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New Zealand Experience: A Comprehensive Guide to the Whanganui Journey [2025]
The Whanganui Journey, one of the most unusual of the Great Walks of New Zealand, offers a thrilling adventure through the heart of the country. Let's delve into the details of this epic journey, day by day.
Day One
The first watch of the Whanganui Journey starts with a gentle flow, easing you into the journey. A biggish rapid at the beginning of the day sets the pace, providing a small challenge to get your paddling muscles warmed up.
Day Two
The second day is filled with excitement as it has quite a few rapids to speed along and keep things interesting. However, it might have also presented a huge storm that created many slips and obstacles in the area. Several trees had fallen into the river, creating rapids that could take a canoe straight into a tree. So, the second half of the second day requires the most attention.
Day Three
Day three is where the scenery steps up a gear as you enter the Whanganui Gorge and the start of the Whanganui National Park. This day is an incredibly calm section of the river, but the still water requires a lot more paddling and effort than the first two days. The only obstacle to navigate is a whirlpool that aims to propel a canoe into a cave.
Day Three (Cont'd)
Day three is also the first point that you can choose to stay in a hut rather than camping. The Whakahoro campsite, the best campsite on the Whanganui Journey, is set on the top of a cliff among farmland looking down to the Whanganui River. For those seeking a bit more comfort, the Bridge to Nowhere Lodge offers hot showers, private comfortable bedrooms, and a bar.
Day Three (Cont'd - Post-Journey)
After a day's paddle, popping along to the Blue Duck Station as soon as possible is recommended as the dinner requires booking. The Blue Duck Station at Whakahoro offers a hot shower for $4NZD and piping hot food, including bacon and egg brekkies, and hot drinks.
Day Four
The final day has the two roughest rapids just before the landing at Pipriki. These rapids are the ones that throw out 50% of people who attempt them. However, the final day is a short stretch of river, making it a challenging yet manageable end to the journey.
Additional logistics for the Whanganui Journey kayaking adventure are organized by local services such as Spirit of the River Jet, Tranzit Whanganui, and Whanganui River City Cabs, which provide transport and support along the river besides the companies Whanganui River Canoes, Tauamrauni Canoe Hire, and Yeti Canoes.
The Bridge to Nowhere, a remnant of a project to bring access for vehicles to the Whanganui River and aid the building of a settlement for returned soldiers from the First World War, is a popular day trip in the area. Lugging the barrels up to Whakahoro had just about everyone cursing the location, but once there, it is a truly gorgeous spot.
The Whanganui River Journey is an epic adventure that offers a unique blend of challenge, serenity, and stunning scenery. It's an experience not to be missed for any avid adventurer.
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