Morning

Shuttle to Turoa Car Park, Ohakune Mountain Road – bike back down (17 km) to Ohakune Junction.

Lunch Ohakune.

Afternoon

Shuttle to Old Coach Road cycle trail, Horopito – bike back to Ohakune

Stay Ohakune.

Dinner, breakfast, and next day lunch provided

Shuttle to Ruatiti Road (formerly Ohura Road)

Bike Ruatiti Road, descending into the Orautoha Valley, ride through the basin surrounded by hill country, and past Claire’s family homestead “Marua”.  Cross the bridge over the Orautoha Stream and carry on down the road to ride above the beautiful Manganui o te Ao River, where scenes from the River Queen movie were filmed on Claire’s family farm, in a part of the river known as ”The Swimming Pool” where all the settlers from the neighbouring valleys converged for community picnics in the early 1900s.  Trout abound in this river which is also home to New Zealand’s endangered native duck Whio (Blue Duck).  You may catch a glimpse of either species as you cross the bridge over the Manganui o te Ao, a good lunch break choice.  1 – 3 hours biking depending on accommodation available at time of booking.

This is the only early start on the tour.  Shuttle from your accommodation, to arrive at the start of the Mangapurua cycle trail by 7.30 am.  Cycle through the historically significant Mangapurua Valley (Valley of Abandoned Dreams) to The Bridge to Nowhere, and on to the Mangapurua Landing  (38 km - 6 hours approx).  Mangapurua is the ill-fated valley settled by Returned Service Men and their families in 1919 – they battled an unforgiving environment and an unsympathetic government until 1942 when the last family walked off their land, beaten by Mother Nature.

Canoe from Mangapurua Landing to Bridge to Nowhere Lodge - approx 2 hours, where you will stay the night.  Bikes transported by jet boat.  Gear will be transported upriver by jet boat.

Bar available.  Dinner, breakfast provided.

Jet boat from Bridge to Nowhere Lodge to Pipiriki - 40 minutes approx.

Bike to Matahiwi (23 km - 4 hours approx) for lunch stop at Matahiwi Gallery.  Lunch provided here.  En route is Jerusalem Convent, home to Missionary the late Mother Suzanne Aubert, and further along the Kawana Flour Mill.  Kawana was a very busy mill in the 1900s when the Maori grew wheat along the fertile tablelands of the Whanganui River basin.

Carry on to your accommodation at Koriniti - another 7 km, approx 1 hour ride, where you will stay the night.

Dinner, breakfast and next day lunch provided.

Bike from Koriniti to Whanganui - 45 km, allow 4 hours.

Stay in Whanganui, handy to shops, Whanganui Regional Museum, movies, cafes, Chronicle Glass Gallery, and much more.  Bar available.  Dinner, breakfast provided.

Shuttle available to bus transport in Whanganui.

Included in the itinerary per person - 

Transfer of gear each day

Meals - 5 dinners, 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches

Accommodation - 5 nights

Shuttle – to Turoa Car Park, to Old Coach Road, to Ohura Road, Makino Station to Mangapurua Cycle Trail

Canoes - Mangapurua Landing to Lodge

Jet boat - Lodge to Pipiriki

The Old Coach Road contour lends itself to biking the trail in reverse - shuttle to Horopito and riding back to your accommodation at Ohakune.

All hosts along the trail are friendly, local and knowledgeable.  They will happily answer any questions you have.

The following days are able to be enjoyed as separate components.  Please enquire as additional shuttle services may be required.

Day 1 - either Ohakune Mountain Road, or Old Coach Road, or both.

Day 2

Day 3

With the itinerary altered to include a jet boat transfer direct from the Mangapurua Landing to Pipiriki, and shuttle back to accommodation/vehicles.  Therefore, no canoeing or accommodation on the Whanganui River.

Please enquire for prices.