Your guide will share stories of the Awa (Maori for “river”) with you and show you some of the secrets of this historic and cultural icon.
See the world famous Drop Scene, the Dress Circle, Sulphur Springs, and the ancient pegs used by the river boat crew to help them negotiate the treacherous Ngaporo rapids. Along the way you will stop at the Mangaio Gorge and the Manganui-O-Te-Au River, home to the endangered Blue Duck. Continuing on deeper into this wilderness area arrive at your destination, the Mangapurua Landing.
Alighting from your boat take a moment to gaze around you. Down into the deep clear river, up at the steep bush covered banks, hear the sounds and feel the total peace and tranquility as you step back in time. Imagine the Maori paddling proudly round the corner in their waka ladened with the spoils of a good days hunting and gathering food.
Look down stream; picture one of Hatricks’ boats chugging up to the landing loaded with supplies for the pioneering families that tried to tame these valleys. Wide eyed women and children dressed in their finery, coming to a new life.
Walk up the track taking the same steps that they took. Hear the Tuis and the Bellbirds, and catch a glimpse of Woodpigeons or Goats. Continue on through the bush until you arrive at the historic “Bridge to Nowhere” - gateway to the
“Valley of Abandoned Dreams.”
Bring a picnic lunch to have at the Bridge, complimented by the tea/coffee and biscuits supplied by us and enjoy tales from your guide of the historic Mangapurua Valley and its pioneering people. A return walk to the boat and trip back down river to Pipiriki completes this unique experience suitable all ages.
What To Bring
Shower (wind proof) jacket
Suitable clothing for the time of year.
Sunglasses are useful
Hat optional
Walking shoes
Picnic Lunch
We provide
Your guide will provide tea, coffee, Milo (hot chocolate), and biscuits which we have at the bridge.
Tours depart Pipiriki daily over winter and twice daily over summer
Vehicle Parking
Parking is available in Pipiriki at our depot; please take all valuables with you.
Lunch at the Lodge!
Get a group (minimum of 10) together and make a day of it! As an optional part of your Bridge to Nowhere adventure enjoy a delicious lunch at the Bridge to Nowhere Lodge. Stroll around our property, be amused by our animals or just sit on the balcony and watch the river float by.
Includes Tour $115 per person and lunch option $15 – 25 per person
Jet Boat Tours
Prices
Adults $ 115 pp
Children 15 and under $ 50
Departing from Pipiriki, our tours run daily from this tiny, historic village nestled on the banks of the Whanganui River.
Travelling up stream into the middle reaches of the Whanganui you feel as if time has stood still. Pristine native bush cloaks the banks and you will see deep gorges covered with ferns, caves, rapids and other unique and amazing scenery.
