This New Zealand „Great Walk“ Is An Epic 3-5 Day Canoe Journey Through Beautiful Forests

Whanganui Journey is the final word 5-day paddle journey via scenic landscapes in North Island, New Zealand.

Whanganui Nationwide Park, North Island

The Great Walks of New Zealand is a set of the nation’s greatest and hottest hikes. New Zealand’s Nice Walks embrace world-famous hikes like the other-worldly Tongariro Crossing of unforgettable volcanic landscapes and the Milford Monitor, acclaimed because the finest walk in the world. Of New Zealand’s assortment of 10 „Nice Walks“ the odd one out is the Whanganui Journey, which isn’t a hike in any respect, however a multi-day paddle.

There are a lot of methods to discover New Zealand; by highway journey, mountaineering, scenic practice, and canoe (to call a number of). New Zealand is known for being a mecca for outside fanatics and has unique and breathtaking wildernesses to discover. Take the time to discover Fiordland Nationwide Park (which is the biggest in New Zealand and has some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world).

The Whanganui Journey Is New Zealand’s Final Paddle Journey

The Whanganui Journey travels down the Whanganui River within the North Island. The Whanganui River stretches for 290 kilometers and is the third-longest river within the nation.

One specific reality concerning the Whanganui River is that’s it formally acknowledged as an individual within the lies of the legislation in New Zealand (the one river with that designation). The Whanganui River has particular significance to the native Maori of New Zealand.

The Whanganui Journey is a river journey that’s achieved by canoe or kayak and covers some 145 kilometers. A lot of the route runs via the Whanganui Nationwide Park.

Alongside the best way, adventurers get to find pristine forests and among the greatest landscapes the North Island has on supply.

One other incredible solution to explore the heart of the North Island is with the scenic Northern Explorer train from Auckland to Wellington.

See steep-sided canyons, native forests, and ample native birdlife alongside the route. Take it sluggish and take all of it in.

• Size: 145km or 90 miles

One of many extra uncommon points of interest alongside the route is the Bridge to Nowhere. It was in-built 1936 to entry the Mangapurua Valley Troopers Settlement however was deserted simply six years later.

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Who Can Try The Whanganui Journey?

The Whanganui Journey is managed by the New Zealand Department of Conservation (or „DOC“).

They advise folks to not try the journey until they’re assured swimmers, have expertise canoeing, are match sufficient to paddle (downstream) for six to 7 hours a day, are aged 10 or over, and have two or extra folks in a gaggle (and sufficient adults to look at over the youngsters or teenagers).

The journey is among the most incredible points of interest to get pleasure from within the North Island. Individuals ought to have a superb stage of health and good swimming skills.

But when one is inexperienced or touring alone, it’s an choice to e-book a guided tour of the journey as a substitute. There are many locations to lease canoes and kayaks for the journey.

Examples of outfitters embrace Whanganui River Canoes and Taumarunui Canoe & Jet Tours. Some supply guided excursions and all of the tools wanted. Discuss with their web sites for what to deliver alongside for the journey.

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How To Plan A Whanganui Journey Journey

Alongside the river are a sequence of huts and campsites (these are sometimes within the wilderness the place folks can hearken to the calls of the native birds and presumably even the enduring kiwi).

These must be reserved prematurely in the course of the peak season (late October to late April) and are accessible solely by boat. The campsites alongside the route for a typical five-day journey are:

• Day 1: 36km Poukaria Campite
• Day 2: 32km Mangapapa Campsite
• Day 3: 37km John Coull Hut
• Day 4: 30km Tieke Kainga Hut
• Day 5: 20km Pipiriki

These are simply among the huts and campsites alongside the best way, there are round 11 dotted alongside the route with distances of 22km to 4km between them (most campsites have 10-17km between them).

Like different Nice Walks, the backcountry huts are usually well-equipped and conveniently positioned.

Most individuals take the complete journey that takes round 5 days to finish, however it’s also doable to start out half means via and take a 3-day journey as a substitute.

The Whanganui Journey is free and like different Nice Walks (and most hikes in New Zealand) there are not any expenses (aside from for guides and in a single day lodging).