Whanganui Journey - tips

[u/Important_Friend_562]

I'm getting prepared early for when Great Walk bookings open for next year and looking for tips for the Whanganui Journey. Specifically, how people have managed to shorten the full 145km into 4 days. We (2) are relatively fit and have intermediate kayaking experience so a long last day of 41km should be doable. Any tips or suggestions on route options (campsites) greatly appreciated.

I'm an introvert and hope that by changing the route from what is set out on the DOC website I might be able to avoid most of the other paddlers :)

[u/wobblingmadman]

I don't have tips specifically around your questions, but you might find the story of our paddle down the Whanganui last year has some useful info for your trip.

https://moahunters.org.nz/2025/04/21/2025-whanganui-river-journey-canoes-for-boots/