Taumarunui Canoe Hire

Taumarunui Canoe Hire

31 Rankers Reviews

10 Face-to-Face

13 Fresh Water Kayaking

2 Taumarunui

Maps

Details

Feature Value Info

Organisation

Taumarunui Canoe Hire

Commercial organisation

Location

North IslandRuapehuTaumarunui

Categories

  • Activity__fresh_water_canoeing_kayakingFresh Water Kayaking

Directions

To Office

Reviews

    • These guys are just amazing!
    • A lot of safety recommendations.
    • The whole family was being so helpful.
    • We had the most amazing experience on the river.
    • Perfect.
    Rating Count Percentage
    10/10 21
    68%
    9/10 5
    16%
    8/10 2
    6%
    7/10 2
    6%
    6/10 1
    3%
    5/10 0
    0%
    4/10 0
    0%
    3/10 0
    0%
    2/10 0
    0%
    1/10 0
    0%
  • 5.0/5

    Perfect.

    You got a good brief with videos. Good price.

    Reviewed over 8 years ago

    GERMANY
    Anna's avatar

    Anna

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    Rented a canoe from them for the Whanganui Journey.

    You can freedom camp at their place the night before and after the trip. Really good safety briefing and overall good service.

    Reviewed over 8 years ago

    GERMANY
    Tobi's avatar

    Tobi

    Customer

  • 4.0/5

    Very good experience - nice staff.

    Reviewed over 8 years ago and experienced in October 2015

    FRANCE
    Francois Pierre's avatar

    Francois Pierre

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Good family, good company.

    They bring you muffins and juice at the end of the tour.

    Reviewed over 9 years ago

    FRANCE
    Celia Nowak's avatar

    Celia Nowak

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    The family who run this business lets you camp for free before and after your trip.

    They are very nice and so is the campground.

    Reviewed over 9 years ago

    FRANCE
    Pierre Planchez's avatar

    Pierre Planchez

    Customer

  • 3.0/5

    We did the 4 day canoe trip on the Wananui River.

    The organization was pretty slow and chaotic, but once we were on the river we had a nice time.

    Reviewed over 14 years ago and experienced in February 2010

    BELGIUM
    Sanne & Senne's avatar

    Sanne & Senne

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Fantastic family adventure.

    Enjoyed by our 15,14 and 7 year olds. Wonderful people who provide the canoes, tents, dry barrels and paddling tips.

    Just book it!

    Reviewed almost 11 years ago

    grudels's avatar

    grudels

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    The whole family was being so helpful.

    They even went beyond top service and helped in personal matters as they could. Great family giving everything into their great business :-) The trip (Whanganui River Journey) was a great experience. Take your time and enjoy the paddling and beautiful landscape.

    Reviewed over 11 years ago and experienced in March 2013

    SWITZERLAND
    Thomas's avatar

    Thomas

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    This adventure was a great way to meet new people, enjoy friends company and indulge your love of the outdoors.

    Ron, Karen and Jonathan were thorough in training paddling and safety techniques and route information. We camped at their place, and enjoyed their family oriented approach to all. The canoes, water tight storage drums and drybags provided, proved excellent and stood up to a dunking in one of the rapids! Fantastic weather, low river levels, choice camping grounds and great eateries -Blue Duck Cafe, Bridge to Nowhere Lodge & the Lavender Farm - all great places to stop, plus the Bridge to Nowhere walk with all its history all added up to a great adventure enjoyed by all in our party. Thanks Karen for the juice and muffins at the end of the paddle, a lovely personal touch!

    Reviewed over 11 years ago

  • 5.0/5

    These guys are just amazing!

    Right people on the right place! They were doing everything they could to help us and all the others out as much as possible. From the first till the last second. We camped at their property for free. Got excellent tea and yummy muffins, got picked up from town and dropped off in town again after the adventure.

    Got a great double kayak, with perfect drybags and everything else we needed. Got maps and lots of information.

    Karen and Ron and their kids really made our adventure an unforgettable one!

    Don't doubt for a second and go with these guys! You won't regret it :)

    Reviewed over 11 years ago

    BELGIUM
    Loesje's avatar

    Loesje

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Perfect.

    You got a good brief with videos. Good price.

    Reviewed over 8 years ago

    GERMANY
    Anna's avatar

    Anna

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    Rented a canoe from them for the Whanganui Journey.

    You can freedom camp at their place the night before and after the trip. Really good safety briefing and overall good service.

    Reviewed over 8 years ago

    GERMANY
    Tobi's avatar

    Tobi

    Customer

  • 4.0/5

    Very good experience - nice staff.

