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Raetihi Holiday Park is our main pick-up and drop-off point for river journeys. By prior arrangement, you’re welcome to leave your vehicle there—whether you’re staying the night before or after your trip. It’s a convenient, safe, and spacious location, giving you peace of mind while you’re out exploring the awa. If needed, we also offer additional secure parking in Ohakune. Just let us know in advance, and we’ll help coordinate the best option for your journey.

Raetihi Holiday Park is our main pick-up and drop-off point, but we’re flexible—pick-ups can also be arranged from other locations, including Ohakune or Whanganui, depending on your travel plans. We can organise transport to suit your needs, but it’s important to confirm your pick-up location with Marama ahead of time. This helps ensure everything runs smoothly when your Unique Whanganui Experience begins.

A moderate level of fitness is all you need. The five-day trip offers a more relaxed pace if you’re unsure—just chat with Hayden to find the best fit. Keep in mind, from Whakahoro to Pipiriki there’s no phone or internet access, or road access. It’s a chance to unplug and truly connect with the awa and each other.

Your journey begins at Raetihi Holiday Park, our main pick-up point. From there, you’ll travel by mini-bus to Whakahoro, the starting point of your Unique Whanganui Experience. The drive takes a couple of hours and includes all your gear and canoes. Most trips depart from Raetihi, but other pick-up locations can be arranged—just get in touch with us to discuss the best option for your group.

We provide the essentials so you can fully enjoy your time on the awa. Here’s what’s included:

• Tents
• Dry bags for personal gear
• Life jackets
• Department of Conservation (DOC) passes
• All main meals, some snacks, and drinking water
• Canoes and paddles
• Experienced Awa Navigators
• First Aid Kit

Please note for group bookings:

• You’ll need to bring your own air mattresses and inflatable pillows
• Transport to and from Whakahoro is an additional cost

We’re here to help tailor the experience to your group’s needs—just get in touch to start planning.

Not at all! Our journeys are designed for all experience levels—including complete beginners who’ve never picked up a paddle before.

Before you set off, you’ll receive a comprehensive safety briefing and a bit of hands-on training to get you comfortable on the water. Our experienced Awa Navigators will be with you throughout the trip, offering guidance, support, and helpful tips to make sure you feel confident and safe.

There are a few gentle rapids between Whakahoro and Pipiriki, but they’re beginner-friendly, safe, and add a fun bit of excitement to your journey.

Yes — children must be at least 10 years old, and this age limit is strictly adhered to for safety reasons.

All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian on the journey.

There’s no upper age limit — as long as you’re reasonably fit and comfortable in an outdoor environment, you’re more than welcome. Many of our guests in their 60s and beyond have had an incredible experience on the river.

Here are a few essentials we recommend packing:

• Snack food – something to keep you going between meals while on the river
• Warm clothing – for both on and off the river
• River-friendly footwear – shoes that can get wet and handle uneven terrain

A comprehensive gear list will be provided once your booking is confirmed, so you’ll know exactly what to bring for a safe and comfortable journey.

Team Building Like No Other

Forget the boardroom games and one-day workshops—this is team building with purpose.

Canoeing the Whanganui River together is a powerful way to build trust, strengthen relationships, and encourage real collaboration. Out on the awa, teams learn to paddle in sync, support one another, and face challenges together in a way that creates genuine connection.

Hayden can also provide tailored support in:

• Strategic Planning Facilitation
• Cultural Framework Development
• Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi) Training

This is more than just an experience—it’s an opportunity to grow as a team, reflect, and align with shared values, all in a setting that inspires clarity, connection, and transformation.

You can book as an individual, a couple, or as a group. Most tours include 12–14 people, often a mix of smaller bookings and groups.

To run a trip, we require a minimum of 4 confirmed participants.

We also cater for larger groups of up to 50 people—ideal for schools, teams, or corporate retreats. For groups of this size, please plan at least 3 months in advance to allow time for coordination and logistics.

Not sure what’s possible? Contact Marama—she is happy to help tailor something that works for you.