It is managed by New Zealand's Department of Conservation under its Great Walks programme, and much of the route travels through land that is part of the Whanganui National Park.

As a result, there are several tour operators that offer a variety of trip combinations covering all or part of the route.

Although the Great Walk route ends at Pipiriki, the river is navigable for a further 89 km and some canoeists continue, to exit at the main bridge in Whanganui, which takes a further two days.

Because the river is tidal closer to Whanganui, canoeists doing so need to leave Hipango Park on an outgoing tide.

Most tour operators/canoe hire places will organize camp sites when travellers book with them, and they supply all safety equipment, a map, and transport to/from either end.