Our operators are passionate people who do the mahi not just to put kai (food) on the table for their whanau (family), but to preserve, protect and carry out duties as kaitiaki (stewards) of our whenua (land), awa (river) and maungā (mountain) so they are still here for next generations and those yet to come.
Visiting our rohe provides the opportunity to connect with both the physical and spiritual environment of Te Awa Tupua and surrounding area in all its essence, of serenity, solitude, manaakitanga (hospitality) and culture.
Before accessing private land and or communities it is helpful to understand generic protocols, particularly our Marae, this will help guide you :
- Permission is required before accessing Marae and or Urupa (cemetery).
- Permission is required before taking photos in some communities.
- Please do not just wonder on Marae when there is large gathering present.
- Nearest Service Station approximately 98 km from beginning River Road.
MANOWHENUA LODGE
Looking for somewhere to relax after a day on the ski field, need to put your feet up after walking the Tongariro Crossing, or taking a day to recover from your adventures in the Central Plateau, nestled in our beautiful small village, National Park,
Manowhenua Lodge is just the place for you!
WHANGANUI RIVER ADVENTURES
Get off the beaten track and explore the natural & untouched Whanganui River on one of our Jet Boat or Canoe Tours. Be immersed in our local indigenous Māori & Pre-European culture by local river people. For a truly unique experience and memory.
Join us on a tour of a lifetime!
OWHANGO ADVENTURES
Owhango Adventures should be your first choice to Canoe the Whanganui River, one of the longest navigable rivers in New Zealand. We are one of a few DOC (Department of Conservation) authorised and licensed operators on the Whanganui River.
At Owhango Adventures we tick all the boxes
RIVERTIME LODGE
Expect a warm welcome, a good nights rest, and a quiet and relaxed atmosphere. Rivertime Lodge is nestled on an idyllic spot on the riverbank of the scenic Whanganui River road. We are situated along the Mountain to Sea cycle trail and the Te Araroa Great Walk.
You are on river time.
TAUMARUNUI HOLIDAY PARK
We’re an outdoor all-seasons playground – located in the heart of the spectacular Central Plateau, Taumarunui Holiday Park is the ideal base for all the many activities this largely untamed wilderness offers. We are a small and friendly Park, ideally located by the Whanganui River!
Do it ALL from here!
TE AO HOU MARAE
Te Ao Hou Marae is in the quiet but beautiful Aramoho, a short drive just outside of the main city centre. Easily accessible and perched on the idilic banks of the Whanganui River, the marae is dedicated to serving the needs of our people as wee as being inclusive of the Community.
Nau mai haere mai!
UNIQUE WHANGANUI RIVER EXPERIENCE
We’ll guide you through the heart of the Whanganui River, places inaccessible by land, and you’ll get a taste of the great food, history and culture of the river – memories that will stay with you forever. This is a unique educational and immersive experience on the beautiful and peaceful Whanganui river.
WHANGANUI RIVER HUNTING & FOOD FESTIVAL
We are getting our people back onto the whenua through hunting, gathering and food festival. Each year a new marae connected to the Whanganui river will have the opportunity to hold this event for their whānau and hapū as well as their community. Hunting, connecting people to the whenua!
MATAHIWI CAFÉ AND ROADSIDE CABINS
You must come and experience it. The magic of our awa, the early morning mist sweeping amidst fall leaves, sunsets & sunrises like you have never experienced. Our cabins are humble and cosy. Drop by our kid-friendly cafe to try our delicious food and coffee.
Hope to see you soon!
WHANGANUI RIVER TOURS
The Whanganui River Journey allows you to relax your senses, unwind and fully immerse yourself in the natural beauties of our river, our land and our people. We endeavour to provide the highest quality experience second to none, this can only be experienced here. Our river, our land and our people.
WHANGANUI SCENIC EXPERIENCE
Experience guided jet boat tours on the breathtaking Whanganui River. Based at our family farm on the banks of the River, come learn the stories, history, rich culture and experiences on our Whanganui River Tours, and visit unforgettable places with the most spectacular scenery. Let us share the river with you.
Hiruhārama Lodge Accommodation
If you’re looking for a place to take time out and reflect we are confident you will find your peace in Hiruhārama/Jerusalem. Nestled in a remote green valley beside the quiet waters of the Whanganui River. Contact Zena Hough, Manager.
Email: old.convent@compassion.org.nz
Phone: 06 342 8190
WHANGANUI TOURS
Tracy, Linda and our team are locals and travel the Whanganui River Road daily, delivering the Rural Mail. We offer a unique Scenic Mail Run & Bridge to Nowhere Tours. We have Cycle Trail tour combinations including fully supported Mountains to Sea – Nga Ara Tūhono adventures, river journeys …and more. We work with locals across the region, and bring our knowledge borne of our whakapapa to the area and bountiful manaakitanga to share.
Email: Whanganui.tours@gmail.com
Phone: 06 3444 918