    Reviewed over 8 years ago and experienced in October 2015

    FRANCE
    Francois Pierre's avatar

    Francois Pierre

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    The family who run this business lets you camp for free before and after your trip.

    They are very nice and so is the campground.

    Reviewed over 9 years ago

    FRANCE
    Pierre Planchez's avatar

    Pierre Planchez

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Good family, good company.

    They bring you muffins and juice at the end of the tour.

    Reviewed over 9 years ago

    FRANCE
    Celia Nowak's avatar

    Celia Nowak

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Fantastic family adventure.

    Enjoyed by our 15,14 and 7 year olds. Wonderful people who provide the canoes, tents, dry barrels and paddling tips.

    Just book it!

    Reviewed almost 11 years ago

    grudels's avatar

    grudels

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    The whole family was being so helpful.

    They even went beyond top service and helped in personal matters as they could. Great family giving everything into their great business :-) The trip (Whanganui River Journey) was a great experience. Take your time and enjoy the paddling and beautiful landscape.

    Reviewed over 11 years ago and experienced in March 2013

    SWITZERLAND
    Thomas's avatar

    Thomas

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    This adventure was a great way to meet new people, enjoy friends company and indulge your love of the outdoors.

    Ron, Karen and Jonathan were thorough in training paddling and safety techniques and route information. We camped at their place, and enjoyed their family oriented approach to all. The canoes, water tight storage drums and drybags provided, proved excellent and stood up to a dunking in one of the rapids! Fantastic weather, low river levels, choice camping grounds and great eateries -Blue Duck Cafe, Bridge to Nowhere Lodge & the Lavender Farm - all great places to stop, plus the Bridge to Nowhere walk with all its history all added up to a great adventure enjoyed by all in our party. Thanks Karen for the juice and muffins at the end of the paddle, a lovely personal touch!

    Reviewed over 11 years ago

  • 5.0/5

    These guys are just amazing!

    Right people on the right place! They were doing everything they could to help us and all the others out as much as possible. From the first till the last second. We camped at their property for free. Got excellent tea and yummy muffins, got picked up from town and dropped off in town again after the adventure.

    Got a great double kayak, with perfect drybags and everything else we needed. Got maps and lots of information.

    Karen and Ron and their kids really made our adventure an unforgettable one!

    Don't doubt for a second and go with these guys! You won't regret it :)

    Reviewed over 11 years ago

    BELGIUM
    Loesje's avatar

    Loesje

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    A late review, but I still want to tell about our great experience.

    When we arrived at the farm, we where at first very disappointed that our 2 year old daughter was not allowed to join us on a canoeing trip (I believe it's still not mentioned on their internetsite that children under 3 or 4 are not allowed on their canoeing trips. But on the other hand, another reviewer on this site suggests that their 2 year old child did join their activity. Not sure though if they went canoeing.)

    But soon Ron and Karen suggested they would babysit our child for free! We thought we would NEVER let them do that, but after a while we thought these people were so friendly and we, including our daughter, were so much at ease, we desided to do a one day tour. Still a bit worried about our daughter, we still enjoined the quiet time on the beautifull river. At the end of the day it turned out that our daughter had had a great time in their house and did not miss us for a second!

    So we also did the second day trip (in one seperate day) for a really reasonable price, which was even far more beautiful then the first day trip! We enjoined it very much and our daughter had a great day again as well!

    We could also camp on their land along the riversite for free for as long as we liked, which was also beautifull and a great experience! (watch out for the cow pat thought!)

    Only thing that were not so great was the chaotic way Ron works (we where supposed to be ready for the trip at say 8 o´clock, but we finally left at about 9 or something) and the fact that some girl joined us on our second trip without us knowing. But those are only minor problems if you compare it to the terrific service and great hospitality!! We felt really welcome in their home!

    Reviewed over 13 years ago and experienced in April 2010

    NETHERLANDS
    IngeandFamily's avatar

    IngeandFamily

    Customer

  • 3.5/5

    A lot of safety recommendations.

    Friendly people/warm welcome.

    Reviewed over 13 years ago

    FRANCE
    Alex's avatar

    Alex

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    For canoe hire, travel service and safety briefing these guys are the best!

    A group of us used TCH to do the Whanganui Journey from Whakahoro to Pipiriki and they gave us a very detailed briefing and awesome support. Thanks heaps Karen, Ronny and Johnathan - Love those pink Crocs!! "Sorry Ronny"

    Reviewed over 13 years ago

    NEW ZEALAND
    Connie's avatar

    Connie

    Customer

  • 3.5/5

    The float from Taumarunui to Ohinepane was fun and interesting.

