self guided river trips

Camping Canoe Trips

Planning on a Canoe Camping Trip?

On the Whanganui River there are based a number of camping locations ideal for your 5 day trip down the river.

Spaced along the way are Department of Conservation (DOC) Huts and Camping Sites which can be booked directly with DOC.

The Huts and Campsites are well spaced on your journey and below is a table from the DOC website showing the links to the Huts and Campsites themselves and the distances between each.

Below is the link to the DOC website where you can book the Huts or Camping Sites.

http://www.doc.govt.nz/whanganuijourney

Contact Us at Owhango Adventures for more information about accommodation and transport options for your camping canoe trip.

Please note there is no Cell Phone reception on the Whanganui River Journey.

John Coull Hut
2-Day Journey

Ohinepane → Whakahoro

A great short option for paddlers wanting a quick river escape while still experiencing the beauty and remoteness of the Upper Awa.

Free Camping the Night Prior

Night 1: Maharanui or Whakahoro

  • 2 Days & 1 Night

  • From NZD $190 pp

3-Day Journey

Whakahoro → Pipiriki

This is one of the most popular trip lengths — enough time to enjoy the river without rushing, with excellent campsite and lodge options.

Free Camping the Night Prior

Night 1: John Coull or Mangawaiiti
Night 2: Tīeke Kāinga or Bridge to Nowhere Lodge

  • 3 Days

  • From NZD $200 pp

4-Day Journey

Whakahoro → Pipiriki

Perfect if you want a relaxed pace, more time for swimming, exploring, and taking in the scenery.

Free Camping the Night Prior

Night 1: Ohauora
Night 2: Mangawaiiti
Night 3: Tīeke Kāinga or Bridge to Nowhere Lodge

  • 4 Day

  • From NZD $220 pp

4-Day Journey

Ohinepane → Pipiriki

A longer start from Ohinepane for those wanting more time on the water and a full river experience.

Free Accommodation the Night Prior

Night 1: Whakahoro or Mangapapa
Night 2: John Coull or Mangawaiiti
Night 3: Tīeke Kāinga or Bridge to Nowhere Lodge

  • 4 Days

  • From NZD $230 pp

5-Day Journey

Ohinepane → Pipiriki

Ideal for paddlers who want a slower, more immersive trip with plenty of time to enjoy camp life along the way.

Free Accommodation the Night Prior

Night 1: Maharanui
Night 2: Ohauora
Night 3: Mangapurua
Night 4: Ngaporo

  • 5 Days

  • From NZD $240 pp

Full Journey

Taumarunui → Pipiriki

A true expedition-style journey, covering the full section and giving you the complete Whanganui River experience.

Free Accommodation the Night Prior

Night 1: Ohinepane
Night 2: Whakahoro
Night 3: John Coull
Night 4: Tīeke Kāinga or Bridge to Nowhere Lodge

  • 5 days + 4 nights

  • From NZD $240 pp

feel the excitement

Why Choose Us

Qualified Team

Our Qualified Cultural Navigators love to share their homelands and stories as you traverse the Whanganui River.

Born and Bred

Born and bred on the banks of the Whanganui River, we have a cultural experience waiting to share with you in our own backyard.

Best Location

Ideally located in the central Ruapehu Region, surrounded by scenic bush and the Whanganui and Whakapapa Rivers on our doorstep.

Fully Licensed

One of a small few who are authorised by DOC (Department of Conservation) as a licensed operator on the Whanganui River.