Unique Whanganui River Experience

Edit 1st april - they refunded the tour cost. Got a message from the agent saying it "didnt sound fair" that i gave them a 1star review after what they had done. Had to remind him that because of the poor first aid given and the denial of the food and water, it wasn't a sprain but a fracture with a complicated surgery. Because of this negligenxe on their part, other travel and work was canceled with a lot of financial loss and emotional pain. Wonder whether they really care about customer safety I was booked on the Wanganui River Cruise on 20-March 2023 to 22 March 2023. This was done by Uma and Natarajan through the Unique Wanganui River Experience Company. I followed the safety briefings and on 21 was really cold, tired and wet by lunch time. We landed at the campground or Mori village. The place is remote. No cell access though the camp ground staff and my guide had radio and Satnav access. I was shivering a lot and politely asked the guide Rueha for hot water and food and she refused to give it to me and said, the welcome ceremony had to be done 1st. The ground was slippery and as I was already tired and cold, I was walking only on the grass that is less slippery than the mud. However due to sheer exhaustion I slipped and fell. The left ankle had intense pain. I was helped on to a nearby table. Fearing I will pass out, I lay down on the table. Seeing this, she yelled at me from a distance, Sir, I dont care what you will say but you cannot sleep on a table where people may eat!, I didnt want to create a fuss but even after she knew my case, there was not one word of apology or even concern as a guide for what I was going through. Neither the guides or the hosts thought it important to alert emergency esp. when we are in such a remote place. I was pretty much left to myself. The accommodation of floor sleeping was Impossible, I had to pay 30Dollars to get a raised bed. Next day someone thankfully got my bags into the canoe. I was hobbling up the long distance and again, without any provocation, she said, you are a grown man, we are not going to carry you there was no need for this rude statement when I did not even ask her for help. The other guide Connor was more polite. Last day they did not give us the promised lunch either. If you do sign up with them, just remember, if something goes wrong, you are COMPLETLY on your own and if you have their guide RUEHA, her cruel and heartless words will hurt far more than your sprain or fracture I am going in for a complex surgery for my fracture on Monday. Some part of this would have been avoided if I had better care as soon as I was hurt.
Mar 29th, 2023

Highly recommend these tours. Very accomodating and was such a great experience for our family
Dec 6th, 2022

I have done some International travel in my day and Unique Whanganui River Experience is up there with some of the best. If you are a nature, cultural, like to experience the river the local way, enthusiast, this is the trip for you. Words can't explain the peace and balance you find within yourself. The only way to do this trip is with an experienced guide. Plus they do the cooking lol yum!!! This isn't just about going down a river, it has a history and life that wants to be told. You can only get that from a guide. Unique is not just amazing they are knowledgeable locals who care. Thank you for a fantastic experience.
Aug 5th, 2022

End of Feb 2021 I joined a wonderful group to complete the 5 day adventure of paddling & exploring the Whanganui River. We had 2 amazing, fun & caring guides, Hone & Connor, who made our journey down the river an absolutely amazing experience. The sights were breathtakingly magical & unbelieably beautiful. Hones & Connors knowledge of Maori culture & history of the region made the journey even more special, I loved every moment, thank you to my awesome group & guides for creating & being part of my magnificent memories! Totally recommend!
Sep 11th, 2020

Beautiful, biked from the beach to mosquito point following the river
Jul 9th, 2020