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Home , Manganui o te Ao River, Mount Tongariro, Pipiriki, Raetihi, Rakiura Track, Retaruke River

Duration: 3–5 days Distance: 145 km Great Walks season: 1 October 2014 – journey 30 April 2015

Get out walk &0800 694 732 greatwalks.co.nz Paddle through a landscape of remote hills and valleys on the magical Whanganui Journey.

xperience the scenic beauty, hh Paddle through deep history and cultural significance gorges and past cascading E waterfalls. of the winding Cover image: Photo: Adrift Outdoors Ltd in the south-west of the North hh Take a break from the This page: Paddlers in action. water and walk to the Photo: DOC/90 Seconds Island. Choose a 5-day journey from iconic Bridge to Nowhere, Quote: rankers.co.nz to Pīpīriki (145 km), or abandoned by a failed a shorter, 3-day journey starting at settlement of returned (87 km), featuring the World War I servicemen. most scenic stretches of the river. hh Visit Tīeke Kāinga and learn about the intimate “One of the best things connection that Whanganui I’ve done in ! have with the awa (river). Such an adventure.”

Loesje, Belgium greatwalks.co.nz 0800 694 732 Track guide There are a number of options for exploring the Whanganui River by canoe or kayak. This guide describes a 5-day trip from Taumarunui to Pīpīriki for independent, non-guided canoeists. Days 1 and 2: Taumarunui to Whakahoro 57 km Access points are at Ngāhuinga (Cherry Grove) in Taumarunui or further downstream at Ōhinepane (accessed from River Road SH43). Travelling the upper reaches of the Whanganui River, you’ll pass through a mixture of farmland and patches of native bush. You’ll be in for some excitement as you shoot down rapids on this section of the river. Camp beside the river at Ōhinepane, Poukaria or Maharanui campsites. From here, you get the feeling of venturing into the heart of a rich and rugged landscape.

Day 3: Whakahoro to John Coull Hut 37.5 km Many begin their river journey here—the scenic middle reaches of the river, featuring numerous waterfalls after heavy rain. Past Mangapapa Campsite, take a long loop around the Kirikiriroa Peninsula, pass the Tarepokiore (whirlpool) rapid and then the large overhang known as Tamatea’s Cave. Please do not enter the cave as it is wāhi tapu (a sacred place). Ōtaihanga Reach leads you to your overnight stop at John Coull Hut and Campsite.

hh You may see long-tailed bats fluttering overhead at dusk. Waterfall above Pururoto Caves. Day 4: John Coull Hut to Tīeke Kāinga Photo: Canoe Safaris 29 km On this section, follow the river as it meanders through bush-covered hills, passing the mouths of the Tāngārākau and Whangamōmona rivers where Side trips they join the Whanganui. Perched high above the river, Manga-wai-iti is an attractive spot to camp or stop for lunch. Day 4: Bridge to Nowhere Continue your trip downstream to Tīeke Kāinga where you can examine hh At Mangapurua Landing, where the intricately carved pou whenua and learn about the history of Tīeke the old riverboats used to tie and the tikanga (protocol) of the . up, hop out of your canoe and take a 40-minute bush walk (one Day 5: Tīeke Kāinga to Pīpīriki way) to this poignant reminder of the Mangapurua Valley farm 21.5 km settlement, carved out of You’ll pass through the scenic gorge of the where it and then abandoned between enters the Whanganui after its journey from the slopes of . the two World Wars. Look out for Ngāporo and Autapu rapids can provide plenty of excitement and perhaps a cyclists—the track is also part of cool dip on a hot day. More exotic trees and farmland indicate you are getting the Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail. close to Pīpīriki. Pass an weir on your left, shoot the Paparoa rapid and you will see the boat ramp below Pīpīriki village up ahead.

Bridge to Nowhere. Photo: DOC/90 Seconds Getg t in there Taumarunui Traditional entry or exit points for the Whanganui Journey are off SH4 at:

43 1. Taumarunui

Whanganui 2. Ōhinepane (access from Taumarunui) Journey 3. Whakahoro (access from Raurimu or Ōwhango) Stratford 4. Pīpīriki (access from or Whanganui) Equipment hire, services, food and transport can be found in Taumarunui, Whanganui, Raetihi, Ōhakune and National Park Village.

4 Refer to the back of the brochure for transport options and services.

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Wanganui

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Bridge to Nowhere Mangapurua

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WHANGANUI NATIONAL PARK Raetihi Ohakune Ngaporo

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h a n g a n u i R Hut iv e r Campsite N SH4 to Wanganui Great Walk

