Grab your paddle and explore the unknown on this full-day, fully guided excursion along the stunning Waiau River.
This great-value trip includes a picnic lunch and bonus Jet Boat ride back to base. Your qualified and professional guide will give you all the training you need to steer our 3-seat inflatable canoes. Wetsuits, booties and helmets are provided but don’t forget to bring your swimsuit and a towel!
Suitable for couples, families or groups this is a fantastic outdoor experience not to be missed.
What you need to know

DURATION
4-5 hours

OPEN HOURS
9am to 5pm daily

MINIMUM AGE
Minimum age 6 years Child age 6-13 years Family consists of 2 adults and up to 3 children

THINGS TO NOTE
Fully guided canoe journey on the Waiau River
Picnic lunch included
No experience necessary

TRIPADVISOR
More than 450 reviews on TripAdvisor
Getting To Hanmer Springs
Hanmer Springs is just a 90 minute drive north of Christchurch. Our adventure activities are located at our river base on Hanmer Springs Road (State Highway 7A). Find us on the right, just before the bridge, after the turnoff to the township from State Highway 7. Our booking office is located in Hanmer Springs Village.
For transport from Christchurch to Hanmer Springs and return, you can also take the Hanmer Connection Shuttle Bus (ph 0800 242 663).
For guests staying in Hanmer Springs Village we offer a complimentary return shuttle. This service is available from your accommodation to our adventure attractions.

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION FIRST
We are committed to giving you the best experience possible

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Add 2 different attractions to the shopping cart = $25 OFF
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Discount applied automatically to your entire shopping cart.
What you need to know about Canoe Safaris
Inclusions
- Fully guided canoe journey on the Waiau River
- Fun inflatable canoes
- Picnic lunch included
- Jetboat ride (return to river base)
- Pick-ups from Hanmer Springs accommodation
Vessels
- 3-seater inflatable Canoes
Timetable
- 9.30am-9.50am – Pick-up from Hanmer Springs accommodation
- 10.00am – Depart from Hanmer Springs Attractions river base
- 1.00pm approx – Picnic lunch on the riverbank
- 2:30pm – Tour concludes
- Returns to Hanmer Springs accommodation available on request or take part in our other adventure activities
Terms and conditions
- Minimum numbers: 2 people
- Minimum age: 6 years*
- Maximum numbers: 3 people per Canoe
- 10 Canoes available
- Maximum guests 27 per trip (guide to pax ratio 1:9 3 guides available)
- Length of trip: 4-5 hours
- Equipment provided: Wetsuit, booties, helmet, qualified guide, life jackets
- Guests need: Swimwear, towel, sunscreen
- No experience necessary
- Grade 2 river
- Reasonable standard of fitness required
- Suitable for families
- Child age: 13 and under
- *Children must fit safety equipment in order to participate
- Hanmer Springs Attractions reserves the right to refuse participation should any person be affected by alcohol, medication or any other substance such that they may be a risk to themselves or others.
Group Bookings
Whether you’re looking for an exciting team building experience or a unique corporate hospitality event for your clients – Hanmer Springs Attractions has a range of outdoor activities for the adventurous at heart.
Awards and Achievements

