Always Be Naturing

Description

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Introduction

This guide describes the full 5-day trip from Taumarunui to Pīpīriki.

Taumarunui to Ohinepane Campsite

Distance: 22 km
Time: 3–5 hours 

Start at Ngāhuinga (Cherry Grove) Domain, off Cherry Grove Road in Taumarunui. Travelling the upper reaches of the Whanganui River, you’ll pass through a mixture of farmland and native bush, with plenty of rapids.

Ohinepane Campsite to Whakahoro

Distance: 35 km
Time: 6–8 hours

Ohinepane Campsite can be accessed from River Road SH43 as well as from the river. From here, you'll paddle deeper into a rich and rugged landscape. Farms become fewer, native forest dominates and the hills rise. On the way you will pass Poukaria Campsite (a great spot to stop for lunch) and Maharanui Campsite. Take a short trip up the Ōhura River to see the Ōhura Falls.

Whakahoro to John Coull Hut

Distance: 37.5 km
Time: 7–9 hours

Whakahoro is the last road access point before the end of the Whanganui Journey at Pipiriki. Many people start their trip here.

You'll paddle through towering gorges, the sides dripping with moss and ferns. After heavy rain, there are numerous waterfalls. Long stretches of the river are calm and still, with mirror-like reflections, and in other sections there are rapids.

Past Mangapapa Campsite, take a long loop around the Kirikiriroa Peninsula, pass the Tarepokiore (whirlpool) rapid and then the large overhang known as Tamatea's Cave. Do not enter the cave as it is wāhi tapu (a sacred place).

Ōtaihanga Reach leads you to your overnight stop at John Coull Hut and Campsite.

You may see long-tailed bats fluttering overhead at dusk.

John Coull Hut to Tīeke Kāinga

Distance: 29 km
Time: 7–9 hours

On this section, you'll continue your journey through deep gorges and past stunning native forest. The Tāngarākau and Whangamōmona rivers join the Whanganui on this stretch. Perched high above the river, Mangawaiiti is an attractive spot to camp or stop for lunch.

Continue your trip downstream past the Mangapurua Landing, where you can stop and walk to the iconic Bridge to Nowhere. The Bridge to Nowhere Walk (3km, 1 hour 30 mins return, shared use with cyclists) leads to an abandoned bridge, one of the few remainders of the Mangapurua Valley farm settlement.

Be careful at Mangapurua Landing – it is very slippery when the rock is wet and can be crowded with canoes and boats.

Afterwards, continue to Tīeke Kāinga, which is a functioning marae as well as a hut – read the Tīeke Kāinga information and tikanga (protocol). This is a unique cultural experience.

There is alternative hut accommodation at Puketotara Hut on the Matemateaonga Range, a 1 hour 30 min hike up a track opposite Tīeke Kāinga.

Tīeke Kāinga to Pipiriki

Distance: 21.5 km
Time: 4–6 hours

You'll pass the scenic gorge of the Manganui o te Ao River and several large rapids, including the Ngāporo and Autapu rapids.

Through the day, you'll see the landscape changing. You leave the deep gorges behind and native forest gives way to farmland. The Whanganui Journey ends at Pipiriki village.