finally disembark at the end of a place). Otaihanga Reach leads to your overnight the intricately-carved pou whenua remarkable journey. stop at John Coull Hut and Campsite. (carved timber pole) and learn about the history of Tīeke and the tikanga (protocol) of the . Taumarunui 4 Places to stay " Great Walk hut Tatu #605m Turangi DOC operates 2 huts, 11 Great Walks " Great Walk campsite campsites and 1 basic bunkroom 43 Toilet (toilets are also (at Whakahoro) along the Whanganui " available at all huts and campsites)

Journey, which must be booked in " !

! Whanganui Journey ! advance during the Great Walks Tramping track season (1 October 2020 – 30 April 2021). Tramping track and cycle trail Outside the Great Walks season facilities ! ! Walking track " are greatly reduced, and there are no hut State highway rangers. Booking is not required, huts Road and campsites are first come, first served 0 2 km er ¯ iv R and fees are reduced. JJ ui Ohura n ga n Falls a h See www.doc.govt.nz for details. W

er Whanganui Riv Great Walks huts ke " ru a t Visit www.doc.govt.nz/ e R whanganuijourney for prices. National Park

r D uring the Great Walks season e " v i the huts have bunks, mattresses, R u

a

k "

a water supply, toilets, hand- ā

r # a

g Mount Dawson

washing facilities and heating n ā 602m with fuel. They may also have a T # Puketawhero lighting source, basic cooking 685m

" ! # facilities with fuel, and a hut Puketawa 664m ranger may be present.

# Riariaki Cone 668m 648m # Te Ranga # "" Peak 671m# 666m W h a n g a " ! n Bridge to Nowhere

u ! i R

iv ! " er "

"" Whakahoro Campsite. Photo: Daniel Deans Arawiri Ngapurua

#663m ! 644m# !

Pipipi r ! # e ! Great Walks campsites 705m iv Ameku ! R o 757m# ! ea # ! Visit www.doc.govt.nz/ ot Pipipi ui an 786m whanganuijourney for prices. # ng Whakarongotaiaroa Ma 4 605m The campsites offer basic Poutahi 695m# facilities including toilets, " Okahurea Raetihi sinks and a water supply. #682m Some also have picnic tables and cooking shelters.

Whaharangi Tuanuiotakou # 630m # #636m Pukunui Whanganui Purakau Pipiriki # 610m 630m The map in this brochure is a guide only and should not be used for navigational purposes.

PROTECT OUR WATERWAYS CHECK Freshwater pests, including didymo, can be spread by a single drop of water or plant fragment. Protect our waterways – always CHECK, CLEAN, DRY any equipment, CLEAN including footwear, that comes into contact with the water before entering, and when moving between, waterways. For more information see www.mpi.govt.nz (then search DRY on ‘Check Clean Dry’). Highlights 1

Air partners with the Department of Photo: DOC/90 Seconds Conservation to bring birdsong back to 2 our Great Walks.

1 Take a break from the water at Mangapurua Landing and walk to the iconic Bridge to Nowhere. Lost deep in the forest, completely isolated from civilisation, this lonely concrete Photo: Shellie Evans (tikitouringnz.blogspot.co.nz) bridge was built for returned World War I servicemen to reach a now-abandoned settlement. 2 Look out for plump New Zealand pigeon/ 3 4 kererū, as they plummet from the forest canopy before gaining enough speed to rise again, and noisily crash-land into the foliage in search of more berries. 3 Experience the unique landscape of the Whanganui National Park as you paddle through deep gorges and past Photo: DOC/90 Seconds cascading waterfalls. 4 Visit Tīeke Kāinga and learn about the intimate connection that Whanganui 6 have with the awa (river). 5 Watch for long-tailed bats/pekapeka fluttering overhead at dusk when you reach John Coull Hut.

Conservation story Photo: Canoe Safaris 6 Watch and listen for the native birdlife of the Whanganui National Park, including kererū, /whio, tūī and brown kiwi. Partnerships 5 with iwi, Air New Zealand – our National Partner for Conservation, Horizons Regional Council and private landowners mean that more native species are benefitting from greatly increased Photo: Sabine Bernert Photo: Matt Binns (CC BY 2.0) pest control. Cape Reinga

Kaitaia

Kerikeri

Kaikohe

WHANGAREI

Dargaville

reat arrier Mangawhai Heads sland otea sland

Warkworth

Orewa

Helensville

AUCKLAND Whitianga Tāmaki Makaurau/ Auckland Visitor Centre

Thames Kauaeranga Visitor Centre Pukekohe Whangamata Waiuku Tuakau

Paeroa Waihi

Te Aroha Huntly Katikati

Ngaruawahia Morrinsville TAURANGA

HAMILTON Raglan Te Puke Matamata

Cambridge

WHAKATANE Te Awamutu Ohope Edgecumbe Putaruru Putaruru Opotiki

Kawerau ROTORUA Otorohanga TOKOROA

Te Kuiti

What do I do next? Getting there Start off at www.doc.govt. Traditional entry or exit points for the LAKE nz/whanganuijourney for WAIKAREMOANA Whanganui Journey are from SH4 at: TAUPO more information. Lake GISBORNE aupo  Taumarunui Te Urewera Visitor Centre  Ohinepane (access from Taumarunui) Taumarunui hinepane BOOK Book your huts and  Whakahoro (access from Waitara Turangi campsites online at Raurimu or Owhango) NEW PLYMOUTH WHANGANUI whango Frasertown Lepperton JOURNEY bookings.doc.govt.nz.  Pipiriki (access from TONGARIRO Oakura haahoro NORTHERN Wairoa Raetihi or Whanganui) Inglewood Raurimu CIRCUIT ational ar

