Accommodation before your Whanganui River canoe journey

We have onsite accommodation for up to eight people in two bunkrooms and with shared toilet, shower facilities and fully self-contained kitchen, which includes a full stove/oven. Each bedroom can sleep up to four in two single beds/bunks and one double bed. Normally we put only one couple per bunkroom, if they are not part of the same group. This accommodation is ideal for those travelling from Auckland or Wellington the night before and arriving late before they start on the Whanganui River canoe or kayak trip the next day. Normally, most people are back at our depot between 3 and 5 pm, depending on the numbers being collected, and how busy it is on the Pipipiriki boat ramp, but some choose to stay another night after their trip.

Rates are $25 per person per night or $60 per bedroom (sleeping up to 4).

This accommodation is available all year round and is only 40 minutes from the Top of the Bruce.

Camping

For those who wish to tent only, OR stay in standard cabins, we recommend (*links will open in new browser window):

Taumarunui Holiday Park +64 (0) 7 895 9345

 

Other accommodation providers:

Alexandra Spa Motel +64 7 895 8501

Awarua Lodge +64 7 896 8100

Central Park Motor Inn +64 (0)7 895 7133

Le Cornu Farms +64(0) 7 896 8901

Fernleaf Bed and Breakfast + 64 (0) 7 895 4847 or 0800 FERNLEAF (0800 337653)

Kellys Motels +64 (0)7 895 8175

Mahoe Motel +64 (0)7 896 6688

Twin Rivers Motel +64(0) 7 895 8063

Forest Lodge +64(0) 7 895 4773

Owhango Hotel +64 (0) 7 895 4854

Skipost +64 (0) 7 895 4846

Accommodation on the Whanganui River

There are only campsites on the Taumarunui to Whakahoro section of the Whanganui River, with the John Coull Hut and Tieke Marae being supplemented by campsites.

There is a DOC hut at Whakahoro, but it is sleeping only with separate cooking shelters outside - and long drops. But why do it hard! If your budget allows we definitely recommend you think about staying at the Whio Lodge. Dan and his team will pick you up at the boat ramp and transport all your gear up to the lodge, and then back down again in the morning. This is bound to become one of the most popular options on the river for those wanting a bit of luxury in the middle of their four or five day trip.

John Coull Hut has gas rings to cook on, but canoeists must take their own pots, plates and eating utensils. There is a campsite approximately every two hours after Ohinepane, each having a shelter that serves as a water catcher, and a toilet. Each campsite has storage for about 5000 litres of fresh water that does not need purifying. It is not possible to freedom camp beside the Whanganui River and a DOC Facilities User Pass must be purchased from Blazing Paddles before going on the river. It is not possible to book a bed in the DOC huts and at the Tieke Marae.

The private Ramanui Campsite opposite Tieke Marae has a 6-bed hut, or campsites. The hut can be booked directly with the Bridge to Nowhere Lodge at the number below.

The private Bridge to Nowhere Lodge offers lodge accommodation, which can be booked, immediately opposite Tieke Marae. Bookings direct to 0800 480 308.