New Zealand Tourism Online

Whanganui River Canoeing, Jet Boating and Trail Hiking, New Zealand

Wades Landing Outdoors Introduction

Wades Landing Outdoors offers Whanganui river canoeing, kayaking, and jet boating.

We also offer guided trail hiking in the Ruapehu area from our base at Whakahoro, at the confluence of the Whanganui and Retaruke Rivers and at the gateway to the beautiful Whanganui National Park.

Our location, base facilities, and trip options are unique to the Whanganui River and National Park. With our Whanganui river canoeing, jet boating and trail hiking adventures, let us take you on a journey through our world.

Whanganui River Canoeing and Jet Boating

Freedom Canoe and Kayak Hire – Includes associated paddling equipment, river guide booklet, river reading and paddling instruction, morning tea and is backed by our own jet boat safety service.

Clients are welcome to utilise our Whakahoro base facilities. On offer are hot showers, toilets, river and weather condition updates, shop, cafe and is open until late for those coming off the river in the afternoon.

Return transport from local areas on State Highway 4 or Whakahoro are included in all the prices, as well as vehicle parking at Whakahoro, Owhango, Raurimu or Taumarunui.

Executive Canoe Hire – These custom Canadian canoes are made from the latest materials and technology. They have excellent handling capabilities, high load capacity and seat design for extra comfort.

Logistical Support and Guided Tours – Guided tours are fun, informative, luxurious, and hassle free. Guides are available for all our Whanganui river canoeing, jet boating and trail hiking.

Packages involve everything required for the trip. This includes experienced guides, tents, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, food, canoe and/or jet boat hire, Department of Conservation hut and campsite passes, return transfers, vehicle storage, information on cultural and geological points of interest, first aid kits and additional safety equipment.

Jet Boating Trips – Jet Boat trips depart from Whakahoro and travel upstream or downstream depending on the desired destination.

Upstream has the Jock Ercegs Museum and the Niu Poles, while downstream has the secluded scenery of the Whanganui National Park and the very popular 'Bridge to Nowhere'.

Jet Boat trips are available during summer and winter and if conditions are right, a special one-hour Retaruke River excursion can be undertaken.

Our Trail Hiking in the Ruapehu Area

The two most recognised trail hiking tracks in the Whanganui National Park are the Mangapurua/Kaiwhakauka and Matemateaonga Tracks.

Our trail hiking in the Ruapehu area utilises our jet boat service for the Whanganui River access points and our shuttle service can provide transport for the road ends of both tracks.

Packages involve everything required for the trip. This includes experienced guides, tents, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, food, canoe and/or jet boat hire, Department of Conservation hut and campsite passes, return transfers, vehicle storage, information on cultural and geological points of interest, first aid kits and additional safety equipment.

All you need to bring is your own personal gear. Trampers on the Mangapurua Track only carry a day backpack.

For further information about canoeing, jet boating and trail hiking, please contact us or visit our Whanganui river canoeing and jet boating Web site.

About Ruapehu and the Whanganui River

The Tongariro National Park (a World Heritage Area) is the centre of attraction for this district. The active volcano Mount Ruapehu dominates the landscape, rising to 2,797 metres from the surrounding countryside.

It has Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Tongariro to keep it company. The three volcanoes are a spectacular sight on a clear day—in the colder months they are capped in snow.

To the west lies the deep green mystery of the Whanganui National Park, steeped in Maori and European colonial history.

The Whanganui River is the main access route to the forest clad interior—jet boats and kayaks are popular modes of transport. The small townships on the riverbanks all have fascinating stories to tell.

For further information about canoeing, jet boating and trail hiking, please contact us or visit our Whanganui river canoeing and jet boating Web site.

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