OHAKUNE GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Paddling the Upper Whanganui: Canoes, Bouncy Rapids and a Lavender‑scented Lunch from Ohakune
A guided day trip from Ohakune down 22 km of the Whanganui River to Ohinepane, pairing family‑friendly rapids and riverboat history with a riverside lunch or stop at the Lavender Farm Cafe.
Paddling the Upper Whanganui: Canoes, Bouncy Rapids and a Lavender‑scented Lunch from Ohakune.
From the Canoe Safaris base in Ohakune you’ll be driven to Taumarunui to put in on the upper Whanganui River for a guided river day that mixes lively, bouncy rapids, the remains of more than a century of riverboat activity, and a riverside lunch or short walk to the Lavender Farm Cafe — a trip presented as a full‑day adventure and tailored for families in guided canoes, often using 6‑person Voyageur boats for family groups.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Bouncy rapids on the upper Whanganui
The run downstream toward Ohinepane features many small, bouncy rapids that give the paddle a lively, family‑friendly edge and make the river a playful place to travel with guided canoes.
Remnants of early riverboat engineering
Along the route you’ll see rock weirs built more than a century ago to keep channels deep for riverboats — tangible traces of early river transport visible from the canoe.
Riverside lunch or the Lavender Farm Cafe
Lunch is served on the riverbank or, after a short walk, at the Lavender Farm Cafe where you can enjoy a cold drink, tea or espresso — a gentle end to the river day.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
You leave Ohakune early, are transported to the Taumarunui put‑in, then descend a scenic 22‑kilometre stretch of the Whanganui in guided canoes — a river day that balances playful rapids and quiet historic sights with hands‑on paddling and a riverside meal option.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Depart Ohakune at 6:45am or meet at Taumarunui at 8:00am; operator transport takes participants to the put‑in and returns them at the end of the day. The outing is presented as a full‑day river adventure, though the schedule text also notes a run time of around 5 hours.
Lunch takes place on the riverbank or after a short walk to the Lavender Farm Cafe (which offers cold drinks, tea and espresso); plan for sun, riverbank conditions and a short riverside walk to the cafe if you choose that option.
Trips use a mixture of canoes; 6‑person guided Voyageur canoes are often used and are ideal for family groups.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The outing is described in operator materials as a 10‑hour adventure on the upper Whanganui River, though the schedule text also notes that the river run itself takes around 5 hours.
Where and when do we meet?
Trips depart from the Canoe Safaris base in Ohakune at 6:45am, or you can meet at Taumarunui at 8:00am; the operator provides transport to the river start and back at the end of the day.
What will we eat?
Lunch is served on the riverbank or, after a short walk, at the Lavender Farm Cafe where cold drinks, tea and espresso are available.
What are the rates and is accommodation available?
Rates shown are $375 for adults (ages 15+) and $375 for children (ages 6–14); one‑night pre‑tour accommodation in the Canoe Safaris lodge is offered starting at $140.
What is the river like and are there historical sights?
The route contains many small, bouncy rapids and passes the remains of rock weirs constructed over 100 years ago to keep channels deep enough for riverboats.
What canoe options are used?
The operator often uses a mixture of canoes and commonly runs 6‑person guided Voyageur canoes that are ideal for family groups.