    It is for intermediate level paddlers. The one day float and shuttle cost was high ($170/one canoe 2person) the shuttle driver kept crossing the centre line on drive back.

    Reviewed over 13 years ago

    UNITED STATES
    James Jackson's avatar

    James Jackson

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    We are a Canadian couple that had a four day float down the Whanganui from Ohinepane to Pipiriki.

    The kayaks and gear was great, excellent service as well. Very thorough briefing - best that one can provide for such a new experience. We are experienced kayakers so having a good river orientation was relly great. Thanks Karen, Ron, Jonathan.

    Reviewed over 13 years ago

    CANADA
    rearly's avatar

    rearly

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    We had a wonderful 4-day trip on the river - one of the most fun adventure trips I've been on.

    The scenery was beautiful, the rapids great fun and we all had an excellent time. It was also very easy to organise. Karen was extremely helpful, always answered emails promptly, and was available on the phone too. We enjoyed their relaxed approach and the fact that nothing was a hassle for them. Thanks Karen and Ron.

    Reviewed almost 14 years ago

    NEW ZEALAND
    Lou's avatar

    Lou

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    Had an awesome, beautiful trip, canoe hire staff were welcoming, friendly and helpful.

    Reviewed almost 14 years ago

    NEW ZEALAND
    Catherine's avatar

    Catherine

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Karen and Ronny gave a perfect example of what service and attention to detail are all about .Very good equipment ,detailed instructions ,both verbal and visual.Helpful staff (thanks Ben) Also excellent

    coffee and hot chocolates. You guys are the best

    The river experience was fantastic with breathtaking unforgettable .scenery and warm water ,

    Quite a physical challenge but doubly rewarding .because of that. We nailed it with no capsizes.

    Campsites are well maintained and (mostly) well equipped .

    Possibly the best value adventure tourism experience you could have. I'm telling everyone and will go again with young children .

    Reviewed almost 14 years ago

    NEW ZEALAND
    Premier's avatar

    Premier

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    It was awesome fun, and we learnt so much along the way.

    Josh and Mitchell were brilliant river guides and hosts keeping us entertained, and teaching us the ways of the river expertly! They turned our river kayaking experience from something we were slightly aprehensive about into a really relaxing, fascinating, and hilarious few days. We especially appreciated them giving up their New Years Eve to look after us along the duration of the river. A fantastic few days. Stunning scenery. This is a must-do experience if you are ever in this part of New Zealand!

    ( If you are totally new to kayaking I'd recommend starting from the regular launch spot at Ohinipane rather than Taumaranui itself, as there are a couple of tricky rapids just there :) )

    Reviewed almost 14 years ago

    UNITED KINGDOM
    nickygibson's avatar

    nickygibson

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    We had the most amazing experience on the river.

    Some challenging rapids that made our hearts pump! Ron and Karen's family were great and we would highly recommend the 35km trip. Cheryl and John

    Reviewed almost 14 years ago

    AUSTRALIA
    wilmshurst33's avatar

    wilmshurst33

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    what an amazing time!!

    the hosts went out of their way for all of us...bout 30 of us, from jetboating to canoeing, to camping... and the added extras were amazing, well worth it...value for money, scrumptious food, and the coffee ohhh the coffee. i recommend Taumarunui Canoe Hire any day of the week. have tried other places before these guys, but none even came close in comparison. GREATTTTTT!!!!!!!

    Reviewed almost 14 years ago

    NEW ZEALAND
    carmelkaze's avatar

    carmelkaze

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Jumped on with these guys earlier this month for the 5 day trip down the river with 3 other mates.

    Right from the get go the hospitality was amazing coffees on arrival & meeting the whole family including newly house trained kid (yep, baby goat) in nappy & all.

    Super friendly & couldn't do enough to help out. I departed the trip early due to sickness, they came & picked me up, swapped the necessary gear & had me back out to the docters in a jiffy.

    Equipment was spot on, attention to detail on key points to the river & camp sites great & helping with paddling techniques all helped to make for a great experince.

    Thanks guys! Hope you have a great season!

    Matt

    Reviewed about 14 years ago

    AUSTRALIA
    mrossn's avatar

    mrossn

    Customer

  • 3.0/5

    We did the 4 day canoe trip on the Wananui River.

    The organization was pretty slow and chaotic, but once we were on the river we had a nice time.

    Reviewed over 14 years ago and experienced in February 2010

    BELGIUM
    Sanne & Senne's avatar

    Sanne & Senne

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    So fantastic to see a local family run business providing the best experience we've had.

