1. Home
  2. Oceania
  3. New Zealand
  4. Whanganui River Adventure
Map of Whanganui River Adventure including New Zealand

Level up with this unique North Island active escape

King Country in New Zealand is a land of picturesque landscapes, perfectly fit for the noble explorer. So, spend five days in the wilds of the Whanganui on an adventure deep in the country’s North Island. What follows is a journey through handcut tunnels, past overflowing lavender farms, through ancient fern forests and up fertile rivers to the Valley of Abandoned Dreams. Add some thrill-seeking activities, comfortable motel-style accommodation and a host of outdoor inclusions, and you’ve got yourself an action-packed tour of north western New Zealand that’s well past the tourist brochure. It may well be the king – or queen – of them all.

Lock it in for £99

Don't wait - plan your next people and planet-friendly adventure with just £99* this March. Offer ends March 31.

Terms & Conditions
Start
Taupo, New Zealand
Finish
New Plymouth, New Zealand
Destination
New Zealand
Style
Original
Theme
Explorer
Code
PHSF
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Learn of a land dubbed the 'Forgotten World' on a rail cart experience near Taumarunui, passing through handcut brick tunnels to rolling countryside and fields of lavender.

  • Get your adrenaline pumping with a fast-paced jet boat ride to the Mangapurua Landing, swapping the thrills for curious tales of the Valley of Abandoned Dreams on a guided hike to the Bridge to Nowhere.

  • Canoeing down the Whanganui River without any rush or hurry gives you the power to choose your own pace.

  • The scenery of New Zealand’s North Island begs for more than just a happy snap. Consider your options to hike through forests and waterfalls in your spare time, and get up close and personal with a leader-led walk at Mt Taranaki.

Is this trip right for you?

  • No canoeing experience is needed for the downstream paddle. The local guides will help you to perfect the technique, however you will need a basic level of fitness in order to enjoy the journey.

  • Please ensure you consult your local government’s advice regarding domestic travel prior to booking this trip.

Travellers canoeing down river
PHSF - Forgotten World Adventures - Underground Tunnel Rail Cart Tour
PHSF - The Bridge to Nowhere in Whanganui NP
View of Whanganui river and mountains
PHSF - Tunnel Rail Cart Tour - Lavender Field
PHSF - Pipiriki - People on canoe adventure
PHSF - Views of Whanganui River
PHSF - View of the Church Jerusalem
PHSF - Forgotten World Adventures - Tunnel Rail Cart Tour

Itinerary
Expand All Collapse All

Kia ora – welcome to Taupo! Right in the centre of New Zealand’s North Island, the town sits on the banks of Lake Taupo and is a perfect starting point for your adventure. Meet your leader and fellow travel crew at 10 am this morning – more details can be found in the ‘Joining Point Instructions’ of your Essential Trip Information. After a quick meeting, head to Pureora Village and Forest Park, learning about the local history and its logging past. With an abundance of ferns and centuries’ old trees here, you’ll feel you’ve escaped to the wilderness already! Head back up to Lake Taupo for an optional picnic lunch on its banks before heading south with your group to Taumarunui. Set near the junction of the Whanganui and Taringamotu rivers, Taumarunui is your base for tonight, and you’ve got a free evening to enjoy the town at your leisure. Perhaps ask your leader for their restaurant recommendations.
Accommodation
  • Motel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Pureora - Village & Forest Walk
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting in the hotel lobby today at 10am as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time, and then head out of town right away. Please see the Essential Trip Information for details. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent know. We recommend you spend a night in Taupo before the start of your trip.

