About The Tour:
There are two different starting points depending on river levels – Ohinepane or Whakahoro. Difficulty rating is bumpy and fun (90km or 125km). This is Canoe Safaris' most popular trip – if you want a real holiday away from the TV and phone then this is it – an ideal family trip to take with the kids. Canoe Safaris guests often stay at their base in Ohakune the night before the trip to check river gear and allow you to meet the guides. There are six motel units at the base and plenty of safe off-street parking, so once you arrive it's very quick and easy to get packed for the trip.
Sample Itinerary (subject to change):
Day One. Depart Ohakune between 7.30 and 8.00am for the river. At Ohinepane canoes and barrels are unloaded and you'll be shown how to pack your canoe. The first day includes lunch at Poukaria Campsite. You'll also paddle past the old riverboat landing at Kirikau and take a short walk at MaraeKowhai. View the Ohura falls, and the War and Peace Poles that were erected by the Hau Hau warriors. It's then a short paddle to the first nights camp at Maharanui.
Day Two. The gorge starts to narrow and you leave the last road access point behind at Whakahoro – the second and final mooring point for the Houseboat. You pass Laceys and Wades landings and several old maori Kaianga. Later in the morning you pass Mangapapa campsite, Man of War Bluff, Kirikiriroa where the river does a huge horseshoe turn, the Verandah, the Whirlpool and on down to Tamatea's Cave and a possible lunch stop at Ohauora campsite. There is plenty of time for stops and safe places to get out and swim. Camp at John Coull Hut and campsite.
Day Three. Breakfast and on the river at 9am. A morning paddle past the Tangarakau and Whangamomona rivers, Mangawaiiti campsite, and Otumangu landing—one of the post WW1 farming settlements. Shortly afterwards you see the first pine trees since Whakahoro (planted by the early settlers), and stop at the Mangapurua for lunch and a walk to the Bridge to Nowhere (45 min each way). Dinner and hot showers at BTN cabins - lodge if spaces are available. (Note–book early to ensure a bed at the lodge).
Day Four. After a leisurely breakfast there is a walk to the Matemateonga track and up to the Puketotara hut. View across to Mt Ruapehu. After returning to the lodge you are back on the river for a short paddle until lunch. You pass Kahura landing and one of the locations for the filming of "River Queen". It is an hours paddle through the steep gorge until the river cascades through Ngaporo rapid and down to Ngaporo – your final campsite. There is a big eddy to swim in, or a short paddle across the river to a waterfall for a cold shower. Dinner overlooking the river.
Day Five. After breakfast you paddle past the Mangaio stream and Mangaio rock where several of the early eyebolts can still be seen that were winching points for the riverboats. Next it's the Pururoto caves and then Autapu rapid. From Autapu there are several small rapids before the Paparoa rapids swings the canoes past the old eel traps and down to the landing at Pipiriki. It's a fantastic trip for all ages—perfect for families and the kids will always have something to do.
What to Bring:
Canoe Safaris organize all of the food and wine, tents, sleeping mats and cooking gear – you just bring a sleeping bag and personal gear.
- Clothing
Consider your clothing in two parts – firstly, what you will wear canoeing and secondly, what you will need in camp. Also work on the assumption that your canoeing clothes will get wet so you must have a dry change for campwear.
Canoeing Clothes: Swimwear. Sandshoes, sandals or wetsuit booties. Shorts. Sunhat. Woolen or polypropylene top. Waterproof lightweight jacket or parka. Windproof leggings (optional). Woolen socks. Tracksuit or polypro pants (not jeans). Light gloves (for warmth or blisters)
Camping Clothes: Comfortable shoes. Complete change of warm clothes. Spare lightweight top. Warm socks. Towels (two small). Warm hat (depending on time of year)
- Footwear
Everyone is advised to wear something on his or her feet at all times. There will be occasions when you will need to step out of your canoe into river shallows. In these slippery conditions sandshoes or sandals are better than jandals.
- Miscellaneous Items: Sleeping bag. Extra snacks. Sunglasses (with strap). Torch. Insect repellent. Suncreen. Camera. Plastic bags/rubbish bags. Umbrella (optional). Water bottle. Book or other reading material. Spare rope. Personal medication (if required). Other personal items.
Conditions
Bookings essential. Subject to availability. Not valid public holidays. Must be used in 1 visit. One coupon is valid for one person. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Minimum of three people for a trip to go ahead. Value of deal is based on current rates, which are subject to change. Refund available from GrabOne within 48 hours of purchase if specific dates are not available. No cashback. Not to be used with other offers.
See the rules that apply to all deals.
