Whanganui National Park is rich in both Māori and European history. 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 Mangapurua cycle trail to the Bridge to Nowhere, or to ticking a bucket list must-do on a canoe safari down the river on NZ 'Great Walk' on water on the Whanganui Journey.
With its birth as an alpine stream high on Mount Tongariro in the Tongariro National Park, the origin of the Whanganui River gathers waters from both Mount Ngāuruhoe and Mount Ruapehu, before descending through the Central Volcanic Plateau towards Taumarunui. It collects tributary from over 7382 square kilometres of the watershed to eventually turn southward and become the mighty Whanganui River. As the longest navigable river in New Zealand, it traverses over 200km of countryside in its winding journey through the Whanganui National Park to eventually meet the Tasman Sea.
Jet boating, canoeing, kayaking, biking, and hiking – there are so many wonderful ways to journey through Whanganui National Park all year-round.
