S01E14 Te Araroa | Days 59-63: The Whanganui River

Te Araroa is a very unique long distance hiking trail because parts of it can only be completed by kayak or canoe. Detours around these sections will take you off the official trail, and after 1200km it's understandable one would want to be a purist.

That means canoeing at least 3 (but more often 5) days down the Whanganui River.

The Whanganui River was given legal personhood in early 2017, only the second region in New Zealand to be granted this status (after Te Urewera). At over 290km it is New Zealand's longest river, and I canoed the final 150km as part of Te Araroa. Maori legend says the river valley was formed when Taranaki left the central plateau (after losing his love, Pihanga, to the mighty Tongariro) splitting the land open on his journey to the west coast where he now sits.

The river has been a major communication route in New Zealand since it was settled, first by Maori and later Europeans, primarily for travel to the central North Island. A regular steam boat service started in 1892, eventually running to Taumarunui where it connected with northern rail and coach services, connecting Whanganui to Auckland. Unfortunately its utility as a major transportation route dwindled after completion of the Main Trunk railway in 1908/9.

Despite my initial fears, the Whanganui River section of Te Araroa was hands down one of my favourites. The beautiful scenery coupled with the untouched nature of the Whanganui National Park were unlike anything i've ever experienced before. Learning a new skill (namely how to pilot a canoe through white water and rapids) and bonding with Dad were unexpected bonuses.

In true Te Araroa fashion, though, the journey became much more difficult (and even treacherous) where the Whanganui Journey ends and Te Araroa picks up at Pipiriki. Watch on to see the saga unfold in full.

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Видео S01E14 Te Araroa | Days 59-63: The Whanganui River канала Long White Gypsy