Distance: 13.2 km (2.5 DOC hours) - Raft, kayak or float - Easy terrain
Altitude: 116m to 141m. Gain: 57m. Loss: 72m . Gradient: 1 deg (Gentle)
Skills: - Raft, kayak or swim/float (6/6)

Raft, kayak or float (9/9)
Watercourse navigated by craft: raft, kayak or swim/float

Primary, mapped (1/5)
Formal route, on maps, principal access to hut or along range / catchment

Gentle (difficulty: 2/5)
Gentle slopes

Easy (difficulty: 1/5)
Grass / prepared surface

None (difficulty: 1/7)
No alpine skills required

Raft, kayak or swim/float (difficulty: 6/6)
Watercourse not crossable on foot. Water craft (raft, kayak or float) required

None (difficulty: 1/7)
No alpine skills required

The winter environment in Whanganui National Park is wet and cold, with short daylight hours. The river level is much higher than in summer and the water is very cold. Hut facilities are greatly reduced – including no gas for cooking and no hut rangers.Travellers will need to be independent, have a full understanding of the safety risks and be prepared for extremely cold conditions. The Whanganui River journey should only be attempted out of the Great Walks season by people who are very experienced in canoeing remote New Zealand rivers in winter.

Travelling the upper reaches of the Whanganui River, you’ll pass through a mixture of farmland and patches of native bush. You’ll be in for some excitement as you shoot down rapids on this section of the river. Camp beside the river at Ōhinepane, Poukaria or Maharanui campsites or stay in a campsite or bunkhouse at Whakahoro. From here, you get the feeling of venturing into the heart of a rich and rugged landscape.

Note: Described in the reverse direction to your journey

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