Things to do in Manawatu-Wanganui Region, North Island: The Best Boat Tours & Water Sports

Awastone Raft, Kayak Camp is set along the Rangitikei River and towering Papa Cliffs in the Lower North Island of New Zealand, central to Tongariro National Park, Whanganui, Palmerston North. Join our 30 year old family owned and operated river adventure company for fun and safe rafting or kayaking trips for families with young children and great for beginning kayakers. Our friendly team of guides host you down the river and most trips include something to eat from the Awastone's licensed cafe. Quick 2hr trips start at NZ$75, depart 3 times daily during the summer months and are a perfect adventure if you have limited time travelling along SH1. If you have more time, ask about our "stay and play" package prices, with powered sites and cosy cabins as available choices and then tag on a soak in our river view hot tub. Or for a real kiwi adventure, try our overnight rafting journey. Equipment, meals and funny stories by the evening campfire included.

River Valley is an adventure company that operates from River Valley Lodge, an Adventure Lodge situated 32 kilometers east of the central North Island town of Taihape. What is River Valley all about? River Valley is all about rafts and horses. In fact 3 generations (since 1982)of guides have brought adventures based around river rafting and horse back riding to the general public. Rafting ranges in duration from half day Grade 5 trips on the Rangitikei River - often called one of the world's top half day Grade 5 trips - to gentle floats in the midst of spectacular scenery on our Scenic rafting trips. Horse Trekking. The core of the River Valley Stables riding experience is the natural horse training techniques used to train our horses. This produces horses that are responsive and happy. All riding takes place over the beautiful hill country of this area - the northern Rangitikei.

Guided tours from 1 to 5 days in the Whanganui National Park. Suitable for all ages and all fitness levels. Family trips a speciality. Operating for 40 years. Easy paddling, short Walks, Maori and European history. Fantastic meals. Fully qualified guides and we are a licensed operator. Canoe and Kayak Hire is also available.

Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip. See website for the price of accommodation on the river.

Join Whanganui River Canoes for a three - five day canoe/kayak trip on the Whanganui River. You can choose to 'do it yourself'with a freedom hire, or have our guides cater for you and show you the best spots along the river. You can meet us the night before your trip at the Raetihi Holiday Park for comfortable, affordable accommodation, or ask us about our Holiday Home if that is more your style. We will make sure you are packed, briefed and ready to go before you start the adventure of your lifetime.

Forgotten World Adventures is the leading adventure provider into a rural area of the North Island of New Zealand known as the Forgotten World. Fully guided tours in unique Rail Carts operate along 140km of a disused railway line. We can combine this railway experience with a helicopter flight over the Whanganui National Park to the Bridge to Nowhere and an exhilarating jet boat ride up the Whanganui River. On each part of your journey, you will learn of the history and stories of the Forgotten World from our knowledgable local guides.

Guided Walks & Shuttles - Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Tongariro Adventure Outdoors are locally owned & operated, established in 2003. We offer guided walks & adventure tours into the Tongariro National Park. Small groups, fun & qualified guides. WINTER - Guided Tongariro Alpine Crossing SUMMER - Guided tours plus our very own - Pre Dawn Shuttle - The earliest shuttle into the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Experience New Zealand's Best 1 Day Walk with us. Adventure Outdoors offer a true New Zealand experience Our tours are personalized & have flexible time schedules to suit the weather & avoid the crowds. Tours include all clothing gear & equipment.

Whanganui’s most authentic river experience. Step aboard Motor Vessel WAIRUA and be transported back in time to 1904, the height of the Whanganui riverboat era. Join our Upokongaro Village Cruise and head up the Whanganui River to Upokongaro, a classic New Zealand village with dining options and a beautifully restored historic church. Departing 11:00am Tuesday to Saturday. 3.5 hours duration including lunch stop. Adult $40 Child $15 Family (2+2) $95 Book on 0800 WAIRUA

Mountain biking is a must do activity for anyone visiting Tongariro National Park. My Kiwi Adventure offers mountain bike rental and shuttle packages for all trails within the region including Fishers Track, the Ohakune Old Coach Road, 42 Traverse, Bridge to Nowhere, the Timber Trail and much more. From beginners to experts, My Kiwi Adventure can put together a mountain biking itinerary to suit. My Kiwi Adventure also offers New Zealand's highest guided Stand Up Paddle Board experience at 616 metres above sea level. This tour provides some of the best views Tongariro National Park has to offer. Lastly, if you're looking for transport options to explore the region, our shuttle service makes your visit to Tongariro National Park easy.

Joe and Mandy invite you to join us at Bridge to Nowhere for your complete Whanganui River experience - Jet boat tours to the Bridge to Nowhere - Unique lodge accommodation in the Whanganui National Park - Canoe trips to untouched parts of the river - Transport for trampers & mountain bikers to and from Whanganui National Park - Mountains to Sea - Mountain bike the Mangapurua track section. Accommodation & transport packages available. Jet Boat Tours Departing from Pipiriki, our tours to the Bridge to Nowhere run daily. BTN Lodge and Campground Unique river accommodation located deep in the Whanganui National Park wilderness region. Mountain Biking The Mangapurua / Bridge to Nowhere Track. Part of the Mountain to Sea cycle trail, a fantastic one or two day trip. Canoeing Combine a stay at the lodge & tour to the Bridge to Nowhere with canoeing the River. Tramping Trek through the Whanganui National Park including the Matemateaonga and Bridge to Nowhere tracks.