This map is intended as a general guide only. For up-to-date track, route, hut and safety information, visit www.doc.govt.nz and/or your local DOC Visitor Centre before you travel. greatwalks.co.nz 0800 694 732 Places to stay Plan and prepare The Whanganui Journey huts have bunks, mattresses, It is important to plan and prepare your trip and be well a water supply, toilets, hand-washing facilities and equipped on a Great Walk. heating with fuel. They may also have a lighting source, basic cooking facilities with fuel, and a DOC ranger may be present. $32 per adult per night; 17 years and under Before you go, know The Outdoor Safety Code— stay free. 5 simple rules to help you stay safe: Great Walks campsites offer basic facilities including 1. Plan your trip toilets, sinks and a water supply. Some also have picnic 2. Tell someone tables and cooking shelters. Great Walks campsites can 3. Be aware of the weather only be accessed on foot and are not accessible by vehicle. 4. Know your limits Bookings are essential during the Great Walks season (1 October to 30 April). Great Walks huts and campsites must 5. Take sufficient supplies be booked in advance. Please note: outside of the Great Walks season, huts on this track are classed as backcountry huts and hh Book your trip well in advance including your don’t need to be booked. Backcountry hut passes or serviced accommodation, transport and transfers to the start/ hut tickets must be used. end of the journey. Furh t er information and bookings hh Safety is your responsibility—leave your trip details with a trusted contact. See adventuresmart.org.nz. Visit the Great Walks website or contact your nearest DOC Visitor Centre for further information and bookings. hh Weather and river conditions are changeable, so be prepared and check the forecast before you go. See Phone: 0800 NZ GReaTWALKS (0800 694 732) metservice.com. Email: [email protected] Web: greatwalks.co.nz hh A good level of fitness and the right outdoor clothing, gear and equipment will greatly improve the enjoyment of your trip. Pack all necessary equipment, your own food and drinks (including an extra day’s supply) and Book online greatwalks.co.nz personal effects.

hh Food and drinks are not available for purchase at Great Walks huts and campsites. Kia Whārite—restoring the balance W hanganui Journey safety hh Heavy rain and flooding can occur at any time of year A project to restore some of New Zealand’s most on the Whanganui River and the weather can change iconic species in and around Whanganui National quickly. You will need to be prepared for rain, cold and Park is the basis of a partnership between DOC, windy conditions. Horizons Regional Council, iwi and private hh Don’t canoe the river when water levels are predicted landowners. to rise or it is in flood. If you capsize, you may not be Kia Whārite, meaning ‘to work in partnership’, will able to get back in, or swim to the river’s edge. target possums and goats, which destroy native hh Always pull your canoe up high on the bank and tie it bush, and rats and stoats, which prey on birds. An to something secure. It may not be raining on the river, improvement in the health of the vegetation and an but rain elsewhere in the large catchment can cause the increase in the number of bird river to rise several metres overnight. calls recorded are early hh For a comprehensive gear list, see Plan & Prepare at signs of success. greatwalks.co.nz or read New Zealand Recreational The area has one of the most Canoeing Association’s ‘Guide to the Whanganui River’. important remaining /whio populations in New Zealand, and the largest remaining brown kiwi Air New Zealand population in the . partners with the Department of www.kiawharite.govt.nz Conservation to help bring native birds back to the beautiful Great Walks.

Blue duck/whio. Photo: Herb Christophers Other Great Walks

Duration: Distance: Duration: Distance: L ake Waikaremoana 3 – 4 days 46 km Tongariro Northern Circuit 3 – 4 days 43 km

race the shoreline of beautiful Huts: inding its way past Huts: TLake Waikaremoana ‘the sea $32 WMount Tongariro and $32 of rippling waters’ for spiritual adult/night , this Great adult/night and cultural enlightenment. Walk lets you explore dramatic Walk through ancient rainforest, volcanic landscapes including pass giant podocarp trees and craters, glacial valleys, native admire stunning views from beech forest, alpine meadows Panekire Bluff. and emerald-coloured lakes in this World Heritage area.

Location: National Park, east North Island Location: , central North Island Nearest towns: , Napier, Wairoa, Gisborne Nearest towns: Taupo, Turangi, Ohakune,

Duration: Distance: Duration: Distance: A bel Tasman Track 3– 5 days 60 km 4 – 6 days 78.4 km

lessed with a mild Huts: rom forest to coast, the Huts: Bclimate, golden beaches $32 FHeaphy Track combines $32 and coastal forest, the Abel adult/night all of New Zealand’s scenic adult/night Tasman Coast Track has it all. beauty into one Great Walk. Choose to walk the whole track Travel through expansive or water taxi or kayak between tussock downs, lush forests different locations at any time and nīkau palms to the roaring of the year. seas of the wild West Coast.

Location: Abel Tasman National Park, north-west Location: , north-west South Island Nearest towns: Nelson, , Takaka Nearest towns: Nelson, Westport, Collingwood

Duration: Distance: Duration: Distance: R outeburn Track 2 – 4 days 32 km K epler Track 3 – 4 days 60 km

he Huts: n adventure above the Huts: Ttraverses the Southern $54 Aclouds! The $54 Alps of New Zealand and adult/night takes you from the gentle, adult/night passes through ice-carved beech-forested shores of Lakes valleys and beech forest. Walk Te Anau and Manapouri to the alongside pristine rivers and exposed tussock lands and the glistening alpine lakes offering summit of Mount Luxmore for breathtaking views and spectacular alpine views. mountain scenery.

