Located in the southwest of the North Island of New Zealand is the Whanganui National Park. Covering a total land area of 742 km², this park is one of the smallest in the country and is based around the famous Whanganui River. Established in 1986 as a key sanctuary for many indigenous plants, birds and insects in the area, this park also protects a major portion of lowland native forest in the North Island.

While the Whanganui River is not part of this national park, many tourists and visitors come here to enjoy canoeing, kayaking and jet boating on this river. The Whanganui National Park can be accessed from the nearby towns of Taumarunui, Wanganui, Pipiriki, Phinepane and Whakahoro. A great place to information aobut this incredible national park is from the visitor’s center at Wanganui. However, there are also Department of Conservation office in Pipiriki and Taumarunui.

One of the main attractions in this national park is the excellent tramping opportunities on hand. The best track to go tramping has to be the 40 minute walk from the Mangapurua Landing to the Bridge to Nowhere. The Matemateaonga and the Mangapurua Tracks are both excellent for long tramps. The Matemateaonga Track is around 42 km long and can be completed on four days and is described by many as one of the best walks in New Zealand. The Mangapurua Track is around 40 km long and run along the Mangapurua and Kaiwhakauka streams.

While you are in this national park another excellent activity to enjoy is canoeing and kayaking. The Whanganui River is a Grade II river and offers some great canoeing and kayking for people of all ages. The most popular section of the river lies between Taumarunui and Pipiriki and has been added to the New Zealdn Great Walks list and is known as the Whanganui Journey. The best time to canoe or kayak here is from September to Easter, when the weather is great. There are plenty of canoe or kayak rentals in the area with operators providing you with all the necessary gear.

Jetboating is also popular in the Whanganui River, letting you explore the river in a matter of hours, rather than canoeing down it for days.