Whanganui Journey

The 145 km river journey from Taumarunui to Pipiriki takes an average 5 days to complete by canoe. A shorter 3 day journey from Whakahoro to Pipiriki is also possible. Each trip requires a good level of fitness and confidence in using a canoe. For a 5 day / 4 night trip: Day 1 and 2 – Taumarunui to Whakahoro Day 3 – Whakahoro to John Coull Hut Day 4 – John Coull Hut to Tīeke Kāinga Day 5 – Tīeke Kāinga to Pīpīriki

Take these important steps before you start the Whanganui Journey. Understand how to use your canoe. Make sure you know how to pack it, how to navigate rapids and what to do if you fall out. Carry a distress beacon. Once on the Whanganui Awa (river), there is no cell phone reception and your mobile will not work. There is only emergency communication available at John Coull Hut and Tīeke Marae/Kāinga . You should also: check the weather before you go. Do not canoe if the river is flooding, rising, or predicted to flood. pack plenty of warm clothes and extra food. It can be very cold and you need to be ready to stay an extra night if the river rises. wear bright clothing, so you’re more visible to boats pack what you need to boil or treat water –the water at huts and campsites may not be treated and safe to drink avoid alcohol use or smoking, for your safety and out of respect for the river pack antihistamines if you’re allergic to wasps – they’re especially common from January to May. When you're on the river Stay safe by always wearing a life jacket . Stay on the true right whenever possible. The true right is the right hand side when facing downstream. Be aware of jet boats and know what to do . This is essential for a safe trip. When a jet boat approaches: Move to the right hand side of the river, unless you’re already close to the other side. If you’re close to the left, stick to the left – don’t paddle across the path of the approaching boat Stop or back-paddle, so the jet boat can get away from you as quickly as possible Turn at right angle to the wake – this reduces how bumpy it will feel Crafts travelling up river must give way to crafts travelling down the river. However, jet boats in rapids cannot slow down or stop. Keep an eye on the weather and the river. If the river starts rising or is in flood, stay at your campground or hut until the river levels drop. You won’t be charged for staying an extra night due to high river levels. Rivers can rise overnight even if it’s not raining where you are, so tie your canoe up securely. Leave enough time to reach your next hut or campsite in daylight. It is hard to find them in the dark. Allow extra time if it’s windy as canoeing into the wind can be slow and tiring. Respect nature and culture Many sites are of high cultural significance – please respect them. Avoid alcohol use while on the Awa or at Tīeke Marae/Kāinga. Protect nature while on the Whanganui Journey by: camping only at designated camp sites taking all your rubbish away with you following all fire restrictions and not lighting any open fires. using the toilets provided keeping soap and detergents out of the water leaving dogs or any other animals at home not hunting within the river trench leaving native plants and animals alone – enjoy them from afar.

Taumarunui to Whakahoro Distance: 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 or stay in a campsite or bunkhouse at Whakahoro. Whakahoro to John Coull Hut Distance: 37.5 km Many begin their river journey here. 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 and Campsite and John Coull Campsite. John Coull Hut to Tīeke Kāinga Distance: 29 km On this section, follow the river passing the mouths of the Tāngārākau and Whangamōmona rivers where they join the Whanganui. Perched high above the river, Manga-wai-iti is an attractive spot to camp or stop for lunch. Continue your trip downstream to Tīeke Kāinga where you can examine the intricately carved pou whenua and learn about the history of Tīeke and the tikanga (protocol) of the marae. Tīeke Kāinga to Pīpīriki Distance: 21.5 km You’ll pass through the scenic gorge of the Manganui o te Ao River where it enters the Whanganui after its journey from the slopes of Mount Ruapehu. Ngāporo and Autapu rapids can provide plenty of excitement and perhaps a cool dip on a hot day. More exotic trees and farmland indicate you are getting close to Pīpīriki. Pass an eel weir on your left, shoot the Paparoa rapid and you will see the boat ramp below Pīpīriki village up ahead.

Distances between campsites and huts Cherry Grove, Taumarunui to Ohinepane campsite — 22 km Ohinepane to Poukaria campsite — 14 km Poukaria to Maharanui campsite — 17 km Maharanui to Whakahoro campsite and Whakahoro Bunkroom— 4 km Whakahoro to Mangapapa campsite — 11 km Mangapapa to Ohauora campsite — 16 km Ohauora to John Coull Hut and Campsite — 10.5 km John Coull Hut to Mangawaiiti campsite — 9.5 km Mangawaiiti to Mangapurua campsite — 9 km Mangapurua to Tīeke Kāinga and Campsite — 10.5 km Tieke to Ngaporo campsite — 12.5 km Ngaporo to Pipiriki — 9 km

Traditional entry or exit points for the Whanganui Journey are off SH4 at: Taumarunui Ōhinepane - access from Taumarunui Whakahoro - access from Raurimu or Ōwhango Pīpīriki access from Raetihi or Whanganui Equipment hire, services, food and transport can be found in Taumarunui, Whanganui, Raetihi, Ōhakune and National Park Village.

We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . We recommend trying these online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel

No dogs.