Department of Conservation | Te Papa Atawhai
https://www.doc.govt.nz/
https://www.doc.govt.nz/
Located in the Manawatu/Whanganui region
Introduction
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.Tramping tracks through wild lowland forests and river trips down the mighty Whanganui are popular activities. The area has a unique history and Māori culture is an important part of the park experience.
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Whanganui National Park
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Walking and tramping
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6 results for walking and tramping tracks
Atene Skyline Track
Duration:6 - 8 hr one way
Difficulty:Advanced
Atene Viewpoint Walk
Duration:1 - 2 hr
Difficulty:Easy
Bridge to Nowhere Walk
Duration:1 hr 30 min return
Difficulty:Easy
1 alert
Camping
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17 results for camping/campsites
Atene Skyline Campsite
Category:Backcountry
Access:Foot
Bettjemann Campsite
Category:Backcountry
Access:Foot, Mountain bike
Hellawell's Campsite
Category:Backcountry
Access:Foot, Mountain bike
Stay in a hut
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8 results for huts
John Coull Hut
Category:Great Walk
1 alert
Fishing
Brown and rainbow trout are found in the Whanganui River and its tributaries.
Hunting
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5 results for hunting blocks
Mangapurua hunting
Species:Deer - Fallow, Deer - Red, Goats, Pigs
1 alert
Kayaking and canoeing
The Whanganui is New Zealand's longest navigable river, canoeable for over 200 kilometres. There are huts and campsites along the river. Tieke Hut is run as a Marae (meeting house) by local Māori and traditional customs are observed.
Mountain biking
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1 results for mountain biking tracks
Mangapurua/Kaiwhakauka Track
Duration:1 day
Difficulty:Advanced
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Transport
Dempsey Buses
Transport services for Tongariro and Whanganui National Parks from a base in Raetihi.
Services: Transport
Whanganui River Adventures
Guided jet boating, canoeing and transport for the Whanganui River and Bridge to Nowhere.
Activities: Kayaking and canoeing; Mountain biking
Services: Transport; Equipment rental; Guided activities and tours
Bridge to Nowhere
Day hiking and jet boat tours in Whanganui National Park.
Phone: +64 6 385 4622
Activities: Boating; Camping; Walking and tramping
Services: Transport; Guided activities and tours
Tarata Helicopters
Helicopter landings in the Whanganui National Park and Hutiwai Conservation Area.
Services: Transport
Hill Country Helicopters
Helicopter transport, charters and tours in Kaimanawa, Kaweka and Ruahine Forest Park and Whanganui National Park.
Services: Transport
Canoe Safaris
Guided canoeing/kayaking and rafting on the Whanganui River, Whanganui National Park and Mangapurua Valley Scenic Reserve, the Rangitikei River and on the Mohaka River, Kaweka Forest Park.
Activities: Kayaking and canoeing; Rafting
Services: Transport; Equipment rental; Accommodation; Guided activities and tours
Bridge to Nowhere Lodge
Biking and cycling tours , Whanganui National Park and Mangapurua and Kaiwhakauka Tracks.
Activities: Mountain biking
Services: Transport; Equipment rental; Accommodation; Guided activities and tours
Precision Helicopters Limited
Commercial helicopter landings for tourists or hunters in the Waikato King Country, Taranaki and Whanganui and tahr hunters on the West Coast.
Activities: Hunting
Services: Transport
Equipment rental
Activities: Mountain biking
Services: Transport; Equipment rental; Accommodation; Guided activities and tours
Yeti Tours
Guided canoeing and kayaking on the Whanganui River.
Activities: Kayaking and canoeing
Services: Equipment rental; Guided activities and tours
Activities: Kayaking and canoeing; Mountain biking
Services: Transport; Equipment rental; Guided activities and tours
Whanganui Scenic Experience Jet
Guided jet boating and canoeing on the Whanganui River and to the Bridge to Nowhere.
