Discover the History of the Whanganui River - Paddleboat the Rapids with Baldwin Advenuture Tours

100 years ago a small fleet of specially designed vessels just like the Adventurer II were the lifeline of the unique and picturesque Whanganui River.

The spectacular and often hair raising three day journey from Taumarunui to Wanganui was for thousands of tourists the highlight of their visit and there can be no equal to shooting a long twisting rapid in a lumbering flat bottom work horse of yesteryear.

Again now, the Adventurer II offers that experience in braving 239 rapids as the Rhine of New Zealand snakes to the sea.

The Big Picture - Canoe and jet boat trips are extremely popular but there can be no equal to the experience of shooting a long twisting rapid in a lumbering flat-bottomed workhorse of yesteryear while at the same time enjoying the comfort of a modern riverboat.

The Adventurer II offers this experience and is the only large passenger vessel to brave the 239 rapids as the Rhine of New Zealand snakes 144 miles to the sea - a sight not seen for about 100 years.

 What's on offer: -

• One day journeys through the most scenic 50 miles of the middle stretch just as it was done 100 years ago. Perfect for skiers on those days the mountain is closed or indeed anyone just wanting a fun day exploring the river
• Half day and all day journeys out of Wanganui and into the lower rapids
• Two day, three day and four day journeys through selected sections and up to the full length of the river. Both upriver and downriver.
• Overnight Marae stays and cultural experiences
• Charter service for those with a specific desire

Available from October 2010 after winter rains and manpower have restored these channels to a safe navigable passage.

• Three day downriver journeys from Taumarunui to Wanganui where you shoot the rapids and soak up the beauty of the quiet reaches.
• Three or four day upriver adventure journeys from Wanganui to Taumarunui where this riverboat poles and winches up rapids as 100 years ago.

TRIPS (all prices are quoted in NZ$ and are subject to change)

Upok Pub Dinner Cruise - 6pm till Late. Warm Weather Months Only. November to April
Cruise to the Avoca Hotel at Upokongaro (Upok Pub) and enjoy a BBQ dinner in the comfort of a great country pub. The open fire adds to the atmosphere. Thursday, Friday and Saturday through the warm weather months. Cost - $45 per person - meal included

Lunch at The Flying Fox - All Day Adventure. Warm Weather Months Only.  November to April.
We depart from Wanganui at 8:00am and travel upriver for 5 hours enjoying the scenery, hearing some history and stories and climbing rapids as these boats did 100 years ago. Coffee, tea and snacks will be served as we travel.

Cost including snacks and lunch: -

• Adult - $175
• Child 12 and under - $90
• Family Special - 2 Adults and up to 3 children - $500

Whakahoro - 1 Day Trip Through The Scenic Centre. Perfect for skiers on those days the mountain is closed.

Price:                            $160 per person
Duration:                       All Day
Timetable:                    The coach departs Raetihi at 7.30am > Ohakune at 7.45am > National Park at 8.15am and arrives at Whakahoro at 9.30am. The boat departs immediately and returns at 2.30pm. The coach will then return you to your pickup point. National Park at 4.00pm > Ohakune at 4.30pm and Raetihi at 4.45pm.

Wanganui to Whakahoro - 3 Day Upriver Adventure. All meals, transportation and accommodation are included.

• Cost - $725 per person
• Duration - 3 ½ Days
• Note - This trip consists of three full days on the river and the following morning transport back to Wanganui. Transportation from other pick up and drop off points is available by arrangement. Tour buses are welcome to meet us at Wanganui at 7.00am for our 8.00am sailing then pick you up from Whakahoro.

Whakahoro to Wanganui - 2 Day Downriver Adventure. All meals, accommodation and transportation are included.

• Cost - $480 per person
• Duration - 2 ½ Days
• Note - This trip consists of two full days on the river and to ensure a timely start we go to Whahahoro the night before. Transportation to Whakahoro departs from Wanganui in the afternoon at a time to suit your arrival in town. We also pick up at Raetihi and elsewhere by arrangement. Tour buses are welcome to meet us at Whakahoro at 7.00am for our 8.00am sailing then pick you up from Wanganui

Wanganui to Taumarunui - 4 Day

How many people have poled or winched up a rapid in a large boat?
Where else in the world can you experience this?

This trip appeals to the more adventurous type of person and the number of passengers is limited. Days onboard are about 8 hours long consisting of both uphill slog and quiet gentle sections and you just become involved as each obsticle is mastered one after the other – and yes, some rapids normally need to be winched or poled.

Baldwin Adventure Tours, Whanganui River Enquiry Form

Address:

520 No 3 Line
RD12
Wanganui

Phone: +64 6 342 4874

Freephone: 0800 422 539

Fax: +64 6 342 4876

Web: Visit website

Baldwin Adventure Tours, Whanganui River Enquiry Form