Whanganui River 2010

The Annual Yakity Yak

Whanganui Trip 10th to 16th April 2010

Welcome to the annual Whanganui Trip, please read this information carefully and let me know if you have any questions.

This is a wilderness trip with no road access and weather conditions that will be hot to cold, wet to dry and windy to calm so pack accordingly.

I pick this time of year as the weather is often more settled and the numbers on the river are few, allowing us an uncrowded camping holiday. There are cabins at some of the camping areas but it is unlikely that we will stop at them so good tents are essential.

We will work on your River paddling skills on Sunday morning before leaving. The distances are not long for each day and consequently will not be too tiring.

The day will end with a debriefing and planning for the next day where everyone will be able to voice their ideas and a consensus as to the progression of the next day’s paddle will be agreed.

All food will be cooked by the “cook’s helpers”, that’s you folks, with direction by the “master chief”, that’s me and the “master chief’s” position is up for grabs at any time by any one who wants to have a go. We will set duty teams at the start to facilitate the cooking and clean ups.

You will need to carry approximately two 15 litre dry bag filled with food in your kayak so please leave space. We will need some people to go in Open two man Canoes, as this is the way we transport the bulk food and cooking equipment, if you are keen please give Peter a call.

Meeting place.

Meet at Ohinepane DOC Campsite 22 km down stream from Taumarunui. This is a great campsite and we will all meet here no latter than 1pm on Saturday the 10th of April

Directions to Ohinepane Camp site

From the North

Driving to Taumarunui from Te Kuiti, as you reach Taumarunui, do not turn left over the bridge into the town, instead go straight ahead on Route 43 to Stratford.
From the South

If you are arriving into Taumaranui from the south, go through the town over the bridge and turn left on Route 43 to Stratford.


Now continue on Route 43 beside the river for 20 kilometres or so and just after a right hand hairpin turn you will see the signpost to Ohinepane on the left. CAUTION; THE TURN INTO THE DRIVE IS TIGHT WITH A LARGE DROP IF YOU GET IT WRONG.

We will sort all our equipment out here on the 10th and then drivers will drive to Taumaranui where we have secure storage for cars at the Taumaranui Holiday Park , we will then get a taxi back to Ohinepane and stay the night. Dinner is supplied on Saturday Night. We will launch on the river early on Sunday morning after breakfast.

At the end of the trip we will be picked up by taxis with trailers and returned to our cars at the Taumaranui Holiday Park on Friday at 4pm to 6pm (ish). (please book with them if you wish to stay the night on the16th phone 07 895 9345),



The Cost

The Cost for this trip is $250 (including shuttles, parking, camp fees and food) per person.

Please pay at your local Canoe & Kayak Centre


Payment of a deposit is required on booking to secure your spot. Final payments due before the end of March.

Please note

No one will be allowed on the trip if they do not have

A/ Personal first aid kit with personal medication as required (please advise Peter if help is required with any medication in an emergency)

B/ 20 metres of rope (preferably a throw rope), this is our minimum rescue equipment

C/ Adequate warm clothing and camping equipment.



Questions silly or not will be warmly received by Peter on 0274 529255 Please leave a message on this number if not answered. I am often unable to answer it for extended periods due to excessive work, family and sport commitments. I will call you back.


As this is a Club trip we will need keen club leaders to lead on the river please call Peter if you would like to help.


Looking forward to a fun trip with lots of relaxing, great company and nights under the stars.

Warm fires (if allowed) full bellies and lots of laughter, the spice of life.

Cheers Peter T