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Whanganui National Park

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Overview

The Whanganui River winds its way from the mountains to the Tasman Sea through countless hills and valleys. Lowland forest surrounds the river in its middle and lower reaches - the heart of Whanganui National Park.

Address: Whanganui National park, Parinui Manawatu, Whanganui 4696

Phone: view phone+64 6 349 2100

Website: http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/national-parks/w
hanganui/

Description

The Whanganui River winds its way from the mountains to the Tasman Sea through countless hills and valleys. Lowland forest surrounds the river in its middle and lower reaches - the heart of Whanganui National Park (established in 1986). Tramping tracks through wild lowland forests and river trips down the mighty Whanganui are popular activities. The area has a unique history and Maori culture is an important part of the park experience. Wāhi tapu and wāhi taonga Wāhi tapu (sacred places) and wāhi taonga (treasured places) are sites and landscape features with special spiritual, emotional or historic significance to tangata whenua. They may be specific sites, general locations or wider areas such as mountains and rivers. While these sites are important historically, wāhi tapu and wāhi taonga are still important today. Traditional customs and practices are still observed at these places. Encouraging public access to wāhi tapu and wāhi taonga, such as abandoned pā sites, is a major concern to Whanganui Iwi. Their disturbance or desecration is highly offensive. The Department is working with iwi to ensure that wāhi tapu and wāhi taonga sites are protected, for example by consultation and continuous dialogue with tangata whenua on all camp and hut site locations. Flora & fauna Whanganui National Park was gazetted in 1986. The park protects one of the largest remaining tracts of lowland forest remaining in the North Island, and it provides habitat for a wide variety of native wildlife. Of all of New Zealand’s national parks, Whanganui is most closely associated with human settlement. It is dissected by the Whanganui River, the longest continually navigable river in the country. Although the bed and waters of the river are not included in the park, the river is an integral part of the area and provides an important access way into and through the area. Western tributaries of the Whanganui have eroded through mudstone (papa) which has created spectacular gorges, bluffs and a maze of intricate ridges and V-shaped valleys. Streams and rivers scattered throughout the park are an important habitat for the whio (blue duck), an endemic torrent duck admirably suited to river life. Tracks and walks Short walks and longer tramping trips are all possible in the park. The Matemateaonga Track is one of the most popular longer trips (3 - 4 days one way). It follows an old Maori trail and settlers dray road deep into the park. transport by jet is needed to or from the river end of the track. Hunting Hunting of pigs, goats and fallow deer in the park is encouraged. The Whanganui River Valley within the park is closed to hunting during the peak usage season from the 1st of October until the 30th of April. Tracks are closed to hunting from 20th December to the 20th February and over Easter. Hunters require a hunting permit. You can get permits from the Department of Conservation. Hunting dogs require a separate permit from the Whanganui Area Office. Always check where pesticides have been laid - view the Whanganui pesticide summary. Boating and fishing The Whanganui is New Zealand\'s longest navigable river, canoeable for over 200 kilometres. There are huts and campsites along the river. Tieke Hut is run as a Marae (meeting house) by local Maori and traditional customs are observed. The trip down the river is classified a Great Journey and from October to April a River Journey Pass is required to use the facilities on the river. It is a relatively easy river to canoe or kayak and is suitable for novices. Hire and tour options are offered. Jetboating is also popular. Jetboat and launch tours are available. Brown and rainbow trout are found in the Whanganui River and its tributaries. Source of information & photos: http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/national-parks/whanganui/

Locations

Whanganui National Park

Whanganui Area Office
74 Ingestre Street Wanganui 4500