Introduction to today's journey
Today's journey departs Ohakune heading north westward to Taumaranui at the headwaters of the Whanganui River. From there we head downstream along the Forgotten World Highway to a little to a boat ramp at Ohinepane. From there we start paddling downstream following the river for thirty kilometres to the Maharanui camping ground.
Today's Journey
 |
The sun rises over Mount Ruapehu emphasising the early autumn foliage here in Ohakune. The still air here is cold. |
 |
Our canoe group departs in the early morning descending off the plateau into the rolling hills of King Country. |
 |
We descend into the misty valleys. The lowlands of the northern King Country is one of the world's most foggiest areas. |
 |
Passing Taumaranui, we follow the Forgotten World Highway and catch our first glimpses of the Whanganui River which has gained a lot of volume this far downstream from its source at Mount Tongariro. |
 |
Paddling downstream from our starting point at Ohinepane, we follow the upper reaches of the river down numerous small rapids. |
 |
Stopping for lunch at Poukaria camping ground after our first 15 kilometres of paddling. |
 |
Exploring a small ravine at Kurikau. The river and surrounding streams have cut deep into the soft volcanic ash papa. |
 |
Landing at a pebbly beach after heading down more rapids. |
 |
We head down more rapids following the river downstream carved into the volcanic ash rock. |
 |
Under the full moon light at our first camping ground at Maharanui. The camping grounds are high above the river as spectacular floods can run through here. |
|
