Trip Information

Taumarunui Canoe Hire offer a variety of trips, both guided and unguided. Below you will find details of the trips by length of journey and a some details information about arrivals and departures, booking, river conditions and items available for hire. To learn more about what to bring with you click here.


Trips by length of journey

3 hour journey
For those with limited time, (and little experience or confidence) try paddling down the gentle Ongarue River. Here there are no graded rapids, only short stretches of fast flowing water, (hazards being trees!) alongside farmland with plenty of bird life.

A second 3 hour trip is available with or without a navigator. This 3-4 hour journey starts at Taumarunui and finishes at Ohinepane. It covers 22 km, shooting 49 rapids; mainly travelling through farmland with some bush area along the way.

1 day journey
There are two 1 day journeys, one starting from Okahukura and canoeing to Ohinepane. This is 42 kms and takes 6-7 Hours. Alternatively you can depart from Ohinepane and paddle to Whakahoro which is 35 kms. This also takes around 6-7 hours.

Two day journey
You can take a two-day leisurely paddle from Taumarunui to Whakahoro, making the most of the exciting rapids, wildlife and beautiful scenery of the upper reaches.

There are campsites on the Taumarunui to Whakahoro section all on the left hand side of the bank.

Three day journey
Leaving from Whakahoro, this three day trip moves through the river gorges with beautiful scenery and native wildlife all in the Whanganui National Park. You can choose whether or not you would like a navigator on this trip.

Along the way, there are campsites situated aside the riverbank from Taumarunui to Pipiriki – the final destination. Tieke Kainga has a Whare kai (dining hall), a near new bunk room with 20 bunks and there is plenty of room at the campsite to pitch your tent. We recommend you stay here on the last night as you can meet the Tangata Tuwhenua (local people), history and culture. This section of the river can be slow with a lot more paddling involved.

Four day journey
This trip starts at Ohinepane (which means you miss a lot of rapids). Travel through farmland and then enter the Whanganui National Park which you stay in until you get to Pipiriki. Enjoying waterfalls, Many bird species and the ‘Bridge to Nowhere.’

Along the way, there are campsites situated beside the riverbank from Taumarunui to Pipiriki – the final destination. Tieke Kainga has a Whare kai (dining hall), a near new bunk room with 20 bunks and there is plenty of room at the campsite to pitch your tent. We recommend you stay here on the last night as you can meet the Tangata Tuwhenua (local people), history and culture.

Five day journey
For those of you who have the time this journey has it all! This journey starts at Taumarunui and finishes at Pipiriki. It covers 145 km, with rapids, scenery, farmland, native bush, The Whanganui National Park, wild life -(native bats, kiwi, whio, kaka, and even glow worms and much more ….) It incorporates all of the above days, so all you need to do now is make your decision!

3 Day Maori Guided Waka Tour
We have qualified Navigators that will take you on a special trip of a lifetime experience! The tour starts at Whakahoro through the middle reaches of the Whanganui River and the destination is Pipiriki. You travel on 6 person waka, (with a guide in each), they teach you the history from a Maori perspective, you visit Marae sites (and stay a night), visit and learn many places of significance.

This journey includes all of the following:
Transport, Canoes and equipment, camping equipment, breakfast, lunch and dinner, DoC river passes, vehicle storage, and Photograph and more .....

Departs every 10th of the month October – April inclusive

General Information

Starting time
Normal starting time is 8.00 – 9.00 am, with pick up at 1.00 pm. These times are flexible so please talk to us about your needs.

What to bring
On your trip with Taumarunui Canoe Hire, you will need to bring a range of gear to make your journey comfortable and safe. Try and keep your supplies as compact as possible. Please click here for further details.

Vehicle parking and ferrying
Vehicles can be parked and stored safely at our farm base. From here, we can arrange to have your car ferried to your destination point. There is an additional charge for this service of

• Taumarunui to Ohinepane - $45.00
• Taumarunui to Whakahoro $60.00
• Taumarunui to Pipiriki - $70.00

For those of you that travel by public transport we have a free shuttle service from the train and bus terminal, Taumarunui Visitor centre, bed and breakfasts, and motels as far as south as Owhango Township.

Arrival and Departure
You will be required to complete a registration form before you are able to hire any gear from us. We also require full payment before departing on your adventure.
We accept cash, etfpos, visa and mastercard.

Normal starting time is 8.30 – 9.00 –11.00 am, with pick up at 1.00 pm. These times are flexible so please talk to us about your needs.

Rapids and white water
In normal flows, the Whanganui is a safe river to canoe.
There are only a few graded (1 and 2) rapids on the river, with the most exciting on the Taumarunui – Ohinepane section and just before Pipiriki. These are Towhenua, Omaka, Whakarae followed by Ngaporo and Autapu.

The river and rapids change depending on the level of water. We will tell you if we are concerned about the river rising or flooding and may postpone or cancel the trip, these accessments are made daily, for safety reasons. Remember you in the hands of Nature, always be prepared!


Extras Available for Hire

To learn more about what to bring with you click here.

Deposits and Refunds

Please note that a deposit for each canoe/kayak booking of $100 is required.

The deposit can be paid by cheque or credit card (Visa, Mastercard) through our secure credit card facility with New Zealand Tourism Online. Click here to use this facility. This will guarantee your booking.

After receiving the deposit, a confirmation receipt will be electronically mailed to you. Deposits will not be refunded for any short notice cancellations or if you do not arrive. If clients miss their trip due to late arrival then an alternative journey may be provided depending on availability.

Taumarunui Canoe Hire charge an administration fee for all cancellations. Taumarunui Canoe Hire reserves the right to cancel any trip, due to unsafe river levels In this case you will receive a refund. Once your trip has started, there are no refunds if you decide not to complete your intended journey.

To make a booking click here.
To learn more about what to bring with you click here.