3 day(s)
English
Included
3-day, 2-night self-guided canoe journey on the Whanganui River
Free night camping at Owhango Base before departure
Shuttle service to start and from end of journey
Multiple scenic campsites along the river
Explore Mangapurua Landing and Bridge to Nowhere
€ 87.44
This activity is managed by our trusted partner FareHarbor.
Additional taxes and fees may apply — total shown at checkout.
Select your preferred date and time from the calendar above.
Free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling leads to total flexibility while you plan your travels
Lowest Price Guarantee — no other provider offers this tour for less
Embark on a 3-Day Freedom Hire Canoe Journey along the world-famous Whanganui River, where every paddle stroke immerses you in the stunning natural beauty of Whanganui National Park. Begin your adventure with a free night of camping at our Owhango Base, where you can relax and prepare for the scenic journey ahead. Glide through tranquil waters, explore lush forests, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance that makes this river a unique destination for both relaxation and adventure.
As you journey downstream, discover the cultural and historical significance of the Whanganui River. Visit Mangapurua Landing and take the 40-minute Bridge to Nowhere Walk to witness a remarkable reminder of the abandoned Mangapurua Valley farm settlement. With multiple campsites to choose from and a free return shuttle from Pipiriki, this self-guided adventure offers flexibility, scenic beauty, and a deeper connection to New Zealand’s natural and cultural heritage.
Free camping at Owhango Base with full amenities prior to departure
Canoe/Kayak and associated gear
Life Jackets
Barrels for safe storage
Small dry bag for safe storage of valuables
Free shuttle from Owhango Adventures Base to journey start
Free shuttle from journey end to Owhango Adventures Base
Safe and secure vehicle parking at our Base in Owhango while you are on your journey
Detailed safety brief
Detailed river maps
Guide
Camping Equipment
Epirb/GPS/Emergency Locator Beacon
Campsites on the river
Helmets
Gratuities
Tent
Cooking gear, gas cooker, and utensils
Food for the trip plus one extra day, and snacks
Toilet paper
Torch or headlamp with spare batteries
Layered canoeing clothes and camping clothes
Swimwear, towel, and warm clothing
EPIRB or GPS communicator
Canoeing shoes and separate camp shoes
Tracksuit or poly-pro pants
Sleeping bag and sleeping mat
Reusable water bottle
Spare plastic bags for clothing and garbage
Sunglasses, insect repellent, and SPF 50+ sunscreen
2–3 polypropylene or wool tops, lightweight spare top, and sun hat
Waterproof jacket or parka
Bring plenty of water
Average paddling time 2 hours per 10km
DOC campsites every 2 hours along the river
Barrels and river maps are ready in the lounge on arrival
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Type in your hotel/accommodation to see how far the attraction or departure point is.
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I love everything about Whanganui River Adventures. I took the jet boat from the Bridge to Nowhere while doing Tour Aotearoa bike route in March. From booking the boat, getting picked up at the landing and staying in their cabin, everything was smooth, and everyone was helpful. The boat ride was a highlight, it’s a beautiful part of the world. And they made it even better by making our food order halfway through the ride, so burgers were ready when we arrived. The cabin was clean and comfy, great facilities: bike wash, hot shower, coin laundry, kitchen stocked with pans/pots and utensils. Great business and amazing staff!
What a fantastic day out. Well organised but relaxed start to the trip. Good H & S briefing. Then followed one of the best jet boat rides we have ever had. A good walk up to the Bridge To Nowhere. Lunch stop there with Ken giving a good run down on why the bridge was built why the settlement of this area failed. Ken’s delivery all day was good with much of it first hand family experiences. Then back to the boat - short trip and it the start of our canoe leg. A great blast - all to soon back at Pipiriki. Can only recommend this tour and the slick operation run by Josephine & Ken.
What a brilliant group of people. The business has been family owned for generations and they were so lovely and helpful. The trip on the jet boat with our guide was fantastic and the water and surrounding landscape was beautiful. The walk to the bridge was great and the bridge had such an interesting history, which our guide knew so much about. This tour is an absolute gem and I cannot recommend it enough.
My husband and I cycled the Mountains to Sea route. The jet boat ride from Bridge to Nowhere down to Pipiriki was just magical. We loved the extra information provided by Thomas. It helped give more context to the landscape we had cycled through. Following this, we stayed a night on their campsite, and this was lovely. The whole team is super helpful and friendly. Facilities were great, yummy food and flat tent sites. All this set us up well for the fabulous ride down the river road to Whanganui. Thank you 😊 🙏
After our Tongaririo crossing was cancelled two days in a row due to the weather we were at a loss of what to do in this area of the North Island. Luckily for us we found this gem of a company and activity. Everyone was incredibly friendly and knowledgable- especially Thomas our guide for the day. A thrilling hour long jet boat tour up the river and a 40 minute walk through the park to the bridge to nowhere where you stop for lunch, the company provide hot drinks and biscuits, and time for photos. Thomas also provided a very interesting talk about the history of the bridge. Repeat the journey back to base. There is the option to canoe back the last 10km- which we wanted to do- but alas the weather/wind was still not on our side! If you are in the area I would highly recommend!
