Introduction to today's journey
Today's journey continues down the Whanganui River, starting from Maharanui entering the remote Whanganui National Park and continuing downstream along the river's meandering gorge to our destination at Ohauora.
Today's Journey
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After overnight rain, thick mist hangs over the forested hills. We set off in the early morning continuing downstream into Whanganui National Park down the increasingly spectacular canyon. |
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We eventually reach Mangapapa Campsite where we stop for lunch. |
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Other canoes pass us having started a few kilometres upstream at Whakahoro. They are heading towards John Coull Hut tonight - further downstream than what we are heading. |
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The gorge here is amazing with ferns clinging to the cliffs under the spectacular forest. |
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View downstream to our canoes and our passage through Ohei Rapid before winding through the hills. |
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We continue downstream after lunch as intermittent rain falls. Fortunately there are few rapids today and progress is gentle. |
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Despite the very rugged terrain with near vertical vegetation covered banks rising over a hundred metres on either side, the journey down the river is very relaxing. |
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Eventually we reach tonight's camp at Ohauora. Here we beach the canoes and set up camp at the nearby camping ground. |
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There is a significant rapid to start off tomorrow. The hills here are lower than in the gorge upstream, but we are in a remote area in the middle of the national park. |
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After dinner we are rewarded with a spectacular sunset over the river as we turn in having paddled 60 kilometres in two days, now half way to our end at Pipiriki. |
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