The mild, settled winter meant an early start to the popular Whanganui River canoe season, and Blazing Paddles says the next month still provides a chance to avoid the crowds.
The Whanganui offers 249 named rapids, the Bridge to Nowhere, native bush and prolific birdlife, camping and marae experiences.
BlazingPaddles trips range from one day on the Ongarue and Whanganui Rivers, to a five-day expedition from Taumarunui to Pipiriki.
