CLIMB TONGARIRO & PADDLE THE WHANGANUI – NEW ZEALAND

This challenging trip begins at 1120 m following a well-formed boardwalk in a gradual climb through the Mangatepōpō Valley. The initial 5.4 kilometres share the track with the Soda Springs Walk. Soda Springs Walk is an easy 2 hr return is a good option for those who may not have the fitness to attempt the more challenging parts of the crossing.

At the end of the valley the track increases in difficulty, with a steady climb of around 350 m up a staircase to a short plateau in South Crater.

The climb resumes with the ascent to Red Crater, the highest point in the Crossing at 1886 m.

A steep descent on volcanic rock scree brings walkers to the vivid Ngā Rotopounamu-Emerald Lakes.

Loose rocks and stones on the steep slopes of Red Crater present a major slip hazard. Walkers are advised to take extra time and care.

The track continues past Blue Lake – Te Wai Whakaata o Te Rangihīroa (Rangihīroa’s mirror) and begins the long descent of the Northern slopes. The zig-zag descent includes many steps which can present difficulties for those with weaker knees.

Enjoy the magnificent views over Lake Rotoaira and Lake Taupō before descending further into lush forest. The track ends at Ketetahi Road at an altitude of 760 m.

Be prepared for a long and challenging day out and be rewarded with stunning vistas and experien

Day One on the Whanganui leads us into the gorge, which starts to narrow as we leave the last road access point behind at Whakahoro.

We pass Laceys and Wade’s landings and several old Maori Kaianga. Later in the morning, we pass Mangapapa campsite, Man of War Bluff and Kirikiriroa where the river does a huge horseshoe turn past the Verandah, the Whirlpool and down to Tamatea’s Cave and a lunch stop at Ohauora campsite.

There is plenty of time for stops with safe places to get out and swim.

We set up camp for our overnight at Ohauora campsite.

Once we’ve had breakfast and packed up camp, we hit the river early. It’s a stunning morning paddle down the straightest part of the river and through another vertical gorge before stopping at John Coull campsite for morning tea.

Back on the water, we pass the confluence of the Tangarakau and Whangamomona rivers, Mangawaiiti campsite, and the Otumangu landing – one of the post-WW1 farming settlements. We then start to see the first pine trees since Whakahoro (planted by the early settlers), before stopping at the Mangapurua campsite for an afternoon break. We leave the canoes behind and walk to the Bridge to Nowhere (45 min each way) for expansive views from the bridge high above the river.

If it’s a warm day we can wash off in the river, before paddling the final 1.5 hours down to Ramanui campsite. As we pull into the river bank, dinner and hot showers await at Ramanui Campground. There’s the option to upgrade to sleeping in a cabin if you like (pre-bookings only).

After breakfast, we leave the canoes behind and take a walk to the Bridge to Nowhere (45 min each way) for expansive views from the bridge high above the river.

If it’s a warm day we can wash off in the river, before paddling the last 1.5hrs down to Ramanui campsite, stopping for a short walk at Tangahoe landing to the Tangahoe waterfall.

As we pull into the river bank, dinner and hot showers await at Ramanui Campground. There’s the option to upgrade to sleeping in a cabin if you like (pre-bookings only).

After breakfast, we start paddling and pass the Kahura landing and one of the locations for the filming of “River Queen”.

It is another hour’s paddle through the steep gorge until the river cascades through Ngaporo rapid and past the Mangaio stream and Mangaio rock where several of the early eyebolts can still be seen that were winching points for the riverboats.

From here it’s downstream to Pururoto Caves and past to the legendary Autapu rapid for lunch.

From Autapu there are several small rapids before the Paparoa rapids swing the canoes past the old eel traps and down to the end of our journey and the landing at Pipiriki. Once we’ve packed the boats and climbed into clean clothes, it’s a one-hour drive on our bus back to Ohakune.

We check into our accommodation before our farewell dinner in the town, swapping stories of adventure and sowing the seeds for the next one. We’ll find a local alehouse to take our tired bodies on a journey deep into the night.

After breakfast we checkout, before the bus departs for the airport, ready to start your journey home.