Equipment hire, services, Visitor Centre Book your canoes, Tongariro National food and transport can Dawson Falls Visitor Centre Park Visitor Centre equipment and transport to Stratford and from the track. be found in Taumarunui, Eltham Ohakune Whanganui, Raetihi, Opunake Raetihi Ohakune and National ipirii Waiouru Normanby NAPIER Park Village. Hawera Hawke’s Bay Regional Buy your food and pack your 0 25 50 km Visitor Centre bags – download the Great HASTINGS Walks packing list and make sure you have everything you Know before you go Safety on the Whanganui Journey need for a 3-day or 5-day It is important to plan your trip thoroughly Great Walks season:

independent unguided trip. to make sure you stay safe. Before you go, 1 October 2020 – 30 AprilWHANGANUI 2021 Otane know the Outdoor Safety Code – 5 Simple Waipawa  You need a good level of fitness, rules to help you #MakeItHomeNZ. Waipukurau as well as confidence in a canoe and in Read up on safety and make Marton 1. Plan your trip. Make sure you have the water. Once you start you cannot sure you’re well prepared for enough time for your canoe journey, turn back and there are no exitBulls points Feilding Dannevirke your journey and changeable plus extra time in case something between Whakahoro and Pipiriki. weather at www.doc.govt. goes wrong. Book accommodation, Ashhurst  Heavy rain and flooding can occur at any Woodville nz/whanganuijourney. transport and transfers early. time of year on the Whanganui PALMERSTON NORTH 2. Tell someone your plans. River and theFoxton weather Beach canFoxton change Pahiatua Tell someone where you are going quickly. You need to be ready for rain, Shannon Check the weather, and make and when you’ll be back. Ask them to cold and wind. sure you’ve downloaded LEVIN call emergency services if you haven’t  Don’t canoe the river when water levelsEketahuna and printed your ticket and returned on time. Consider carrying a are predicted to riseOtaki or the river is official track guide. You can personal locator beacon, as there is no flooding. If you fall out of your canoe, also get the latest weather cellphone reception on most tracks. you might not be able to get back in or updates and river conditions 3. Be aware of the weather. swim to the river’s edge. MASTERTON from the Taumarunui or New Zealand weather is very  Always pull your canoe up high on the Ohakune i-SITEs. changeable. Even if it’s summer or bank and tie it to something secure.Carterton the forecast is good, you should always Greytown It may not be raining on theFeatherston river where carry a rain jacket and warm clothing. you are, but rain elsewhere can cause All set! Jump in your vessel Check metservice.com the river to riseLOWER several HUTT metresMartinborough overnight. for the most up-to-date forecast. WELLINGTON and get paddling! Don’t forget Pōneke/Wellington  Go to www.doc.govt.nz/Visitor Centre to share your experience on 4. Know your limits. Research the whanganuijourney ‘Know before facebook.com/docgovtnz. river conditions, distances and you go’ section for detailed safety canoeing times to decide whether information, and ‘What this trip suits your abilities. If you to take’ section for a full gear list. are going on a walking side-trip, For in-depth always follow the track markers Remember – your safety is your local knowledge, visit: and signposted tracks. responsibility Ruapehu i-SITE Visitor 5. Take sufficient supplies. You are strongly recommended Information Centre Take the right gear, including extra NOT to attempt this journey Phone: +64 6 385 8427 food, clothing and equipment in case between early May and late September something goes wrong. You’ll have (outside the Great Walks season). Email: [email protected] to carry everything you need, as The winter environment in Whanganui you can’t buy food or equipment at www.doc.govt.nz/great-walks National Park is wet and cold, with short Great Walks huts or campsites. daylight hours. The river level is much You can find more information on higher than in summer and the water safety at www.doc.govt.nz/safety is very cold. Hut facilities are greatly Published by: or www.adventuresmart.nz. reduced – including no gas for cooking Department of Conservation and no hut rangers. PO Box 10420, Wellington 6143, New Zealand Travellers will need to be independent,

October 2020 have a full understanding of the safety 100 km Editing and design: risks and be prepared for extremely Te Rōpū Auaha, Te Papa Atawhai cold conditions. The Whanganui River Creative Services, Department of Conservation journey should only be attempted out of the Great Walks season by people who This publication is produced using paper sourced from are very experienced in canoeing remote

R185113 well-managed, renewable and legally logged forests. New Zealand rivers in winter.