Whanganui River Canoe Tours – Canoe Safaris & Lodge, Ohakune

Experience the best Whanganui River guided tours and canoe trips with Canoe Safaris & Lodge in Ohakune. Whether you’re planning a multi-day river journey or looking for flexible canoe hire on the Whanganui River, we offer fully supported adventures for all experience levels.

From short scenic trips to multi-day Whanganui River Journeys, every experience is designed to help you disconnect from everyday life and reconnect with nature.

Why Choose Canoe Safaris & Lodge

• 40+ years of experience guiding Whanganui River canoe adventures.
• Experienced NZOIA-trained guides with first aid, wilderness rescue and white-water rescue qualifications.
• Guaranteed guided canoe trips from 1 to 5 days, plus flexible self-guided canoe hire options.
• Quality canoes, modern safety equipment, spacious tents and comfortable camping gear.
• Gourmet camp meals included on guided Whanganui River journeys.
• Convenient transport to and from the river for a hassle-free experience.
• Newly renovated ensuite accommodation at Canoe Safaris Lodge in Ohakune.
• Thousands of happy customers and outstanding 5-star reviews.
• Strong commitment to sustainable tourism and Leave No Trace principles.

Whether you’re planning a 3-day canoe tour, a 4-day guided trip, or the complete 5-day Whanganui River Journey, Canoe Safaris & Lodge delivers a well-organised, fully supported experience for families, couples, solo travellers, groups and international visitors.

Guided Canoe Trips on the Whanganui River

Trip lengths: 1–5 days

Location: Ohakune & Whanganui River

Suitable for: Beginners to experienced paddlers

Options:

• Guided canoe tours
• Self-guided canoe hire
• Group adventures
• Lodge accommodation
• Transport included

Discover the magic of the Whanganui River Journey with a range of guided canoe trips suitable for all experience levels. Travel through remote landscapes, native forest and historic river routes that are largely inaccessible by road.

This is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks — experienced by water.

Choose from fully guided tours with experienced professionals or enjoy the freedom of self-guided canoe hire with full support and safety briefings provided.

Multi-Day Whanganui River Journeys

Take the time to truly experience the river with multi-day canoe adventures:

5 Day Guided Canoe Safari

Our most popular trip covering 90km–125km. Perfect for those wanting a true escape into nature.

4 Day Guided Canoe Safari

A great option for those short on time but still wanting a full river experience.

3 Day Guided Canoe Tours

Ideal for travellers wanting a balance of relaxation and adventure.

2 Day Canoe Trips

Perfect for weekends or first-time paddlers wanting to experience the river.

Each journey offers a unique perspective of the Whanganui River with opportunities to relax, explore and reconnect.

Rangitikei River Canoe Trips

Explore a different side of the region with Rangitikei River canoe trips, featuring deep gorges, gentle rapids and stunning scenery.

Options include 1-day to 4-day trips, making it ideal for:

• Families
• First-time paddlers
• Those wanting a shorter adventure

👉 Enquire now to plan your Whanganui River canoe adventure.

Whanganui River Canoe Hire

Prefer to explore at your own pace? Our Whanganui River canoe hire packages provide everything you need for a safe, enjoyable and well-supported river adventure.

Whether you’re planning a 2-day, 3-day or multi-day Whanganui River Journey, we supply quality canoes or kayaks, paddles, safety equipment, waterproof storage, detailed route maps and transport to and from the river. Every hire includes a comprehensive safety briefing, so you can begin your journey with confidence.

Our Whanganui River canoe hire is ideal for independent travellers, couples, families and groups who want the freedom to experience one of New Zealand’s Great Walks on their own schedule. Simply bring your food, camping gear and a sense of adventure—we’ll take care of the rest.

Accommodation at Canoe Safaris Lodge, Ohakune

Stay at Canoe Safaris Lodge in Ohakune, a comfortable base for your Whanganui River adventure.

Located near Turoa Ski Field on Mt Ruapehu, the lodge offers:

• Self-contained studio units
• Kitchen facilities
• Ensuite bathrooms
• Sky TV and heating
• Hot spa pool for relaxing after your trip

Perfect for couples, families and groups exploring the Ruapehu region.

Why Choose Canoe Safaris

• Experienced and professional guides
• Quality equipment and safety-first approach
• Flexible trip options from 1 to 5 days
• Lodge accommodation available onsite
• Ideal for families, groups and solo travellers

This is a truly unique way to experience one of New Zealand’s most special landscapes.

👉 Ready to experience the Whanganui River Journey?
Contact Canoe Safaris today to plan your guided tour, canoe trip or accommodation stay.

Group Canoe Trips & Large Group Tours

Planning a group adventure on the Whanganui River? Our group canoe trips and large group tours are ideal for families, school groups, corporate teams and friends travelling together.

Canoe Safaris hosts many group experiences each year and offers flexible pricing based on group size. Every trip can be tailored to suit your needs, including guided tours, catering options, and unique cultural experiences such as marae visits and traditional hāngī at private campsites.

Whether you’re organising a short getaway or a multi-day Whanganui River Journey, we’ll help you create a seamless and memorable group experience.

👉 Contact us to organise your customised group canoe tour.

Planning a Ruapehu holiday?

Stay at Canoe Safaris Lodge before your river trip and explore Ohakune, Tongariro National Park and the Ruapehu region. Read our Whanganui/Ruapehu Travel Guide.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Whanganui River Journey?

The Whanganui River Journey is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, completed by canoe or kayak through Whanganui National Park.

Do I need experience for a guided canoe trip?

No experience is required. Guided tours are suitable for beginners, with full instruction and support provided.

How long are Whanganui River canoe trips?

Trips range from 1-day experiences to 5-day guided journeys, depending on your time and fitness level.

Can I hire a canoe on the Whanganui River?

Yes, we offer Whanganui River canoe hire with all equipment, transport and safety briefings included, making it easy to plan a self-guided river journey.

Do you offer group canoe trips on the Whanganui River?

Yes, we specialise in group canoe tours for families, schools, corporate teams and large groups. Trips can be customised with guides, food, cultural experiences and tailored itineraries.

Where do trips depart from?

Most Whanganui River trips depart from Ohinepane or Whakahoro, with transport included.

Is accommodation available?

Yes, Canoe Safaris Lodge in Ohakune offers comfortable accommodation before or after your trip.