Ages 7+! • 7 hours • Great for couples and families! • The Ultimate Adventure!
Set off on a thrilling jet boat ride, scenic walk, and peaceful canoe trip along New Zealand’s Whanganui River to the iconic Bridge to Nowhere. Discover stunning gorges, native bush, and rich local history in this unforgettable outdoor adventure.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6-7 hours
Fitness Level
Good general fitness required for walking and paddling sections, suitable for ages 7 and up.
Wildlife
History
The Bridge to Nowhere was built to serve a remote farming settlement abandoned after WWII, marking a poignant piece of local pioneer history.
Conservation
Whanganui River National Park is New Zealand’s first legal personhood river to recognize its ecological and spiritual significance; respect for these values is integral on all trips.
Whanganui River Adventures
Ages 7+! • 7 hours • Great for couples and families! • The Ultimate Adventure!
Whanganui River Adventures operates from Pipiriki in the Manawatū-Whanganui region, offering guided river experiences that combine jet boating, canoeing and historic walks. The company runs four signature trips: The Overnighter Tour, Bridge to Nowhere Tour, Onedayer Adventure and Traveller with Little Time. Each trip includes guided jet boat segments upriver, scenic canoe paddling downstream, and guided walks or demonstrations where noted. The Overnighter Tour pairs a jet boat transfer to the Bridge to Nowhere with a 30-hour paddle back to Pipiriki. The Bridge to Nowhere Tour is a 32km jetboat journey with historic stops and a 40-minute walk to the Bridge to Nowhere at Mangapurua Landing. The Onedayer Adventure begins with a 55-minute jet boat ride through gorges, a guided walk, lunch at the Bridge to Nowhere, and a canoe return to Pipiriki. Traveller with Little Time includes a 13km jet boat upriver, a canoeing demonstration, and a paddle back through gorges and rapids to Pipiriki.
Guides provide local orientation, route navigation and safety oversight during both jet boat and canoe sections. Trips highlight river scenery, gorges, rapids and historic sites along the Whanganui River, with opportunities for short walks and photo stops. Bookings are organized from Pipiriki for departures described in each trip summary. Whanganui River Adventures focuses on outdoor river travel and guided experiences on the Whanganui River, centered on the Bridge to Nowhere and nearby river reaches. Information about schedules, equipment and pricing is available from Whanganui River Adventures at booking points in Pipiriki and on partner websites.
Start Location
Pipiriki
Base for all departures
Activities
Jetboat & Canoe
Guided boat and paddle sections
Duration Range
55 min–30 hours
Options from short to overnighter
Highlight
Bridge to Nowhere
Walk to Mangapurua Landing
Select a trip that fits available time — half-day, full-day or the 30-hour overnighter — and secure a guided river adventure.
Wear suitable footwear
Bring sturdy, waterproof walking shoes for the historic trail to the Bridge to Nowhere.
Avoid denim
Denim trousers are not recommended for canoeing; opt for quick-drying clothing instead.
Bring sun protection
Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are vital to protect against sun exposure during the river segments.
Pack a spare change of clothes
After canoeing, a dry set of clothing helps you stay comfortable for the trip’s end.
Waterproof walking shoes
Necessary for the historic trail and wet riverbanks.
Quick-drying clothing
Lightweight apparel ideal for canoeing and variable river weather.
Hat and sunglasses
Protects face and eyes during sun-exposed paddling.
summer
Drybag
Keeps personal belongings safe and dry on the water.