New Zealand Tourism Online

Guided Canoe Trips in Ruapehu, New Zealand

Yeti Canoe Tours Ltd 2006 Introduction

From the slopes of Mt Tongariro, the Wanganui River meanders its way to the Tasman Sea through one of New Zealand's most unique National Parks. This area has a special place in New Zealand's history and many signs of earlier eras of Maori and European habitation are still visible today.

Guided Canoe Trips in Ruapehu

As you journey and experience the river in all its mystery, you cannot help but become a part of the magic that surrounds the Wanganui. Come and explore this timeless river with our guided canoe trips and kayaking tours in Ruapehu through many boulder strewn rapids, tranquil gorges and picturesque farmland and experience a wilderness adventure never to be forgotten.

Our kayaking tours in Ruapehu has a 25-year history of canoe tours on the Whanganui River, being one of the first to offer clients guided trips on this remarkable waterway.

Our attention to detail, and success in achieving a professional client focused adventure experience, has resulted in Yeti Canoe Tours becoming a leading operator on the Whanganui River.

Crew of our Guided Canoe Trips

Our team of friendly professional guides have extensive knowledge of the Whanganui River and its history. All our guides have good first-aid knowledge and great culinary skills. Our aim is to give you a very memorable guided canoe trips in Ruapehu, down New Zealand's longest navigable river.

Kayak and Canoe Safety

With any outdoor adventure activity there is an element of risk. At our guided canoe trips in Ruapehu we do our best to minimise that risk. Over the years we have built a great reputation for the welfare of our clients. Yeti Canoe Tours is a member of the Whanganui River Commercial Operators Association and is a Department of Conservation concession holder. All our drivers and vehicles used by us are licensed by the Ministry of Transport for passenger service. We also use a mountain rescue radio on all our trips.

Kayak and Canoe Trips

Our kayaking trips in Ruapehu are ideal for those wishing to have a relaxing holiday, but also include enough thrills for a fun experience. Yeti Canoe Tours cater for a great variety of people from all age groups with the emphasis on enjoyment, so a moderate level of fitness is all that is required. No previous experience in canoeing or camping is necessary as thorough instruction is given before and during the trip. This is a great family adventure holiday.

Trip Variations

Two Day Trip – starts at Ohinepane, approximately 20 kilometres downriver from Taumarunui. From here the river winds its way through a mixture of willow lined river flats, farmland and steep bush clad slopes, the trip ends just as we enter the main gorges of the Whanganui National Park.

There is plenty of time to explore some interesting historical sites close to the river, including the Nukunuku Museum and the Maraekowhai Niu Poles. The exit point for this trip is Whakahoro. A great weekend trip for family groups and social clubs.

Three and Four Day Trips – starts further down the river at Whakahoro where the main part of the National Park begins. This trip covers the most scenic section of the river with its bush lined gorges and spectacular waterfalls. The trip is designed for those with a little less time available and requires a higher level of fitness.

Six Day Trip – starts at Ohinepane, about 20 kilometres downriver from Taumarunui, and begins at a leisurely pace with time to explore or relax. This also enables those who have little or no experience in a canoe or kayak time to become familiar with their boats.

There is also plenty of time to explore some interesting historical sites close to the river, including the Nukunuku Museum and the Maraekowhai Niu Poles. As we progress further down the river, the farmland gives way to steep gorges and inaccessible native bush.

Once past Whakahoro, we enter the main part of the spectacular Whanganui National Park.

The three to six-day trips visit many places of interest, while on the way to historic Pipiriki.

• Kirikiriroa, one of many old Maori village sites
• Tarepokiore
• “The Whirlpool”
• Tamatea Cave
• John Coull Hut
• Otumangu Landing
• The Bridge to Nowhere
• The “Drop Scene”
• Puraroto Caves

For further information about our canoeing and kayaking, please contact us or visit our guided canoe and kayaking tours on the Whanganui River Web site.

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