New wharenui shelters on the Whanganui Journey

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March 2025

Samantha studied law but is now a journalist. She collates Walk Shorts and freelances for Wilderness and other publications.

By Samantha Mythen

Those canoeing the Whanganui River, Aotearoa’s wettest Great Walk, can now find shelter in three new buildings.

Located at Ngaporo Campsite, Mangapurua Campsite and John Coull Hut, the buildings mirror the shape of a wharenui. They have been blessed by Ratana church minister Robbie Williams.

The idea for the wharenui was first pitched in 2015. Original rain collection structures, installed in the early 1990s, provided minimal protection from the elements.

The new buildings provide shelter and cultural context while continuing to function as water catchers.

DOC’s Jim Campbell said that in time the department will build more of the shelters along the awa.

About the author

Samantha Mythen

Walk Shorts writer Samantha Mythen is currently adventuring around the world, writing, hiking and cycling. She studied law but is now a journalist. She has worked for RNZ and freelanced for global publications, including Japan Today.