What to do and see in Manawatu-Wanganui Region, North Island: The Best Kayaking & Canoeing

Awastone Raft, Kayak Camp is set along the Rangitikei River and towering Papa Cliffs in the Lower North Island of New Zealand, central to Tongariro National Park, Whanganui, Palmerston North. Join our 30 year old family owned and operated river adventure company for fun and safe rafting or kayaking trips for families with young children and great for beginning kayakers. Our friendly team of guides host you down the river and most trips include something to eat from the Awastone's licensed cafe. Quick 2hr trips start at NZ$75, depart 3 times daily during the summer months and are a perfect adventure if you have limited time travelling along SH1. If you have more time, ask about our "stay and play" package prices, with powered sites and cosy cabins as available choices and then tag on a soak in our river view hot tub. Or for a real kiwi adventure, try our overnight rafting journey. Equipment, meals and funny stories by the evening campfire included.

Guided tours from 1 to 5 days in the Whanganui National Park. Suitable for all ages and all fitness levels. Family trips a speciality. Operating for 40 years. Easy paddling, short Walks, Maori and European history. Fantastic meals. Fully qualified guides and we are a licensed operator. Canoe and Kayak Hire is also available.

Join Whanganui River Canoes for a three - five day canoe/kayak trip on the Whanganui River. You can choose to 'do it yourself'with a freedom hire, or have our guides cater for you and show you the best spots along the river. You can meet us the night before your trip at the Raetihi Holiday Park for comfortable, affordable accommodation, or ask us about our Holiday Home if that is more your style. We will make sure you are packed, briefed and ready to go before you start the adventure of your lifetime.

Guided Walks & Shuttles - Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Tongariro Adventure Outdoors are locally owned & operated, established in 2003. We offer guided walks & adventure tours into the Tongariro National Park. Small groups, fun & qualified guides. WINTER - Guided Tongariro Alpine Crossing SUMMER - Guided tours plus our very own - Pre Dawn Shuttle - The earliest shuttle into the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Experience New Zealand's Best 1 Day Walk with us. Adventure Outdoors offer a true New Zealand experience Our tours are personalized & have flexible time schedules to suit the weather & avoid the crowds. Tours include all clothing gear & equipment.

Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip. See website for the price of accommodation on the river.

Create your own unforgettable journey down New Zealand's iconic Whanganui River. Under new management since mid 2018 we pride ourselves on offering personalised service and have recently replaced all of our canoe equipment to provide you with the newest gear for your adventure. Located in Taumarunui, Blazing Paddles offer single or multi-day Canoe and Kayak adventures as well as Jet Boat tours and Fly Fishing tours on the Whanganui River. Ranging from several hours to several days, experience the exhilaration of the rapids and the stillness of mirror pools as you paddle through the stunning scenery of the Whanganui River National Park. Why not try one of our jet boat tours with multiple options from a 2 hour trip to an all day adventure. We have accommodation on site, car shuttle services to help you get to your next destination as fast as possible and we can cater for large groups. The Blazing Paddles team are committed to giving you the best Whanganui River experience.

We are a small boutique company that has been providing a top quality experience and service on the Whanganui river for 40 plus years Whether you’re going freedom hire , our staff are all locals and are very passionate about provide a unique cultural adventure you will never forget. We have a new modern fleet of Canadian Canoes, single and double Kayaks