Canoeing on the Whanganui

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Left Napier in a more mundane form of transport - our campervan. Lovely quiet road skirting the Tongariro National Park. Great views of the volcano and seems like only yesterday that we were doing the Tongariro Crossing (not 5 years ago!). Although the weather is hot - 30 degrees - there was snow on the mountain tops.

Now heading for Pipiriki along a narrow road bounded by a deep gorge. Lyn driving and fortunately didn't meet any traffic. On the way we noticed several little areas where we could pull off the road for an overnight free camp. However we needed to find the Whanganui River Adventure HQ so pressed on. So glad we did as they have a beautiful flat small campsite just above the river and surrounded by tree ferns - only one other camper there. Josephine & Ken are the owners and made us feel very welcome. We set up, bbq'd and had an early night Ready for the next day's canoeing. All was pitch black but the night sky was full of thousands of stars which were so bright and seemed so close - a true matchbox moment.

Next morning up bright and early then down to the river to board the jet boat, driven by Ken, which would take us up the river 36km as far as the path to the Bridge to Nowhere! On the way Ken described the history of the river and the steamers that provided the only way into this part of NZ. His father had farmed up river and Josephine's family had captained the steamers. We walked to the Bridge which had been built by 4 men in 1.5 years in 1936 but the road to it was never finished hence the Bridge to Nowhere (Ken informed us that there is also a Bridge to Somewhere!). Had a spot of lunch then back to the jet boat for a couple of high speed spins before being dropped off to canoe back to Pipiriki. Ken had pointed out the rapids on the way up so we had some idea what to expect!

We set off at a nice sedate pace through the gorge in absolute silence, the only noise being the sound of the rapids as we approached. First 2 no probs next was the 50/50 rapid so named because there was a 50% chance of getting through it! We put everything in the watertight container which was just as well as two thirds of the way through it the boat got swamped by a big wave and we capsized. Tricky getting to the bank as you have to hang on to your paddle and canoe but we made it - great adrenalin rush and great fun. There are no photos as luckily the camera had been stowed away! Emptied the canoe and continued down through the gorge. 3 hours canoeing had flashed by - fantastic fun.

Back to the campsite for a well earned glass of wine. We had hoped to hook up with The Boys (friends of Brian & Gytha who we had met at Napier) but as no signal or wifi in this remote mountainous area we we're not able to get hold of anyone.

Next we move on south wards to Wellington where we will be catching the Interisland ferry to South Island.

Lol

Lyn & Tony

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Photos

Our campsite at Pipiriki
This is rush hour

Room with a view
Still rush hour

Lyn with half a Waka
Waka is a Maori canoe - hope ours isn't so big!

Canoeing before the rapids
Guess who's doing the paddling

Leaving the mountains
Whanganui River below us

Comments

[Mike and Maggs]

Pipiriki
Great stuff - you are well off the beaten track - we visited relatives at nearby Wanganui but didn't get into the back country like you intrepid explorers

[Rod & Gill]

So glad you are having such a brilliant trip the photos are great shame you had to leave the Bentley behind!!!!!

[Jane Milne]

heading to the best bits ;-)
Hi, enjoying reading your blog :) Glad to see you heading down to the South Island now, lots more adventures ahead. You would be most welcome to visit or stay with us in Oamaru when you get this far, we understand that you have many cool things planned, but if you have time to stop in our wee town it is quite different to anywhere else in NZ. Landline [phone], mobile [phone]. You would be welcome to stay, we can do beds and showers and laundry done :) Of course if Oamaru doesn't fit with your plans, then we won't be offended lol. Looking forward to your next update, Jane and Andrew.

[caroline]

Loving all the pictures,it looks fantastic. All well with dulcie and I showed her the pictures xxxx