Day on the Whanganui river

Blazing Paddles has added a full day kayaking outing on the Whanganui River - covering 37km over seven hours. The four-hour, 21.5km option, called "Splash 'n' Dash," is still available, and you'll face 49 sets of rapids on the shorter trip, but both trips are usually unguided and considered suitable for beginners.

Your transport is a Minnow kayak. The short trip costs $50 and the day trip is $75 a person.

Both trips start at Cherry Grove in Taumarunui, and can be combined with a walk across the Tongariro Crossing or, for a weekend's adventure, mountain biking the 42 Traverse.

Trips can range from one day on both the Ongarue and Whanganui Rivers up to a five-day expedition from Taumarunui to Pipiriki.

There's also a two-day paddle option to Whakahoro to make the most of the exciting rapids on the upper reaches.

For those with limited time, launch at Cherry Grove, Taumarunui and exit at Ohinepane, with many of the 249 named rapids on this section.

Contact: Blazing Paddles freephone 0800 Blazing (0800 252 946), email mark@blazingpaddles.co.nz

Blazing Paddles