Taumarunui Canoe & Jet Tours
Welcome to the River
Your Whanganui River Canoe Adventure starts right here, with us....
Address: 292 Hikumutu Road, Taumarunui 3992
As Whanganui River canoe and jet boat operators, we provide canoe and kayak hire, along with exhilarating jet boat tours. Experience the many exciting rapids and lush native bush while taking in some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, all found right here on the incredible Whanganui River.
Contact us:
Phone NZ (freephone): 0800 226 6348
Mobile: +64 27 2266348 and WhatsApp
Overseas: +64 7 895 7483
Email: tmncanoehire@gmail.com
BOOK HERE PAY $100 DEPOSIT online BOOK HERE no fees
Our booking system has no fees when paying the $100 deposit, with the remaining balance payable three days before the start of your journey. If, for any reason, you cancel your trip more than 48 hours before departure, you will receive a full refund. By paying only the deposit upfront, you avoid any booking system fees. If the date you have requested is unavailable, we will contact you directly.
What's included in your Whanganui River Journey with us:
We keep our Whanganui River journeys affordable, with a low starting price for our tours. If you would prefer a more upmarket experience with accommodation and additional extras included, we can tailor a package to suit you. This gives you the flexibility to make use of our many free inclusions if you are travelling on a stricter budget.
- Transport to and from the river* (Taumarunui, Ohinepane, Whakahoro, Pipiriki)
- Canoe (2p) or Kayak (1p)
- Waterproof Barrels 4x 30lt and 1x 50lt
- Life Jackets
- Comprehensive maps with hazards and campsite photos
- Paddles, including spare paddles
- Comprehensive in-person safety briefing and hazard video
- Free Camping before your journey with a boat ramp onsite
- Free Wi-Fi at the campsite
- Outdoor Bush Shower and Toilets (New Toilet Block, Shower Block coming Dec 2025)
- Complimentary barista coffee and a treat on the morning of your journey
- On the water paddle briefing and practice before you leave
- Home Baking and juice at Pickup for multi-day journeys. (Council Certified Baking)
- Carparking
- Assistance setting up Department of Conservation Account (you will book your own campsites)
- Alternative private campsite options instead of DOC campsites
- Vehicle storage at our Base
- Backpack and suitcase storage
- We can bring your backpacks and suitcases to the pickup point if you want to get out at Pipiriki, Raetihi, or National Park
- Free drop-off to Raetihi (Intercity Bus), National Park, or Taumarunui
Why choose us for your Whanganui River Adventure?
- We have been in the Tourism Business since 1999
- Local family owned and operated business
- Passionate about what we do and sharing the Whanganui River experience with others
- Only a $100 deposit required, fully refundable outside 48 hours before departure
- Based in Taumarunui with an exclusive riverside location and private boat ramp
- Free camping available before and after your journey with incredible river views
- Shower and toilet facilities onsite
- Onsite accommodation, basic and upmarket
- Private accommodation options without sharing with other groups
- Full safety briefing and on-the-water training for every trip
- All Great Walk transport is included
- Great reviews on Trip Advisor, Google and Te Araroa apps
- Silver Qualmark accreditation for Canoes and Jet Boats
- Experienced and friendly staff
- Free onsite car parking
- Youth rates apply to everyone under 18 years old
- Two jet boats available for tours and safety rescues
- Free Wi-Fi on the Campsite
- We can safely store your backpacks and bikes while you are on the river and deliver them to you in Pipiriki.
- Top-quality modern equipment available for hire
- Alternative private campsite options instead of DOC
- Council-registered for catering
- Family-oriented atmosphere, often with friendly pet animals for guests to cuddle, feed and enjoy
*Transport to and from your Whanganui River journey is included in the price. The only location we do not provide pickup from is Whanganui.
Solo Paddlers
Please note: We do not hire to solo travellers paddling alone, as we do not believe it is safe to paddle the river by yourself.
This does not apply if there is an odd number within your group, as no one will be paddling alone.
Get a taster of what you can expect on your Whanganui River Journey.
We provide training and accurate information for canoeing and kayaking the Whanganui River Journey, along with top-quality modern equipment for hire. Most importantly, we deliver an experienced, professional, and personalised service.
You will receive waterproof barrels for carrying your gear, life jackets, maps, and our canoes are some of the newest on the river. Every year we put around 20 brand new boats onto the river. Backrests are additional, please enquire when you book.
All you need to bring is your camping gear and food, and we have a full range of modern and high-quality camping gear for hire if you forgot something or need anything extra. If we do not have the gear on hand, we live on-site and have been known to raid our home to get what you need). Backrests are available as an optional extra — please enquire when booking.
At the start of your trip we give you a thorough safety briefing and video presentation at our office to demonstrate paddling techniques, river reading skills, hazards to look out for and how to deal with them, and the campsites you will be staying in. We follow up with on-the-water training to fully prepare you for your journey. We understand that most of our customers have never canoed or kayaked before, but after our safety briefing and training, we find that they thoroughly enjoy their Whanganui River journey and find it well within their capabilities.
We are a Silver Qualmark-endorsed Whanganui River canoe and jet boat operator based at the beginning of the river. We also operate a rescue and emergency jet boat service along the first few days of the river. If you are paddling with us and require an emergency rescue, the rescue fee is discounted.
Everyone can enjoy one of our Whanganui River trips, including families, large groups, corporate bookings, and all levels of paddling experience. Being able to swim is very important. Your safety, comfort, and enjoyment are our main priority. If you have children or would like a really relaxed journey, ask us about adding an extra day to your trip.
Most days we run multiple buses and vans for fast pickup at the Pipiriki boat ramp, with vehicles ready to leave so you are not left waiting around after your journey. For larger group pickups of 40 people or more, you may even travel back in comfort on our large coach.
The river is unpredictable and can rise into flood conditions overnight. This is why we only require a deposit upfront, as it is far easier to refund a deposit than a full payment should your journey need to be postponed or cancelled.
Our base is located just outside Taumarunui, perched on a hill overlooking the Whanganui River, Taumarunui township, and Mount Hikurangi. Our focus is on relaxation, enjoyment, and creating a truly unique experience in a special riverside setting.
Our business is built around working together as a close-knit family to make your holiday as enjoyable as possible, and from the moment you arrive, you will be welcomed as part of the family.
We offer free camping, complimentary Wi-Fi, and shower facilities, along with barista coffee and a hot treat to enjoy during your morning safety briefing. At the end of your multi-day journey, we will welcome and congratulate you at the boat ramp with home baking and a refreshing drink.
You are also welcome to stay in one of our well-appointed guest accommodation units or park your campervan free of charge in our beautiful grassed camping area overlooking the Whanganui River before and after your journey.
