In New Zealand there are 9 "Great Walks", one of which is actually a canoe/kayak trip 145 km down the Whanganui River. I just completed this trip and would recommend it to anyone. It was beautiful, peaceful, and a fun way to see so much of Whanganui National Park.
For anyone interested in logistics, we did the following route, which seemed about right in terms of distances per day:
There were other campsites we could have stayed at and some even had huts. The only place I'd not recommend is Whakahoro, because the walk from the boat launch to the campsite was FAR. Otherwise, the trip itself was easy, as long as you're comfortable getting your canoe tipped in rapids. My canoe managed this twice. Every site has toilets, water, and a shelter with a counter and picnic table, so even though you're in in the wilderness, it feels like something in-between car camping and backpacking.
For a video produced by the Dept of Conservation, check this out.
For anyone interested in logistics, we did the following route, which seemed about right in terms of distances per day:
- Taumarunui to Ohinepane (22km)
- Ohinepane to Whakahoro (35km)
- Whakahoro to Ohauora (27 km)
- Ohauora to Mangapurua (29 km)
- Mangapurua to Pipiriki (31 km)
There were other campsites we could have stayed at and some even had huts. The only place I'd not recommend is Whakahoro, because the walk from the boat launch to the campsite was FAR. Otherwise, the trip itself was easy, as long as you're comfortable getting your canoe tipped in rapids. My canoe managed this twice. Every site has toilets, water, and a shelter with a counter and picnic table, so even though you're in in the wilderness, it feels like something in-between car camping and backpacking.
For a video produced by the Dept of Conservation, check this out.