One of the big things I was concerned with before setting out on Te Araroa last summer was how to plan the Whanganui River section of Te Araroa. Because a large part of this section of Te Araroa coincides with the Whanganui River Journey (also known as the Whanganui Rive Great Walk) it can often be difficult for thru hikers to organise their canoe and campsites during the busy summer season (which is usually when most TA hikers hit this section). This video covers my tips on how to plan for the Whanganui River section of Te Araroa as part of your Te Araroa trail preparation, including everything you need to know about canoe hire for the Whanganui River, where to stay on the Whanganui River, Whanganui River canoe hire companies and all the other Whanganui River logistics.

⬇ SKIP AHEAD
00:01:43 Canoe Hire
00:02:05 How far ahead should you book?
00:04:14 Which company should you use?
00:06:35 Location of canoe companies
00:07:24 Things to find out from the canoe companies beforehand
00:09:01 What you’ll get with your hire package
00:11:04 Choosing your route - the different options
00:12:23 My advice on what section of the river you should skip
00:13:44 Cost to canoe the Whanganui River (including campsite)
00:15:17 Stops and destinations on the River (including pace & DoC facilities review)
00:17:21 Tīeke Kāinga cultural awareness
00:20:19 Conditions and weather on the river (including tying your canoe up each evening 00:22:02)
00:23:17 Staying hydrated on the river
00:23:46 Jet boat encounters
00:24:41 Exiting the river at Whanganui

⬇ RESOURCES TO START WITH
○ DoC Whanganui Journey website: https://bit.ly/2OAoTlN
○ DoC Whanganui Journey Campsite & Hut Bookings: https://bit.ly/3eGjmET

⬇ CANOE HIRE COMPANIES
○ Taumarunui Canoe Hire (Taumarunui, on trail) - My preferred choice, Ron & Karen really look after Te Araroa thru hikers: taumarunuicanoehire.co.nz
○ Owhango Adventures (Owhango, on trail): www.canoewhanganuiriver.com
○ Whanganui River Canoes (Raetihi): www.whanganuirivercanoes.co.nz
○ Blazing Paddles (just outside Taumarunui, but a way off trail): www.blazingpaddles.co.nz
○ Yeti Tours (Ohakune): yetitours.co.nz
○ Canoe Safaris (Ohakune): www.canoesafaris.co.nz

⬇ PRICES
○ 3 DAY Whakahoro to Pipiriki: $180 p/adult (avg.)
○ 5 DAY Whakahoro to Whanganui: $220 p/adult (avg.)
○ DoC Whanganui River campsites: $15 pp (Great Walk season)
○ DoC Whanganui River Journey Huts: $32 pp (Great Walk season)
○ Ramanui private campsite: $5 (organise through Taumarunui Canoe Hire)
○ Flying Fox (south of Pipiriki - www.theflyingfox.co.nz): $15 pp (or other options available)

⬇ TIMES & DISTANCES BETWEEN MAJOR DESTINATIONS (based on 5.5km/hr pace)
○ Whakahoro to Mangapapa campsite — 11 km / 2 hrs
○ Mangapapa to Ohauora campsite — 16 km / 3 hrs
○ Ohauora to John Coull Hut — 10.5 km / 2 hrs
○ John Coull Hut to Mangawaiiti campsite — 9.5 km / 1.75 hrs
○ Mangawaiiti to Mangapurua campsite — 9 km / 1.5 hrs
○ Mangapurua to Tīeke Kāinga — 10.5 km / 2 hrs
○ Tieke to Ngaporo campsite — 12.5 km / 2.25 hrs
○ Ngaporo to Pipiriki — 9 km / 1.5 hrs
○ Pipiriki to Jerusalem — 10.5 km / 2 hrs
○ Jerusalem to Flying Fox — 15 km (approx.) / 3 hrs
○ Flying Fox to Downes Hut — 9.5km (approx.) / 1.75 hrs
○ Downes Hut to Hipango Park — 24 km / 4.5 hrs
○ Hipango Park* to Whanganui — 19 km / 3.5 hrs

*Tide will affect you from Hipango Park. Check tide times to time your departure from Hipango Park. Taumarunui Canoe Hire provide you all the information you need re: tide times and estimate your departure time for you.

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