Bridge to Nowhere Discovery Tour

If your wish is to see as much of the Whanganui River as possible in one day, then this is the trip for you. This is the longest Bridge to Nowhere Tour on the Whanganui River - 80 km return, through one of New Zealand's largest areas of native forest. 

Departing at 9.30 am from Pipiriki, your day starts with a happy "Kia ora" as we welcome you aboard our purpose built jet boat "Te Wairua o te Awa" (The Spirit of the River).  We stop many times along the way to learn the history of the Awa (river), of the old Marae, and ferries that once planed this stretch of the river.  The scenery is second to none, and the gorges that rise above us are spectacular.

Arriving at the Mangapurua Landing, we have a leisurely 40 minute walk in to the Bridge to Nowhere, we will sit and enjoy the scenery and history of the "Valley of Abandoned Dreams", with a cup of tea or our freshly ground organic Havoc plunged coffee and Claire's homebaking, which is a real treat.

After morning tea we return to the Mangapurua Landing, and boat a further 8 km up the Whanganui River, into the gorges, where the river is narrower and shallower, and the cliffs on either side, higher.

There are further reminders of earlier settlements along the way.  We stop at a secluded picnic area. Relax around the table while you enjoy your lunch.  We will provide a nice cold orange juice to wet your whistle. There are toilets and water available at this site.

On our way home we will have a few more stops, before returning to Pipiriki.

We do have a 4 hour option for our Bridge to Nowhere Discovery Tour - for those on limited time

After morning tea on The Bridge to Nowhere, we walk back to the Mangapurua Landing, and make the return jet boat journey to Pipiriki, with a few more stops along the way.

History of the Bridge to Nowhere

The Bridge to Nowhere is a memorial to men, women and children of the Mangapurua Valley -  among New Zealand's hardiest pioneers.

Visiting this area known as "The Valley of Abandoned Dreams" will give you an appreciation of the battles and hardships these families endured, in their endeavours to create a farming livelihood in this harsh environment.

Opened in 1917 as one of the Governments land settlement schemes for Returned Service men, 35 holdings were eventually developed into farms which were marginal at best.

The Bridge to Nowhere was built in 1935, and was intended to be the link between the Central North Island and Taranaki's route to the coast. Ironically enough, the first of the Mangapurua settlers to leave the Valley had abandoned their holdings by the time the Bridge was constructed.

We are constantly amazed at the number of people who come with us, who have an association with the Mangapurua Valley, be it through relatives who were settlers, or perhaps neighbours, and the stories that have been told to them of this fascinating area. We love hearing different perspectives on life in the valley.

And then of course there are those of you who simply have to see this concrete structure nestled in the native bush - just so you can believe it!

Interesting Snippet - The Bridge to Nowhere was originally named Morgan's Bridge, after the settlers who farmed close by. It wasn't until 1977 that local jet boat tourism operator Eric Hammond came up with the befitting title "The Bridge to Nowhere".

Tour Details

*All rates in NZD New Zealand Dollars
**Child rates apply to under 15 years of age
***Children rates apply to families with more than 1 child

A 20% cancellation fee will apply to all bookings. We reserve the right to cancel trips due to bad weather, or any other factor which may affect safety, in which case we will happily rebook to another time.

Bridge to Nowhere Discovery 6 hour tour NOT available during 1 May 2011 to 1 October 2011 This is due to the shorter, cooler winter days.

Our 4 hour option is still available. We regret any inconvenience - but this is wholly for your comfort. Brent and Claire

6 HR TOUR

Adult: $160
Child: $80
Children: $70 

4 HR TOUR

Adult: $135
Child: $80
Children: $70