Whanganui River Canoes
Canoe the Whanganui River

Te Araroa Trail

The Te Araroa Trail has just taken off over the last few years. We have seen a huge increase in trail walkers – but most have found it hard to get good quality information about this section of the trail. Please note, for safety reasons, we are only allowed to put solo paddlers on the River if we have other paddlers doing the same section at the same time.

This is often hard for trail walkers as you often like to paddle all the way to Wanganui. If you are having trouble finding a paddling companion please go to our Facebook page where we will actively promote dates that trail walkers are looking for paddling companions. We have also purchased bikes, so if we cannot safely put you on the river further downstream then Pipiriki, then you can hire a bike from us. Details below.

Te Araroa Trail Options

T.A. canoe One Cherry Grove to Wanganui $265 per person 7/8 days

We will meet you in Taumarunui at a pre-arranged time/place, and offer a paddle briefing and equipment hire for your canoe journey. You will start from Cherry Grove, and paddle for 5 days to Pipiriki. If you need us to drop any of your supplies to Pipiriki let us know when booking (we will have picked them up from you in Taumarunui). From Pipiriki it will take another 2/3 days to continue to Wanganui. You will need to book accommodation for this section before you start the trip, there is not too much DOC accommodation, so you will need to look through our suggestions below. We will pick our canoe and equipment up from the Top Ten Holiday Park in Aramoho, but will most likely not see you there, so please leave everything tied up away from the river, but where we can easily find it.

T.A. Canoe Two Whakahoro to Wanganui $245 per person 5/6 days

We will meet you in Whakahoro, (or can pick you up from National Park) at a pre-arranged time/place, and offer a paddle briefing and equipment hire for your canoe journey. You will start from Whakahoro, and paddle for 3 days to Pipiriki. If you need us to drop any of your supplies to Pipiriki let us know when booking (we will have picked them up from you when we meet you). From Pipiriki it will take another 2/3 days to continue to Wanganui. You will need to book accommodation for this section before you start the trip, there is not too much DOC accommodation, so you will need to look through our suggestions below. We will pick our canoe and equipment up from the Top Ten Holiday Park in Aramoho, but will most likely not see you there, so please leave everything tied up away from the river, but where we can easily find it.

T.A. Canoe/Cycle
Usual cost of canoe hire plus $60 per bike per day

Sometimes Te Araroa Walkers find that sitting in a canoe for 3-5 days is enough, and they would prefer another way to get to Wanganui. Or, sometimes they cannot find a paddling partner to continue the paddle to Wanganui. If this is the case we can bring down a bike, and helmet to Pipiriki, so you can bike the Whanganui River Road to Wanganui. The Whanganui River Road is part of the New Zealand Cycle Trail, and is a pretty impressive section of the Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail, so it is an awesome opportunity for you to travel in style through our region.

Accommodation Recommendations

On river between Cherry Grove, Whakahoro, Pipiriki

– While on the river above Pipiriki we recommend booking at the usual DOC campsite mentioned elsewhere on our website. There are also other accommodation options such as Blue Duck Lodge at Whakahoro, or part way through your journey, you will find the privately owned Bridge to Nowhere Lodge and campground.

Whanganui River Road (from Pipiriki to Wanganui)

– Campground in Pipiriki, Jerusalem Convent, Downes Hut (DOC Owned), Flying Fox Lodge and campground, Otamaire free camping area

Wanganui

– Top ten Holiday Park Aramoho, excellent place to stay if paddling to Wanganui, as that is where you will leave your canoe.
Anndion Lodge if you are cycling – Anndion is in a handy position just as you head into Wanganui.
Tamara Backpackers – Also a good spot to stay if you are cycling or paddling – on the side of the Whanganui River closest to the township, but not too far to walk from the TOP Ten if you get there in the morning.

All accommodation bookings will need to be made in advance, due to the popularity of this section of the trail.

Please be sure to read our Terms and Conditions before making a booking.