With a deluge of rivers, streams, wetlands and lakes, Ruapehu lends itself to a wide range of water based activities.
Hop in a canoe and float back in time on the Whanganui River and learn about its early history and the pioneering days as part of the Whanganui National Park & the Bridge to Nowhere. You’ll be captivated by the deep, mystical gorges and the rich flora and fauna that line the riverbanks. If you’re keen to speed things up, you can jump in a jetboat and skim down (or up) the river at a slightly faster pace, giving you a broad overview of the river valley.
There is an abundance of kayaking options in the region, with easy grade 1 floats, right up to grade 4 waterfalls for the more experienced thrill seekers. With mountain rivers you'll also find fantastic grade 3 rafting in the region, all within easy reach of your alpine accommodation.
There are many spots to find serenity, relaxing on the banks of a river, near a cascading waterfall. Cruise the lakes and take in the scenery on a stand up paddleboard, or try your hand at fly fishing, in one of the Ruapehu region's ‘secret’ spots.