Rise and shine for an early start this morning – you’re off to the Forgotten World! These former railway tracks take you along 40 kilometres of the 'Forgotten World Railway', through ten incredible hand built brick tunnels; one of them over 1.5 kilometres in length. Ride on custom built rail carts through dense native bushlands and past stunning hilly outcrops – you’ll soon realise that this region definitely lives up to its name as King Country. Arrive in Tokirima, where a delicious ploughman’s lunch and home baked goods await your group. After lunch, board a minibus, which will take you via the acclaimed Lauren’s Lavender Farm. Awaken the senses walking through the fields of purple (seasonal). Next head to Ohakune at the foot of Tongariro National Park. Keep an eye out for the big carrot on the way into town – you won’t miss it! Once arrived, there’s the option to hike to Waitonga Falls if you’re feeling up to it (approximately 1.5 hours total). Otherwise, take the afternoon to rest and relax.
Accommodation
  • Motel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Forgotten World - Rail Carts Tour
  • Forgotten World - Ploughman’s Lunch
  • Forgotten World - Lavender Farm Visit
Optional Activities
  • Ohakune - Waitonga Falls Hike - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Another early morning calls for some adrenaline pumping action. Travel up the Whanganui River on an exhilarating jetboat rapids ride to Mangapurua Landing, passing by pristine forests and deep gorges full of ferns. Once arrived, disembark the boat and begin a guided walk to the Bridge to Nowhere, the gateway to the so-called ‘Valley of Abandoned Dreams’. You’ll learn all about the history of the valley and the tales that surround this mysterious region and tragic period of New Zealand history. Sit back and soak in your flourishing surroundings. Hop back into the jetboat for another short ride, then slow things down for the next part of your journey – a leisurely canoe back down the Whanganui River towards Pipiriki. After a safety briefing and some paddling tips, board your 2-person canoe and leave the rest of the world behind you as you float past stunning scenery, stopping off as you wish at points of interest along the way. Your guide will be on hand to share why this river is so significant to the Maori people. Head back to Ohakune for the night
Accommodation
  • Motel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Whanganui National Park - Bridge to Nowhere Walk
  • Whanganui National Park - Jetboat Ride
  • Whanganui National Park - Downstream Canoe Paddle
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
The total walking time at the Bridge to Nowhere will be approximately 1.5 hours. The downstream canoe ride will take about 2 hours. If you would prefer not to paddle or the conditions do not allow it, you can opt for another jet boat transfer, in which case there will be some time to wait in Pipiriki.

This morning continue to Whanganui, set at the mouth of the Whanganui River. Stop off in Putiki and pay a visit to one of the country’s most beautiful churches where you’ll admire its intricate Maori tukutuku (weavings) and learn about its layered history. Settle into your accommodation then set out to explore Whanganui on an orientation walk with your leader. One of New Zealand’s oldest towns, Whanganui is dotted with heritage buildings, natural wonders and artistic touches. The rest of the afternoon is free for your own explorations.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Whanganui - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Whanganui - Putiki Church
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

After breakfast this morning, swing by the popular Kai Iwi Beach to marvel at its soaring cliffs and rugged beauty, well known for its unusual drift wood. Then it’s time to get back on the road with the epic Mt Taranaki (also known under its colonial name Mt Egmont) in your sights. Watch the peak loom larger in the horizon, and once arrived at its base, take a leader-led walk on the slopes with your group. Continue your drive to New Plymouth, where your adventure finishes on arrival. With no activities planned after this, you are free to leave the group, either continuing your own adventure or beginning your homeward journey.
Included Activities
  • Mt Taranaki National Park - Dawson Falls Walk
  • Whanganui - Kai Iwi Beach
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Arrival into New Plymouth will be at around 5pm. Please take this into consideration when booking onward transport. If you would like to spend more time discovering New Plymouth, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

4 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Transport

Private vehicle, Canoe, Jet Boat, Rail Cart

Accommodation

Motel (3 nights), Hotel (1 night)

Included activities

  • Pureora - Village & Forest Walk
  • Forgotten World - Rail Carts Tour
  • Forgotten World - Ploughman’s Lunch
  • Forgotten World - Lavender Farm Visit
  • Whanganui National Park - Bridge to Nowhere Walk
  • Whanganui National Park - Jetboat Ride
  • Whanganui National Park - Downstream Canoe Paddle
  • Whanganui - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Whanganui - Putiki Church
  • Mt Taranaki National Park - Dawson Falls Walk
  • Whanganui - Kai Iwi Beach

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Whanganui River Adventure trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

Prices may go up, so secure your trip today!
Jump to a departure month

Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 1, 2 and 3 (Motel) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

2.This trip will begin on Day 1 at 10 am at the Taupō hotel.

3. The trip concludes at 5 pm on Day 5.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

Reviews

Go to dates