Location: Mount Aspiring & Fiordland Nat. Parks, South Island Location: , south-west South Island Nearest towns: Queenstown, Glenorchy, Te Anau and Nearest towns: Queenstown, Te Anau and Invercargill

Duration: Distance: Duration: Distance: M ilford Track 4 days 53.5 km R akiura Track 3 days 32 km

xperience the stunning Huts: scape on an island Huts: Egrandeur of the $54 Eadventure and exchange the $22 including rugged mountain peaks, adult/night hustle and bustle of mainland adult/night breathtaking sheer canyons and life for the tranquillity of majestic waterfalls. Walk beside the Rakiura Track. Revel in pristine rivers and amongst lush, the peacefulness and idyllic green rainforest before crossing surroundings, with the bush, Mackinnon Pass and reaching birds and beach at your side. spectacular Milford Sound.

Location: Fiordland National Park, south-west South Island Location: Stewart Island/Rakiura Nearest towns: Queenstown, Te Anau and Invercargill Nearest towns: Invercargill (20 min flight) or Bluff (1 hr ferry)

Published by: Publishing Team, Department of Conservation, PO Box 10420, , New Zealand | August 2014 This publication is produced using paper sourced from well-managed, renewable and legally logged forests.

Yeti tours will provide all you need for your unique historical & cultural journey on the Whanganui River. Yeti Tours has a 35+ year standards and protocols to history of canoe tours on the be in place, which is audited Whanganui River, being one of annually. We also have a Doc Comfortable backpacker the first to offer clients guided concession to operate guided accommodation and exclusive & freedom hire trips on the this trips on the Whanganui private lodges situated on the remarkable waterway. River & can tailor guided Whanganui River Canoe Journey Our attention to detail & success or freedom Hire River trips and Mountains to Sea Cycle in achieving a professional to suit individual or school Trail. Blue Duck Station is an client-focused adventure group’s timeframes, ranging outdoor enthusiast’s playground. has resulted in Yeti Tours from 1 to 10 days. www.blueduckstation.co.nz becoming a leading operator www.yetitours.co.nz on the Whanganui River. You Blue Duck Station can be assured you are in safe Yeti tours 2006 Ltd. 4265 Oio Road, Whakahoro, RD 2 hands, as we have achieved 61 Clyde Street, Ohakune Owhango 3990 email: [email protected] email: [email protected] a ‘Qualmark Certification’ phone: 0800 322388 phone: 07 895 6276 which requires certain safety

www.adventuresmart.org.nz

PROTECT OUR WATERWAYS GREAT WALKERS DESERVE GREAT HOSTELS

Ideally situated close to the start YHA WHANGANUI and finish of the Whanganui Journey these three hostels are ideal to base yourself for pre and post journey www.biosecurity.govt.nz/cleaning prep and relaxation. YHA National Park - 30 mins from Taumarunui and 1 hr from Pipiriki in the south. YHA Ohakune - Closer to the DOC Visitor Centres southern end of the journey, Helping you plan your 45 mins from Pipiriki. YHA Whanganui - Follow the river path Great Walks experience to Whanganui. 1hr 40 mins from Pipiriki.

Find one near you: doc.govt.nz YHA.co.nz/great-walks or 0800 278 299

Whanganui River Canoe Safaris is the most experienced operator on the Canoes Whanganui River - running Guided tours and Canoe Hire since 1987. The best food and guides on the river, and accommodation available at our Ohakune base. www.canoesafaris.co.nz

Canoe SafariS 6 Tay St, Ohakune email: [email protected] phone: 0800 272335

The Experience begins... walk central New Zealand!

up to nonstop40 flights daily from around new zealand in and out of palmy Bridge to Nowhere Whanganui National Park book now at pnairport.co.nz

“Bridge to Nowhere” Wilderness Experience the Lodge and Campground Whanganui River with us! Uniquely situated on the Whanganui River Canoe Journey Jet Boat Tours & Canoe Hire & Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail Contact us: we have options to suit all needs, with added extras Bridge to Nowhere Lodge that you won’t find anywhere else. Comfortable Buffet meals Bookings Essential #1 on Trip Advisor accommodation Licensed Bar Free phone Backpacker and fully Hot Showers 0800 480 308 www.taumarunuicanoehire.co.nz catered options Fully equipped kitchen Taumarunui Canoe Hire & JeT BoaT Tours 292 Hikumutu Rd, Taumarunui email: [email protected] phone: 0800CANOE4U or 0800 2266348

Bridge to Nowhere Campground Canoe and kayak hire, Upgraded in Cookhouse guided trips, canoe & 2014 BBQs jetboat combo deal. New Cabins Running water Camping equipment hire, sleep 6 – 8 Shower Tent sites fantastic central location just 15 mins from National Park. Lodge accommodation available pre & post trip.

www.wadeslanding.co.nz www.bridgetonowhere.co.nz Wades Landing OutdOOrs 12 Omaki Rd, Owhango, 3990 Bridge to Nowhere email: [email protected] Whanganui River (opp Tieke kainga) phone: 07 8954854 or 027 6786461 [email protected] 0800 480 308