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Find out more about the Ruapehu region »Whanganui River
The Whanganui River, the longest navigable river in New Zealand, has its origin high on Mount Tongariro, starting as an alpine stream gathering waters from Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Ruapehu. It descends through the central volcanic plateau towards Taumarunui (meeting the Ongarue River), and then continues for around 200km southwestwards, winding through the Whanganui National Park to meet the Tasman Sea.
The stretch of river between Taumarunui and Pipiriki is the only river journey that is part of the New Zealand Great Walks system. Known as the Whanganui Journey, the full trip takes around five days. In development on the banks of the Whanganui River are tracks that will form part of New Zealand's national cycleway project.
History of the Whanganui River
The banks of the river were occupied by the people of Te Atihaunui a Paparangi, the Whanganui iwi (tribe) who lived in villages (kainga) protected by fortified sites (pa). A close and deeply spiritual connection with the river has been maintained and today these villages are being revitalised.
The arrival of European settlers saw the development of riverboat trading and tourism also flourished. The river was important thoroughfare and trading route into central North Island. As roads into the area improved and with the completion of the Main Trunk Railway, riverboat trading declined.
Exploring the Whanganui River today
The rivers three main access points are Taumarunui, Whakahoro and Pipiriki where operators will provide pick up and drop off or vehicle storage services.
►Check out the fishing on the Whanganui River
►Take a canoe, kayak or raft down the Whanganui River
Whanganui River - Activities
We have listed 7 Whanganui River products. You can search by name, place or Quality ratings
Adrift Guided Outdoor Adventures
Experience the stunning Tongariro Alpine Crossing 1 day trek in both summer and winter. Adrift Outdoors experienced guides also offer a Ruapehu Crater Lake 1 day trek, Tongariro 3 day...
29 Findlay Street
Email: stewart@adriftnz.co.nz
Web: www.adriftnz.co.nz
Spirit of the River Jet
You will have a great time exploring this region with us.
We'll take you on a jet boat tour up the mighty Whanganui River, to the Bridge to Nowhere...
1018 Para Para Road
Email: info@spiritoftheriverjet.co.nz
Web: www.spiritoftheriverjet.co.nz
Bridge To Nowhere Lodge
The Lodge offers comfortable double/twin share accommodation. Rooms have magnificent bush and river views with French doors opening onto the balcony. Family and bunk rooms are also available.
Whanganui River
Email: info@bridgetonowhere.co.nz
Web: www.bridgetonowhere.co.nz
Taumarunui Jet Tours Ltd
An exhilerating jet boat ride with Taumarunui Jet Tours will give you an experience to remember. Jet boat through the most challenging of rapids on the Whanganui river, enjoy the...
Cherry Grove
Email: info@taumarunuijettours.co.nz
Web: www.taumarunuijettours.co.nz
Wades Landing Outdoors
Wades Landing Lodge, 120 bed lodge, licensed bar and restaurant, camping facilities and function specialists run in conjunction with Wades landing outdoors activities including Whanganui River 1-5 day canoe trips,...
Oio Road
"Whakahoro, R D 2"
Email: wades.landing@xtra.co.nz
Web: WWW.WHANGANUI.CO.NZ
Whanganui River Adventures
Whanganui River Adventures - owned and operated by locals Ken & Josephine Haworth, Ken has been Commercial Jetboating on the river since 1985 with his parents who started in the...
2513 Pipiriki-Raetihi Road
RD 6
Email: ken.pipiriki@xtra.co.nz
Web: www.whanganuiriveradventures.co.nz
Bridge to Nowhere Tour
Bridge to Nowhere Tour - 4 hours
Departing from Pipiriki our jet boat tours run daily travelling 30km into the wilderness region of the Whanganui National Park. Pass through fern-clad gorges,...
Pipiriki
R D 6 Whanganui River
Email: info@bridgetonowhere.co.nz
Web: www.bridgetonowhere.co.nz