    Fantastic hosts, we were a group of 7 including a 2 year old child, we were taken aback by the genuine hospitality and the warmth of Karen and her family. The equipment is as new, well looked after and the experience was second to none. Thank you so much!

    Reviewed over 14 years ago

    NEW ZEALAND
    nikitak's avatar

    nikitak

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    There were two of us on this trip.

    The family that runs this business went FAR and AWAY out of their way to ensure that we had a great time! And we did. The room to rent was amazingly clean and neat! The coffee was great! But the warm and friendly family was the best part. We had a great time and cannot wait to go back!

    Reviewed over 14 years ago and experienced in March 2009

    UNITED STATES
    sstimson's avatar

    sstimson

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Rose and I are both 55 yrs young and wanted to do the wanganui river trip from taumarunui to pipiriki for the second time,last done 5 yrs ago,we phoned karen at "Taumarunui Canoe Hire" to discuss options

    , karen was really knowledgable and helpfull and the bookings were made,their instructions were excellent and we arrived at their home and were made very welcome with probably the best coffee weve ever had,( its the king country milk) Ron and karen let us stay beside the river in our van the night before departure on the river, next day after completing the paper work with karen, Ron gave us a full briefing of the trip covering navigating, safety, finding locations and camp sites, and canoe handling, while this was going on karen got on her computer and sourced two different weather forcasters, they ensured we had the equipment required and delivered us to the river and away we went,we were also informed of places to get out and call for help if required,Ron has his own jet boats if a recovery is necessary, our trip was excellent, safe and uneventfull, it panned out as Ron said,an incredable journey, the rhine of the south pacific, , at completion of the trip at pipiriki Ron showed up with home baking and drink and took us back to their base on the edge of the river at taumarunui, more fantastic coffee, unpacking and de briefing etc, but it didnt end there, we were invited to stay on their land on the river edge again and leave when we were ready, this was kiwi hospitality at its best, THANKS Ron, Karen and family of 6,(Jonathon,Joshua,Justin,Rosalie,Samuel and David) it was a team effort and they all helped in making our trip a truly memorable one,we did the trip on our own and met other like minded people on the way and may even do it all again next year with other friends, AWSOME,THANK YOU. Dave and Rose Cooper, Napier, NZ.

    Reviewed over 14 years ago

    NEW ZEALAND
    dave cooper's avatar

    dave cooper

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    I was travelling solo.

    Ron and Karen went out of their way to match me up with other paddlers so that I could enjoy the Whanganui to the full. When I phoned them, I had very little idea of how the trip would materialise. A few days later they met me from the bus, drove me to their place, fed me, put me up, introduced me to my paddle buddies etc etc. The new boat shed and the new accommodation promise to be great additions to an already great venture. Keep it up. Will B, N Ireland.

    Reviewed over 14 years ago

    UNITED KINGDOM
    williewontienz's avatar

    williewontienz

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Awesome accomodation; thorough safety instructions before canoe and jetboat experience.

    Wonderful family atmosphere.. Ron and Karen go the extra mile to be sure that you have a great, safe holiday experience; including refreshments before you leave and on your return. We will be doing this again!

    Reviewed almost 15 years ago

    NEW ZEALAND
    bearbunny's avatar

    bearbunny

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    We (a german backpacker couple) did a 4 day river journey.

    We really enjoyed the trip through deepest bush with wonderful camping along the river, some little rapids and lots of beautiful waterfalls. What really made all that special, was the nice time we spent with Ron and Karen's family. We had a blast camping on their grounds next to the river, doing some things with the kids and just don't feel like another paying customer. Thanks for everything.

    Reviewed almost 15 years ago

    GERMANY
    muffmaaoo's avatar

    muffmaaoo

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    What a blast !!!!

    We had a group of seven, ranging from 19yrs to 70yrs and everyone enjoyed it

    canoeing one day and jet boating the next day

    Ron, Karen and family were fantastic hosts..... and gave us an experience rather than processing us for a dollar.

    We would highly recommend this company...... and many thanks!!

    Reviewed almost 15 years ago

    NEW ZEALAND
    Alan Morrison's avatar

    Alan Morrison

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    We had a really great experience doing the two day Canoe trip with this company.

    First of all the trip itself; hardly seen any body in two days, just you the river (and teh sometimes scary rapids) camping along the river side etc etc.

    Special note for the so helpfull and so friendly owners; Ron and karen.

    Tip; Stay the night before in their lodge along the river... a real MUST do as well.

    Reviewed almost 16 years ago

    NETHERLANDS
    Dennis Grefkens's avatar

    Dennis Grefkens

    Customer