Activities: Kayaking and canoeing
Services: Equipment rental; Guided activities and tours
Activities: Kayaking and canoeing; Rafting
Services: Transport; Equipment rental; Accommodation; Guided activities and tours
Accommodation
Activities: Kayaking and canoeing; Rafting
Services: Transport; Equipment rental; Accommodation; Guided activities and tours
Activities: Mountain biking
Services: Transport; Equipment rental; Accommodation; Guided activities and tours
Guided activities and tours
Activities: Mountain biking
Services: Transport; Equipment rental; Accommodation; Guided activities and tours
Forgotten World Jet Boat Tours L
Guided walking as part of a Whanganui Journey jet boat operation.
Activities: Boating
Services: Guided activities and tours
Activities: Kayaking and canoeing; Rafting
Services: Transport; Equipment rental; Accommodation; Guided activities and tours
Activities: Boating; Camping; Walking and tramping
Services: Transport; Guided activities and tours
Activities: Kayaking and canoeing
Services: Equipment rental; Guided activities and tours
Whanganui Scenic Experience Jet
Guided jet boating and canoeing on the Whanganui River and to the Bridge to Nowhere.
Activities: Kayaking and canoeing
Services: Equipment rental; Guided activities and tours
Activities: Kayaking and canoeing; Mountain biking
Services: Transport; Equipment rental; Guided activities and tours
Owhango Adventures
Guided tours on the Whanganui River as well as a range of canoe and kayak hire options.
Activities: Kayaking and canoeing
Services: Guided activities and tours
Blazing Paddles Limited
Guided Tour on Whanganui River, Whanganui National park with a Jet Boat and canoes all year round with max number of 10 people per trip, 5 trips a week
Activities: Camping
Services: Guided activities and tours
Unique Whanganui River Experience
Guided canoe trips on the Whanganui River.
Activities: Kayaking and canoeing
Services: Guided activities and tours
Haka Tours Limited
Guided mountain bike tours at various North and South Island locations more specifically Turangi, Tongariro, Whanganui, North Canterbury, Mahaanui, Twizel, Central Otago, Wakatipu.
Activities: Mountain biking; Walking and tramping
Services: Guided activities and tours
The park is located in the central North Island with the township of Taumarunui to the north and Wanganui to the south. The small towns of Pipiriki, Ohinepane, and Whakahoro are main gateways to the river itself.
Roads lead into the park from all directions. Some give access to main track systems, others directly to the river. There are regular bus services to Taumarunui and Wanganui. A number of companies run on demand shuttles to the start of tracks and organise car shuttles for people canoeing the river.
If you are planning a trip down the river, make sure you are properly equipped.
Every one needs to take: a life-jacket, sleeping bag, waterproof clothing, warm woollen or pile clothing, changes of clothing and shoes, sufficient food and drink for the journey (plus an extra day's supply), sun-cream, sunglasses, sunhat and a warm hat. Equipment you will need as a group includes: cooking equipment , fuel, a lighter, first aid kit, plastic drums (or equivalent) for food and dry clothes, tents (spaces in huts may already be taken), a spare paddle, rope and string and spare plastic bags.
For further information purchase the 'Guide to the Whanganui River' published by the New Zealand Canoeing Association. It is available from good bookshops as well as local DOC offices for around $8.00 and gives all the information you need, detailed maps of each section of the river and descriptions of each rapid.
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Whanganui National Park protects one of the largest remaining tracts of lowland forest remaining in the North Island, and provides habitat for a wide variety of native wildlife. Read about nature in Whanganui National Park.
During World War 1, the government offered land in the Mangapurua and Kaiwhakauka valleys to returned servicemen as part of a soldier settlement scheme. The Bridge to Nowhere was built to support this settlement, but was abandoned shortly after together with the settlement. Today it symbolises a failed attempt at backcountry pioneering. Read about the Bridge to Nowhere.
Māori culture is an important part of the history of Whanganui National Park. Read about the Māori culture of this area.