Whanganui River Tours and Accommodation
Bridge to Nowhere Lodge – for your total “adventure on the Whanganui River” let us show you the natural and cultural heritage of the Whanganui National Park. With over 40 years of living, working and playing in the park we have an extensive knowledge of the river , tracks and their secrets. Visit the Whanganui River. “Let us show you our world”
Bridge to Nowhere Jet Boat Tour
“Bridge to Nowhere Tour”. Duration: 4 hours. Departs Pipiriki, Whanganui River.
Travel 30km (1 hour) upstream into the middle reaches of the Whanganui River. Pristine native bush cloaks the banks and you will see deep gorges covered with ferns, caves, rapids and other unique and amazing scenery. See the world famous Drop Scene, the Dress Circle and the ancient pegs used by the river boat crew to help them negotiate these waters over 100 years ago. Continuing on deeper into this wilderness area you’ll arrive at the Mangapurua Landing.
Your walk to the Bridge to Nowhere begins here. The easy walk follows an old road and takes approximately 40 minutes. 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 and enjoy tales of the historic Mangapurua Valley and its pioneering people. A return walk to the boat and trip down river to Pipiriki completes this unique experience.
Suitable for all ages.
Bridge to Nowhere Lodge
Located deep in the Whanganui National Park wilderness region, we are the only Whanganui River accommodation of this kind in the area.
The Bridge to Nowhere Lodge is a unique place.
Perched high above the river and surrounded by native bush the only access is by the lodge’s jet boat service, canoe, by foot or helicopter.
The Lodge offers comfortable double/twin share accommodation along with family bunk rooms. For groups we have the capacity to accommodate 25 people.
In addition to the Lodge, we have our own private campsite.
Bridge to Nowhere Retreat
All our trips can be extended to allow you to experience an overnight stay at the unique and secluded ‘Bridge to Nowhere Lodge’. Package includes; dinner, accommodation, breakfast, “Bridge to Nowhere Tour” and all jet boat transfers between Pipiriki and Lodge return.
Jet boat and Canoeing (unguided)
Express, Half and Full Day Adventures
Freedom hire or guided and fully catered 1-6 day adventures. Explore the Whanganui River.
If you only have a day up your sleeve but want to experience canoeing the Whanganui River we have some great options available. We’ll ensure your adventure will take you into the most scenic parts of the Whanganui River where you can explore the sights and sounds of the river at your own pace. Take a picnic, relax, and enjoy the peace and tranquillity as you float down this majestic river.
Hiking/Tramping
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.
