Bridge to Nowhere Tour

"The valley of abandoned dreams"

Join your local guide as they deliver the mail up the Whanganui River Road.  Stop to chat to locals and grab some morning tea.  Visit some of our special places along the way.

Rich in history and culture, you will learn about local Iwi (tribe), Te Awa Tupua – their River of Sacred Power and why the river was vitally important for transport, food and spiritual wellbeing for local Māori.  Hear stories of the early settlers and the paddle steamers that plied the river, deep into the interior of the Whanganui.

Upon your arrival in Pipiriki you will join Whanganui River Adventures on the “Bridge to Nowhere” tour, departing from Pipiriki, we jet boat upriver for 32kms (55 mins) through fern & flax cloaked gorges, along the way your local driver/guide will stop and share with you historical and scenic points of interest.

The scenery through the river valley is spectacular and mystical.  Along the way you are bound to spot canoeists making their way down the final sections of their Whanganui River Journey - NZ's only Great Walk on water.

On arrival at the Mangapurua Landing, you'll walk 40 mins along a relatively flat track up the valley to the spectacular Bridge to Nowhere.  A Bridge that stands testament to an ill-fated and some would suggest poorly planned post war farm settlement programme.  Today it is host to regenerating ngahere (forest), birds and other wildlife.  During the Summer you'll also surely see cyclists appearing out of the valley on their Mountains to Sea - Nga Ara Tūhono adventure.  

Tour inclusions

Pick and up and drop off in Whanganui City                                                    

A unique travel experience on this tour as mail and supplies are delivered to the residents of the historic Whanganui River Road. We travel past cultural, scenic and historical sites following beside one of the most beautiful rivers in New Zealand. A unique experience travelling with 

  • Pick up and deliver back to your city accommodation or arranged pick up point
  • Koriniti Marae Visit
  • The convent at Jerusalem/Hiruharama
    (with the stories of local Māori, Sister Mother Aubert & James K Baxter) 
  • Kāwana Flour Mill - the original river think big project
  • Stopping along the way for morning tea if time allows
  • Arriving in Pipiriki by 10.00 am with time for a comfort stop and prepare for your exciting jetboat tour to the “Bridge to Nowhere”
  • On your return Whanganui Tours will be waiting in Pipiriki to give you a relaxed ride back to Whanganui

When

Monday - Friday departures 
Depart at 7.00 am (pick up at your Whanganui accommodation, must be CBD)
Return to Whanganui for arrival at 4.30 pm

Duration  8 - 9 hrs

Price

$285.00 per person

(Minimum 2 persons)

Includes all transport (shuttle, guide) and morning tea

What do you need to bring

  • Camera
  • Packed Lunch
  • Sunscreen and sun hats
  • Windproof Jacket for the boat 
  • Shoes suitable for walking 
  • Drinking Water