Whanganui River Cultural Discovery Tours

Awa Tours operate guided canoe trips on New Zealands spectacular Whanganui River providing a Maori Cultural and Environmental experience.

Based in Ohakune, central to the North Island districts of Ruapehu and Whanganui your journey takes 3 days traveling in our six-seater Canadian style canoes, along the most scenic middle reaches located within the Whanganui National Park and includes overnight stays on Marae (traditional Maori settlements) situated on the banks of the River.

Your Maori guides and hosts are all descendants of the area. They retain the knowledge and history of the river and as they share their stories, songs and customs, will enthrall you with their intense understanding, love and respect for the river and it’s surrounding environment.

The Journey

A 3-day wilderness adventure along an 87km stretch of the awa (river), which carves its way through a gorge deep within the Whanganui National Park.

Paddling in canoes, you'll witness the overwhelming beauty of the ngahere (bush). A spectacular display of fauna, flora and other endangered, rare native plant species.

While you are drawn to the tranquillity of the environment as you drift down the more placid sections of the river, there are also many rapids and snags to be encountered which are challenging and a lot of fun to navigate and play in.

Along the way are scheduled stops to embark on bush trail walks to see historic sites and natural landscapes.

The conclusion to each days travel is your arrival at a kainga (cultural village) where you'll be traditionally welcomed and hosted overnight.

It is a time to nourish both body and mind as you enjoy a meal of substance followed by an evening of conversation and relaxation.

Your hosts will enthral you with their intense understanding, love and respect for the river and its surrounding environment.

Costs (prices quoted in NZ$, subject to change)

The total cost of the hikoi (journey) is based on the standard 3 day tour and includes the following:

• Canoe hire
• Life jackets, paddles and watertight plastic containers
• Provide all meals both on the river and at each marae
• Provide experienced guides
• Support crew
• Transport from Raetihi/Ohakune to Whakahoro / Pipiriki to Raetihi

Adult: $770.00pp
Student (12-16 yrs): $620.00pp

1 Day Guided Tour from Pipiriki to Jerusalem

Adult: $230.00pp
Student: $190.00pp

Total Cost of 1 day Guided Tour includes:

Transport, all equipment, lunch and refreshments, experienced guide and support crew.

(Bookings are essential and minimum numbers may apply)

Rates do not include koha.
(This is a gift of your choice, from you or your group, to your hosts, the Maori people of the Marae, during a traditional welcoming ceremony.)

Also available upon request are:

•  4 day guided canoe tour option
• Marae Cross Cultural Exchange/live-in work programme
• Designed package tours for schools

Address:

17a Railway Row
Ohakune

Phone: +64 6 385 8012

Mobile: +64 27 698 5135

Fax:

Web: Visit website