Whanganui River Canoes
Whanganui River Canoes
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Join Whanganui River Canoes for a three - five day canoe/kayak trip on the Whanganui River. You can choose to 'do it yourself'with a freedom hire, or have our guides cater for you and show you the best spots along the river. You can meet us the night before your trip at the Raetihi Holiday Park for comfortable, affordable accommodation, or ask us about our Holiday Home if that is more your style. We will make sure you are packed, briefed and ready to go before you start the adventure of your lifetime.
Raetihi, New Zealand
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
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Whanganui River Canoes
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(28 reviews)
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5.0
135 reviews
Excellent
122
Very good
7
Average
5
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Vojta M
Rotterdam, The Netherlands2 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
Amazing ride, just be aware that small bit from the beginning,the Ohinepane to Whakahoro is really a bit challenging as the description says. We flipped the canoe in one rapid ,and that was kind of scary,but according the Maori locals it means blessings by the river 😂 . The rest was just fine. It was amazing 4 days. No reception,no people ..just pristine wild nature. I highly recommend to stay one night in Tīeke Kainga in Maori Marae. Good and friendly service from agency. Can only recommend.
Written 23 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ellen G
12 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Lovely people, good service, cute dogs to cuddle/play with while waiting, hot chips on return. Equipment provided was in good condition, instructions were clear, and as a group we were provided with an emergency beacon in case we needed help. We only used it to request earlier pick up when we arrived ahead of schedule, but our driver was already enroute after the jetboat we passed along the way had informed them we were due to arrive early.
Written 1 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cherylene2018
Brisbane, Australia3 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
I joined my daughter on the canoe trip so she could complete 1 of the 10 Great Wlaks of NZ. Whanganui River cruises company were professional, efficient, friendly, punctual. We had fun petting the 2 dogs & Wanton, the cat. The welcoming home cheese platter & hot drinks were an unexpected surprise. Staying at the holiday park & leaving our car there for the duration of the canoe trip, was an added bonus service offered by Whanganui Canoes.
Written 10 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for paddling with our team at Whanganui River Canoes, and taking the time to post your review.
So glad you loved your trip, our animals always love the attention from our guests too ;)
Written 17 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jan B
Christchurch, New Zealand37 contributions
Mar 2023
Great support and information in making a decision on which trip to undertake. Raetihi Campground is a great place to stay before and after.
The river is magnificent, changing and dramatic
The river is magnificent, changing and dramatic
Written 14 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for paddling with our team at Whanganui River Canoes, and taking the time to post your review.
The Whanganui River is definitely a beautiful spot to explore!!
Written 17 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lora P
1 contribution
Mar 2023 • Friends
Excellent organisation! Exactly what we needed!
We booked a night stay before the journey. We had an early briefing with ppt presentation.
They provided us with everything we needed as well as an awesome driver and plenty of extra instructions for novices like us.
The equipment was of good quality. They drive us to the river and picked us up at the end!
We had fantastic time!
Thank you very much for everything! Would highly recommend!
We booked a night stay before the journey. We had an early briefing with ppt presentation.
They provided us with everything we needed as well as an awesome driver and plenty of extra instructions for novices like us.
The equipment was of good quality. They drive us to the river and picked us up at the end!
We had fantastic time!
Thank you very much for everything! Would highly recommend!
Written 12 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for paddling with our team at Whanganui River Canoes, and taking the time to post your review.
Awesome to see you loved your trip
Written 17 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gerrard
11 contributions
Mar 2023
One of the Great "Walk" journeys. Two canoes and great support from WRC. Would recommend. They also provide excellent accomodation at their campground.
Written 8 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for paddling with our team at Whanganui River Canoes, and taking the time to post your review.
So glad you loved your trip, and your stay at our Holiday Park
Written 17 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
popnslap
Lisbon, Portugal3 contributions
Jan 2023
The scenary is magnificent.
