Contact

NZ (freephone): 0800 226 6348

Mobile/WhatsApp: 027 2266348

Overseas: +64 7 895 7483

Address: 292 Hikumutu Road, Taumarunui 3992

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Cancellations and Refunds

• We will not start your journey if we believe the river levels or weather forecast could make the river unsafe. We are especially cautious when children are involved. If we cancel your journey before it begins due to safety concerns, your deposit will be fully refunded.
• Full payment for your journey is due three days before the commencement of your trip.
• If you cancel within 48 hours of your journey, no refund will apply.
• If your group numbers decrease before your final payment is due, you will only be charged for the final confirmed numbers.
• If you miss your journey due to late arrival, we will do our best to help reschedule your trip to another available date or time.
• We reserve the right to cancel or refuse a journey at any time if we believe a participant may pose a danger to themselves or others, especially where alcohol or drugs are involved. Minimum group numbers may also apply for safety reasons.

Safety on the River

• We provide a full in-person safety briefing at our office using both a whiteboard presentation and a video covering the campsites and hazards you need to be aware of during your journey. We also provide on-the-water training before you depart.
• Included with your journey are easy-to-read river maps.
• Even if you are staying in the huts, you are still required to carry a tent for safety reasons. The river is very unpredictable and water levels can rise rapidly — sometimes by half a metre in an hour. If circumstances prevent you from reaching the huts, having a tent provides important additional safety and shelter.
• We also recommend packing enough food for two extra days in case flooding or river conditions require you to remain on the river longer than planned.
• SOLO PADDLERS: We are unable to allow solo paddlers onto the river alone. However, if you are part of a group and there is an odd number of people, this is perfectly fine.
• Life jackets must be worn at all times while on the river.
• We also have a very strict alcohol policy. Please carefully read your registration form before purchasing large amounts of alcohol for your journey.

Weather Disruption

Before your journey:

• If it looks like the river may go into flood, we will contact you as soon as possible. You may then choose to postpone your journey or have your deposit refunded.
• If the river is dropping and we may be able to put you onto the river we reserve the right to wait until we are sure before we leave for your journey.

During your journey:

• If the river rises to an unsafe level during your journey, you may be required to remain on the river for an additional night until conditions improve. Should you choose to be evacuated from the river, all evacuation costs will be at your expense.

 

Camping on the River

The campsites at Ohinepane, Poukaria, Maharanui, Whakahoro, Mangapapa, Ohauora, John Coull, Mangawaiiti, Mangapurua, Tieke Kainga, and Ngaporo all have rainwater tanks, sinks, shelters, and picnic tables available for campers.

If you would like advice on the best campsites to book for your journey, please give us a call before making your bookings. Please also be aware that after rain, the campsites can become quite muddy, so suitable footwear and extra care are recommended.

The huts located along the Whanganui River are:
• Whakahoro Hut — 10 beds
• John Coull Hut — 24 beds
• Tieke Kainga Hut — 20 beds

Tieke Kainga also has a Whare Kai (dining hall).

We also offer the option of staying at a private campsite and cabin accommodation located across the river from Tieke Kainga on your final night of the journey. We are close friends with the owners, who take wonderful care of our guests. Please ask us about this unique and peaceful location, which also has hot showers available.

We can organise the booking for you directly, making the process simple and stress-free. The property is surrounded by beautiful native bush, and because of its remote location, everything must be transported in by jet boat. The property also has horses, cows, deer, and other animals roaming nearby. If you are uncomfortable around farm animals or the possibility of cow manure in the area, we recommend booking the Tieke Department of Conservation campsite instead.

Accommodation

There are many accommodation options available in the area, including bed and breakfasts and motels.

For a peaceful retreat, we recommend our two-bedroom accommodation unit — Our Home Away From Home. The unit includes a King bedroom with its own private deck overlooking the beautiful Whanganui River, along with a second bedroom that can sleep up to eight people.

For bookings or enquiries, please contact us on 0800 CANOE4U or email tmncanoehire@gmail.com