Wanganui

Whangarei is a thriving, modern and vibrant city set within idyllic natural surroundings, nestling into the hills that overlook the picturesque harbour. The region features fertile farmland, orchards, forests and spectacular coastline with some of the country's finest beaches. The city's full name is ‘Whangarei Terenga Paraoa' which can be literally translated as the ‘swimming place of the whales'. This translates further to mean ‘the meeting place of the chiefs', since the whale-bone mere was a weapon of chiefly status, and refers to the inter-tribal wars of the 1800s when Whangarei was a meeting place for all the great Maori chiefs of the district.

Brent and Claire of Whanganui Jet, invite you to come and explore the hidden depths of this unique and magical river valley known as the Whanganui River National Park with us - a couple of proud New Zealanders.

Waka Tours runs guided canoe trips on New Zealands spectacular Whanganui River providing a Maori Cultural and Environmental experience.

Join us in the Whanganui Region to celebrate Puanga; the Whanganui Matariki Celebrations 2007. The appearance of the star Puanga (Rigel) or the star cluster Matariki (Pleiades) in the winter sky, connects Maori to land and sea, food-harvesting, weather patterns, the Maramataka (Lunar Calendar), entertainment and learning.

To Provide and Implement Sustainable Environmental Technologies appropriate to Whanau Hapu and Iwi development for the preservation, conservation and enhancement of Nga Taonga Tuku Iho (The environment and all things gifted to mankind).

JOURNEYS ON THE WHANGANUI is the joint marketing initiative of the Whanganui Maori Regional Tourism Organisation, and combines products from tourism operators based on and alongside the Whanganui River in the North Island, New Zealand/ Aotearoa. The area in which they operate is one with deep spiritual and cultural significance to Whanganui Iwi and all operators, Maori and non-Maori, respect these values. We have combined as a group to offer visitors the chance to share the lifestyle we are privileged to enjoy and a chance to experience the wairua (spirit) of our place in Aotearoa.

We are a company with a vision to enhance a positive awareness of Maori culture through the promotion of "Te Ao Maori" (the Maori world view) themed products and services.

Kia ora and welcome to the website of the District that has the Best Rural Lifestyle in New Zealand!

Jet Boat Tours, Jet Canoe, Canoeing, Trampting, River Queen, Whanganui River, Lodge accommodation. All our trips can be extended to allow you to experience an overnight stay at the unique and secluded ‘Bridge to Nowhere Lodge’.