The large 220km Whanganui River runs from rugged bush country west of Lake Otamangakau towards Taumarunui. Downstream from Taumarunui and the Ongarue River confluence, the Whanganui River runs in a southerly direction through the Whanganui National Park to the mouth at Whanganui township.

The section of the river within the Taranaki Fish & Game region is described here. The headwater, upper and middle reaches lie within the Auckland/Waikato region - see Whanganui River upper reaches.

Lower/ Mid Whanganui access map

Lower Whanganui access map

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The water in the lower reaches of the Whanganui River is brownish and is often silt-laden, but offers spin fishing for a reasonable stock of trout. The river is popular for kayaking, rafting and canoeing.

Some sea run brown trout have been caught where the river runs through Whanganui. The occasional salmon has been caught near the mouth, but the mouth is not very
interesting to fish.

Roads follow both banks of the river for 15 km from Taumarunui. The river then enters inaccessible bush country in the Whanganui National Park.

Further downstream there is road access at Whakahoro, Pipiriki, Jerusalem and the mouth in Wanganui.