Whanganui River

Whanganui River trip - 14-20 April

UPDATE 10 Jan - this trip is now full, although we can put you on the standby list - there are always people who pull out for various reasons and there is a good chance that you will get on.

Join Pete on his annual 6 day trip down the Whanganui River.  This is a trip that everyone should do at least once - some of us enjoy it so much we do it every year!  We meet at Ohinepane on Saturday 14 April, where we set up camp and shuttle the cars back to Taumaranui where they stay for the duration.  Next morning, after Pete's briefing, we hit the water for 6 days of adventure.

This is a true wilderness experience. Please note that in 6 days we cover approximately 120 km and the daily distances vary between 10-30km, all downstream so not too difficult.  This is an easy Grade 2 river with about 150 rapids. These are not difficult and are well within the capabilities of confident beginners.   There is no communication with the outside world and we are totally self-reliant. The campsites consist of a small shelter with a water tank, long drop toilets, some flat(ish) places where you can pitch your tent.

Pete is head chef, but everyone else pitches in to help with cooking and/or cleaning up. 

Cost is $295. This includes food, camp fees, permits, transportation from the end back to the cars.  It does not include kayak hire, alcohol, snack food, or ice-creams on the way back to Taumaranui in the bus. 

There is a limit of 40 places which will fill fast but we will have a standby list in case of cancellations.  A $100 deposit is required to hold your place.  As there are up-front costs, if you cancel, this deposit is refundable only when someone takes your place.

For those who are coming on the river for the first time, we recommend that you do our Surf Management Course and come up to Orewa (where the surf is generally small and gentle) and practice in the surf as much as possible.  We will also be running a Sea Kayak to White Water Crossover Course to teach you the basic river skills. This will increase your confidence in moving water.

Phone the shop and talk to Russell or Larraine if you have any questions.

When you register we will send you some comprehensive information, gear list etc.

A week or two before the trip we will have a trip planning meeting where we will discuss logistics, car pooling, things we have learned, answer questions etc.

Photos from a previous trip are here...

Click here to register online