Take advantage of the long weekend for Wellington Anniversary and join us on another AW Bucket List event: This is going to be an absolutely incredible trip! A three-day Kayak down the Whanganui River which although a water based journey is one of NZ’s nine great walks

The Whanganui River winds its way from the mountains to the Tasman Sea through a landscape of hills and valleys. Lowland forest surrounds the river in its middle and lower reaches forming the heart of Whanganui National Park. You can journey through this otherwise remote area on a multi-day canoe or kayak trip on the Whanganui River, experiencing its scenic beauty, history and cultural significance.

During your river journey, we will do the short walk from the Mangapurua Landing to the iconic Bridge to Nowhere and imagine the times when traditional waka (canoes) and steam-driven riverboats plied the river.

The full 145 km journey from Taumarunui to Pipiriki takes an average of 5 days to complete by canoe AW will be doing a shorter, 3 day journey from Whakahoro to Pipiriki (87 km) down the most scenic stretches of the river.

Distance: 87km

When: Friday 18th to Monday 21st January

Time: Pick up from Wellington station at 5PM Friday return Monday around 6PM

The Plan:
Friday 18th – 5PM departure from Wellington (Please arrive 15 mins early so we can make a prompt departure). We will stop for a quick bite to eat in Bulls. Stay at The Crossing Backpackers in National Park
Saturday 19th – Early start for a short drive to the kayak base where we leave our vehicles load our Kayaks and head down to the start of the river at Whakahoro for a 47KM kayak to our campsite for the night at Mangawaiiti (DOC)
Sunday 20th – 20KM Kayak and a 40 minute walk to the Bridge to Nowhere. Camping at a private campsite
Monday 21st – 20KM morning kayak including three fun rapids to Pipriki were we will be picked up and taken back to our vehicles for the drive back to Wellington

Max number of attendees: 8 if it proves popular I will check if there is availability to expand the group size

Difficulty: The first day at 47KM will be reasonably challenging so a high level of fitness is required. Whilst the river is open to all abilities if you want to kayak you will have at least done the AW kayaking basics course otherwise you will have to be in a 2 man Canadian Canoe. You must be able to swim 50M (life jackets are provided)

Accommodation: Backpackers Dorm one night, DOC Campsite one night, Private campsite one night

Equipment:
Waterproof jacket, fleece or merino hat, fleece jacket, gloves, togs, t-shirt for fine days. For evenings: shirt, trousers, underwear, sandals or light shoes, night wear.

Your own plate/bowl & Cutlery. Dry bags / barrels will be provided as part of your kayak rental

All electronics are brought at your own risk, we recommend leaving your phones in the vehicles as there is no signal along the river

A detailed list of what to bring will be provided closer to the time, some equipment can be rented from the kayak rental place

Total Cost: $349
3 day kayak / Canadian canoe hire $185
Backpacker accommodation in National Park - $30
DOC Campground at Mangawaiiti - $14
Private Campground $10
Food (covers breakfast lunch and dinner on 19th / 20th and Breakfast on the 21st) - $60
Petrol - $50

You will be expected to pay for all other meals and sundries. You will also be expected to contribute to van rental if we do not have enough personal cars to get the group up to the river

Your Responsibility:
- To immediately on RSVP book you DOC Campground for Saturday 19th January at Mangawaiiti (select Whanganui journey from Great Walks drop down)  https://booking.doc.govt.nz/. If you are a couple or sharing a tent please book together as you have to state number of people and number of sites required. This is NOT refundable
- To forward your confirmation email to [masked] Without this you will NOT be  allowed on the journey
- To make payment of $335 to Adventure Wellington no later than Thursday 13th December.
Account Name: Adventure Wellington Trust
Account #: 38-9012-0322630-00
Reference: Your name / Whanganui / 93684332

DISCLAIMER
Whilst every possible assistance will be offered, Adventure Wellington Trust, the Trustees, Event Organisers/hosts and members cannot be held responsible for any accident, injuries or losses sustained leading up to, during, or after an event.