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).
Tramping tracks through wild lowland forests and river trips down the mighty Whanganui are popular activities. The area has a unique history and Maori culture is an important part of the park experience.
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.
This unique project, centred on the Whanganui National Park, is a partnership between Horizons Regional Council, DOC, landowners and iwi.
Find businesses that are DOC-approved to provide activities and services in Whanganui National Park.
NZ weather
DOC maps: Discover the outdoors - DOC's key places, campsites, tracks and huts, and visitor centres on a map
Check, Clean, Dry between waterways and stop the spread of didymo.
Follow the Outdoor Safety Code:1. Plan your trip2. Tell someone3. Be aware of the weather4. Know your limits5. Take sufficient supplies
Safety