Matemateaonga Walkway, Whanganui National Park
The Whanganui River winds its way from the mountains to the Tasman Sea through countless hills and valleys. Lowland forest surrounds the river in its middle and lower reaches - the heart of Whanganui National Park (established in 1986).
Find out more about the fauna and flora and the cultural perspectives of Whanganui National Park.
Tramping and river trips are popular activities in the Whanganui National Park. You can travel the Whanganui Journey, one of New Zealand's Great Walks that is mainly a river journey.
Find out about huts, campsites and other accommodation in and around Whanganui National Park.
If you are going to use the track system in the park, or travel down the river, make sure you are properly equipped and well prepared.
Paddle the Whanganui on a 145-km journey from Taumarunui to Pipiriki. A shorter canoe trip from Whakahoro to Pipiriki is also possible. Although a river journey, the Whanganui is part of the Great Walks network.
In this video you'll learn about Tieke kainga, one of the only marae in New Zealand to be located in a National Park, and a feature of the Whanganui Journey, one of New Zealand's Great Walks.
Flora and fauna of Whanganui National Park factsheet (PDF, 470K)
Cultural perspectives of Whanganui National Park factsheet (PDF, 325K)
General Policy for National Parks
NZ weather
National Parks visitor statistics
View the Journeys in National Parks documentary on NZ on Screen
Stop the spread of didymo
Check, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.
Safety information
Always contact the nearest visitor centre for the latest information about facilities and conditions.
