Two days of canoeing excitement

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 269, 22 December 1988, Page 3

Two days of canoeing excitement

Most canoc trips in the Ruapehu area are three to five days but this year there are two day river adventures available. These trips offer eii ther an introduction to canoeing or short, exciting rapid running. One available is a trip on the Wanganui

from Taumarunui to Whakahoro. The stretch is described as having easy and enjoyable whitewater interspersed with long gentle reaches. Scenery is farmland and native forest. A feature of the trip is the paying of respects to the Taniwha, Tutangatakino as

the canoeists pass the reputed home of the legendary monster. Canoeing the Rangitikei River in the Mangaweka area makes up another two day trip. The water here is more challenging and exciting than the Wanganui but still suitable for beginners.

Rapids on the lower Manganui a Te Ao offer very exciting canoeing for those who have some canoeing experience as well as fit and water confident beginners. Largely due to the inaccessibility of the area the river has lost none of its wild and

scenic qualities. The river provides an ideal habitat for a variety of wildlife including the whio, or blue duck. This trip finishes at Pipiriki after canoeing out onto the Wanganui River. These trips are offered by Canoe Safaris, based in Ohakune, and

there are others available. Check with travel agents and information centres for details. A fishing rod is worth taking on most of the canoe trips in the central North Island, with some offering healthy population of rainbow and brown trout.