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.