Whanganui River (at Pipiriki, Manawatū-Whanganui): Level & Flow Conditions

Real-time river flow in cumecs (m³/s), water stage (m), water temperature, and activity suitability ratings at Whanganui River at Pipiriki, Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand.

Manawatū-Whanganui · North Island|BoM ID: [email protected],175.0520★ Premier Australian Waterway

Whanganui River

Gauging Station: Whanganui River at Pipiriki · Catchment: Te Awa Tupua

BoM Hydrology Model

Activity Intelligence

River Condition Score

1–10 Scale

10.0OUT OF 10Normal Range

⭐Normal Range

River level is within normal Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) range.

💡River Advisory:

Prime conditions for swimming, canoeing, and angling.

Typical Range:60m – 420m

RIVER LEVEL (m)

60.00 m

Typical high: 420m

Standard BaselineSteady

NORMAL BOUNDS

60m

Typical Low Threshold

BoM BaselineNormal

WATER TEMP

8°C

Dipping: Cold shock risk

Wild SwimmingWetsuit Advised

AIR & SKY

11°C

Humidity: 65%

Rain: 15%13 km/h W

Select Activity to Tune Scoring

Scoring algorithm recalibrates suitability according to water depth, stream power, and weather.

Active: Wild Swimming & River Dipping

River swimming, emerald gorge dipping, and gentle floating. Ideal in calm, normal river levels with gentle currents and sunny skies.

Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) Open Data

24-Hour River Level Trend (m)

BoM telemetry vs. typical normal bounds

Observed Level

Typical High (420m)

24 Hours Ago12 Hours AgoLive Sensor (60.00 m)

River Access & Safety Info

BoM telemetry & public river access points

Public Waterway

BoM

Whanganui River at Pipiriki

Monitored gauging station • BoM Water Data Online Network

Active

MAP

Location & Catchment

Te Awa Tupua • -39.4800°N, 175.0520°W

GPS Set

Explore Interactive Access Map & Surrounding Gauges →

Frequently Asked Questions About Whanganui River

What is the current river level and flow of Whanganui River?

Current river flow for Whanganui River is measured in cumecs (m³/s) and water level (m) at regional monitoring station #[email protected],175.0520 (Whanganui River at Pipiriki). Telemetry is updated continuously.

Is Whanganui River safe for rafting, kayaking, swimming, or trout angling today?

River conditions depend on live streamflow volume and velocity. Riverable New Zealand provides a real-time 1–10 River Activity Score tuned for wild swimming, canoeing, whitewater kayaking, and trout angling. Check the live status badge above before entering the water.

What is the typical normal flow range for Whanganui River?

The typical baseline flow range at this reach is between 60 m³/s and 420 m³/s. Levels within this window represent standard navigable conditions.

Can heavy rain in the Southern Alps or ranges cause Whanganui River to rise rapidly?

Yes, catchment precipitation and alpine runoff directly cause river levels to surge into flash freshets. Riverable New Zealand monitors 7-day cumulative precipitation and upstream weather models to alert users to rising spate conditions.

⚠️Regional Council & NIWA Provisional Telemetry & Alpine River Safety Notice

Real-time telemetry for monitoring reach #[email protected],175.0520 (Whanganui River at Pipiriki) is provisional and subject to ongoing quality assurance. New Zealand alpine river flows can fluctuate rapidly during heavy precipitation or snowmelt. Always check regional council flood notices, wear a certified PFD, and observe Didymo biosecurity rules.

Guide report or gauge correction? [email protected]Read Our Hydrology Methodology →