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Whanganui River

The Whanganui River offers a multi-day canoe journey through gorges, rapids and remote campsites. The route calls for self-reliance and sustained effort, as well as respect for Te Awa Tupua’s cultural and legal significance.

Loaded canoes travel through a forested gorge on the Whanganui River.
Photo by ShakyIsles Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0
The place

What makes it special

  • Canoe from Taumarunui to Pipiriki, or take the shorter section from Whakahoro.
  • Travel through gorges and rapids along the river.
  • Walk to the historic Bridge to Nowhere from Mangapurua Landing.
Bridge to Nowhere rises above forest in the Mangapurua Valley.
Photo by ShakyIsles Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0
Dry bags, a life jacket and a paddle prepared beside a canoe.
Photo by ShakyIsles Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0
Travel atlas

Articles in Whanganui River

Guides to this place

1 article

Whanganui River

journal.travel Editorial

Guides to this place

1 related guides

Loaded canoes travel through a forested gorge on the Whanganui River.

Whanganui Journey by canoe on a river that demands self-reliance

Paddling down the Whanganui River rewards preparation: choose your section, assess the crew’s real experience and travel mindfully on an *awa* with deep living significance.

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Information in context

Sources and references

This profile summarises our destination guides. Their research sources and the geographical reference are listed below.

Profile updated: 28/09/2026