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Whanganui River

The Whanganui River is travelled on a multi-day canoe journey through gorges, rapids and remote campsites. Te Awa Tupua, the river’s name in its cultural and legal context, calls for preparation and respect.

Loaded canoes travel through a forested gorge on the Whanganui River.
Photo by ShakyIsles Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0
The place

What makes it special

  • The full route from Taumarunui to Pipiriki covers 145 km and usually takes five days.
  • The Whakahoro-to-Pipiriki section covers 88 km in about three days.
  • New Zealand law recognizes the river as a legal entity.
Pipiriki
Photo by Parehaywardhowie Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY-SA 3.0
Dry bags, a life jacket and a paddle prepared beside a canoe.
Photo by ShakyIsles Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0
Travel atlas

Articles in Whanganui River

Guides to this place

1 article

Whanganui River

journal.travel Editorial

Guides to this place

1 related guides

Loaded canoes travel through a forested gorge on the Whanganui River.

Whanganui Journey by canoe on a river that demands self-reliance

Paddling down the Whanganui River rewards preparation: choose your section, assess the crew’s real experience and travel mindfully on an *awa* with deep living significance.

Read guide →
Information in context

Sources and references

This profile summarises our destination guides. Their research sources and the geographical reference are listed below.

Profile updated: 09/10/2026