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At “Bridge to Nowhere” and from hiking/tramping tracks through the Whanganui National Park including the Matemateaonga and Mangapura (Bridge to Nowhere) tracks, we cater for both small and large groups.
You may wish to stay at the Bridge to Nowhere Lodge at the start or end of your trip.
Both Matemateaonga and Managpurua Tracks start/end close to the Lodge. From the Matamateaonga track you can walk directly to the Bridge to Nowhere Lodge where you can enjoy a cuppa, hot shower or comfortable bed should you wish to stay.
A short jet boat ride from the Mangapurua Track will get you to the Lodge.
Our pick up and drop off base is at Pipiriki and at the Lodge located on the Whanganui river. For transfers to/from Pipiriki we’ll provide you with information on organising these.
Following an old Maori trail and settlers dray road, the track penetrates deep into Whanganui National Park. See our country as never before. Share the tracks with birds, goats and native wildlife, not other people. During your tramp enjoy spectacular views of the central plateau volcanoes. DOC huts and fresh water available on this track.
This track can be walked from two directions:
Kohi Saddle via Stratford
Whanganui River
Depending on the direction you choose we can either jet you in or out of the Whanganui River end creating a unique tramping / boating trip. If starting from the Stratford end; on your last day you can depart Puketotara Hut and take our private walkway directly to our Lodge enjoying sweeping views of the Whanganui River on the way (1 ½ hours.) You can choose to stay the night at our “Bridge to Nowhere” Lodge or simply board our jet boat to take you to Pipiriki.
This track can also be walked from either direction combined with a jet boat ride.
Access from either:
Ruatiti Valley via Raetihi
Whakahoro and up the Kaiwhakauka Valley.
Mangapurua Landing via our “Bridge to Nowhere” Jet Boat
The tramp including crossing the world famous “Bridge to Nowhere” and venturing into the Mangapurua Valley, now known as the “Valley of Abandoned Dreams”. This was the heart of the rehabilitation settlement where land was offered to returning soldiers following WW1. Pioneering settlers attempted to clear the land of its virgin native forest to transform it into farmland. Today all that remains of this once thriving settlement are chimneys, exotic trees and old fence lines which mark the remains of the old house sights. This valley is now fast regenerating back into native bush.
There are no DOC huts on this walkway.
Call us or email us to book a transfer and/or accommodation.
Free day parking is available at our base.
Secure overnight parking $10.
Please take all valuables with you.