The rapids are exhillarating, but not too intense. (Kayaks tend to tip easier than Canoes!)
Being out in nature with good friends and paddling the mighty Whanganui river is very special.
WRC are such a friendly family with strong roots in and around the Whanganui River. I highly reccomend their service and accomodation
The rapids are exhillarating, but not too intense. (Kayaks tend to tip easier than Canoes!)
Being out in nature with good friends and paddling the mighty Whanganui river is very special.
WRC are such a friendly family with strong roots in and around the Whanganui River. I highly reccomend their service and accomodation
Written 26 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for paddling with our team at Whanganui River Canoes, and taking the time to post your review.
Awesome to hear that you enjoyed your paddle, especially those rapids ;)
Written 17 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Theresa Strydom
2 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
It was a great experience from start to finish. Everyone was friendly and helpfull. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Written 26 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for paddling with our team at Whanganui River Canoes, and taking the time to post your review.
Written 17 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Katy Jane
2 contributions
Jan 2023
So happy we chose Whanganui River Canoes for our freedom canoe hire. 2 x canoes, 2 x adults and 2 x children, 3 nights on the river. We felt supported, connected, and at ease with this company. Knowing they were looking out for us and could assist if we needed it was priceless. Excellent comms, nothing too much trouble (we asked lots of questions!). Great family company. The river journey was wonderful. The company assisted us with a jetboat out when we couldn't canoe, back to Raetihi where a hot cuppa and sausage sizzle was waiting for us. Epic! Thanks WRC, you guys rock.
Written 5 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for paddling with our team at Whanganui River Canoes, and taking the time to post your review.
The sausages always go down a treat!!
Written 17 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sedejah
Auckland Central, New Zealand9 contributions
Dec 2022 • Friends
We were happy we picked Whanganui River Canoe. They are a family business and that truly makes a difference to the whole experience. Small touches that we weren't expecting on pick up. Loved the trip. Highly recommend to everyone looking to canoe the awa
Written 28 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for paddling with our team at Whanganui River Canoes, and taking the time to post your review.
Lovely that you appreciated our small family business
Written 17 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Fran R
2 contributions
I booked with Whanganui Canoes after seeing their web site, reviews and equipment but they have not responded to a single e-mail after booking. I am very concerned about showing up this month and really wonder about all these excellent reviews after repeated (and increasingly desperate) pleas for information from them No response whatsoever. I checked again and there are recent reviews so apparently they really are in business but how can I get them to communicate with me?????
Wendy P
1 contribution
Hi - you have some great reviews ! A couple of questions What is the youngest age you would recommend ? What is the largest group you would recommend ? We are 3-4 families would you recommend self or guided ? Thank you
WRCRHP
Raetihi, Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand54 contributions
Hi there Wendy, thanks for your question. I sent through an email to you last night ;) we recommend 7 as the minimum age, and group size recommendations vary depending on the mixture of ages and experience paddling or in the outdoors. Wd have guided school groups of 50 and plenty of groups of families anywhere from 5 - 25. But we have enough canoes for 150 people at a time.
heather1960
Greater Manchester, UK5 contributions
We are 3 ladies in our 50s sporting active and fit but with only a little canoeing experience. Would we need a guide/tuition to complete the three day tour? We would be looking to come Feb.24th ish 2016 . We are hoping to catch the Northern Explorer to the National Park on the 23rd Feb. Is it poss to arrange a pick up from there? Thanks in anticipation.
WRCRHP
Raetihi, Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand54 contributions
Hi there, thank you for your question. I would recommend taking the train to Ohakune, as that is only 10 minutes away so a lot easier for us to pick you up.
We do offer a full briefing, and description of the river, and how to paddle before your trip. A lot of our paddlers have only had a little experience, and love the trip!
In late February the river is often quite low, which will make it a little more difficult to navigate around some obstacles.
We are happy to offer a guided trip if you feel you would need it. Feel free to email us for more information. Thanks again, Rebecca