OHAKUNE CANOE FIELD GUIDE
Four Days in the Upper Rangitikei: Gorge, Rapids and Gravity Canyon
A four-day guided canoe trip through the Rangitikei’s upper gorge that takes paddlers past deep papa cliffs, huge viaducts and the Gravity Canyon bungy; this guide explains what to expect and how to plan.
Four Days in the Upper Rangitikei: Gorge, Rapids and Gravity Canyon.
The Four-Day Guided Rangitikei River Canoe navigates the upper gorge of the Rangitikei River out of Ohakune, threading through dramatic papa gorges and sections of lively white water while passing under large railway viaducts and by the drop-offs at Gravity Canyon.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Deep papa gorges and viaducts
The trip moves through the deep papa gorges of the upper Rangitikei and passes beneath several large viaducts on the main trunk railway, offering a dramatic, vertical river corridor.
Lots of rapids with easing flow downstream
Expect a great deal of white water: the upper gorge contains many rapids and the first day offers the most challenging paddling; further down the river the water runs easier.
Gravity Canyon bungy and rope swing
The route runs close to Gravity Canyon, where the bungy and rope swing are visible from the river—one of the distinctive landmarks along the way.
What the day feels like
What the four days feel like
The guided tour begins at the end of the white-water rafting section and works downstream through the dramatic papa gorges toward Ohingaiti; the first day delivers the best scenery and some of the trickiest rapids, while subsequent days ease into mellower river paddling and longer stretches between features.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip matches—and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a four-day guided tour; published check-in is early on day one and the schedule lists a return time mid-afternoon on day three (check materials with the operator for the full daily schedule).
The provided source material does not list a detailed personal-gear checklist—confirm required personal kit and provided equipment with Canoe Safaris before arrival.
Published rates include adult, child (ages 10–14) and family pricing; one-night pre-tour accommodation at the Canoe Safaris lodge is available for an additional fee.
The trip is presented as suitable for the whole family and combines challenging and easier river sections; discuss fitness and experience with the operator when booking.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The tour is a four-day guided Rangitikei River canoe trip.
When do we check in?
Published check-in time on day one is 6:45am.
When does the trip return?
The itinerary lists a published return time of approximately 3:30pm on day three.
Is the trip suitable for families and children?
Yes—the trip is described as suitable for the whole family, and child rates are specified for ages 10–14.
What are the rates?
Published rates include an adult price, a child price for ages 10–14, a family rate and an optional one-night pre-tour lodge stay; check the operator for current pricing.
What notable features will we see?
The route takes you through deep papa gorges, under several large railway viaducts and past Gravity Canyon with its bungy and rope swing.