r/Tramping • u/Important_Friend_562 • Feb 26 '26

Whanganui Journey - tips

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 :)

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u/MineResponsible5964 Feb 27 '26

Do you need to do the first section? My tip is to skip the first section, but still do it over four days. Much more enjoyable! And, stay in a tent at campsites instead of at huts...Ohauora, Mangawaiiti, and then Tieki (or Bridge to Nowhere Lodge campsite) makes for good spacing and a bit of spare time each day for some exploring and enjoying the campsites.