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Canoeing With Teenagers......on the Wanganui River

History of the River

TIME EVENT
1100AD Te Atihaunui a Paparangi people settled the valley
The river was used for transport and eeling by the local pas
1840 European missionaries arrived
1891 Regular riverboat service started
1920's Main river boat trade ceased due to better roads, a main trunk railway, and other tourist attractions
1950's Some riverboats still operating
1980's, 1990's Tourism through Jet Boats and Canoes
20th Century Water diverted for power generation and town use

There are many points along the river where signs of settlement still exist. A private museum at Nukunuku on the river's edge is a fascinating insight into early life on the river.

A difference we noticed this year is that the river is much cleaner and colder than it was 10 years ago. Electrocorp divert a great deal of the water via the Western Interceptor to the Tokaanu Power Station near Turangi. In recent years they have been persuaded to allow more of the colder head waters to flow down the river. This has created a far healthier river system. In the past we could not see the river bottom and Hurricane Bola left a grey sludge 60 feet up the banks, now you can see the rocks before you hit them!

The book on the Bridge to Nowhere is very interesting reading and shows great insight into the early European settlers lives.

The Waitangi Tribunal is currently investigating a number of land claims on the river.

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