The Whanganui National Park is the place to go if you want to enjoy a beautiful natural bush and river environment offering sightseeing, walking tramping canoeing kayaking, cycling etc
The Whanganui River winds its way from the mountains through the many hills and valleys. Lowland forest surrounds the river in its middle and lower reaches – the heart of Whanganui National Park.
The park is located in the central North Island with the township of Taumarunui to the north and Wanganui to the south. The small towns of Pipiriki, Ohinepane, and Whakahoro are main gateways to the river itself.
The Whanganui National Park is rich in both Maori and European history and Maori culture is an important part of the park experience.
Anchored by the mighty Whanganui River, the area boasts a variety of family friendly and adventure fuelled activities to suit everyone. From hiking the single and multi-day walks, to riding back in time on the singularly unique Bridge to Nowhere cycle trail, or ticking a bucket list must-do in a Canoe safari down the Whanganui River on NZ ‘Great Walk’ the Whanganui Journey.
Roads lead into the park from all directions. Some give access to main track systems, others directly to the river. There are regular bus services to Taumarunui and Wanganui. A number of companies run on demand shuttles to the start of tracks and organise car shuttles for people canoeing the river.
There are tramping tracks through wild lowland forests and you can enjoy river trips by canoe, kayak or jetboat
