WHANGANUI RIVER ROAD GUIDE

visitwhanganui.nz
 Haere mai ki
Whanganui
Welcome
to Whanganui
A visit to the Whanganui River and
the road which winds beside it into
the Whanganui National Park is
a special and authentic journey
for visitors. The Whanganui River,
Te Awa o Whanganui, and the
Whanganui River Road are two inter-
related journeys. The Whanganui
River Road follows the lower reaches
of the Whanganui River from Pīpīriki
to Whanganui and is the only scenic
driving route alongside a river in
New Zealand with such richness of
cultural and natural heritage.

2 visitwhanganui.nz
This intimate and scenic 64-kilometre
road leads to the Whanganui
National Park, and enables travellers
to visit small river communities and
experience a pace of life which is
unique in contrast to much of the rest
of the country. The road is narrower
than the main highway and follows a
winding route, which requires slower
driving speed than usual.

There are stunning views of the

river along much of the road’s length
and of particular interest are the
many beautifully preserved marae
(gathering places) which are usually
visible from the road. Please respect
all marae and urupā (cemetery)
– entry to view marae must be
arranged in advance as permission
is required to visit these treasured
places.

 3
Contents
History. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
The Whanganui River
Te Awa o Whanganui . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
How the Whanganui River
was created. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Our woven rope, our sacred river. . . . . . . 9
Whanganui River Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Ways to experience the

Whanganui River Road . . . . . . . 10
Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail –
Ngā Ara Tūhono. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Te Araroa –
New Zealand’s Walking Trail. . . . . . . . . . . 11
Whanganui National Park. . . . . . . . . . . . 12

4 visitwhanganui.nz
Whanganui River Road:
Points of Interest. . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
SH4 and Whanganui
River Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Aramoana Viewpoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Pungarehu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Parikino. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Oyster Cliffs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Ātene (Athens) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Ātene Skyline walk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Downes Hut. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Otumaire campsite. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Hand dug culvert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Koriniti (Corinth). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Matahiwi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Kawana Flour Mill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Rānana (London). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Moutoa Island. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Hiruhārama (Jerusalem). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Ōmorēhu waterfall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Pīpīriki. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

5
History

From its origins high on magnificent

Mt Tongariro, the awa (river) travels
towards Taumarunui, then winds south
through the Whanganui National Park.
For more than 800 years, Māori have lived
here, building marae and kāinga (villages),
cultivating sheltered river terraces and
engaging with the forests. Numerous
marae still exist along the river, and the
river is home to many descendants of the
original inhabitants.

European settlers followed in search

of a new life in New Zealand and
opportunities and in the late 1800s
and early 1900s the river became a
major visitor attraction, with people
enjoying leisurely river boat cruises. The
Whanganui River became internationally
known as the ‘Rhine of New Zealand.’

6 visitwhanganui.nz
The Whanganui River
Te Awa o Whanganui

In Māori culture important geographic features are personified.

In Whanganui, the river is revered as a kuia, or grandmother,
although the tumbling rapids often reveal her male side. As
a woman, she feeds her children and gives them life, drawing
them to her and uniting them in times of need. As her children
say —

“E rere kau mai te Awa nui, mai i te Kāhui Maunga ki Tangaroa.

Ko au te Awa, ko te Awa ko au”
“The river flows from the mountains to the sea. I am the river
and the river is me.”

How the Whanganui River was created

After stowing away on his older brothers’ fishing expedition,

the legendary figure of the South Pacific, Maui-tikitiki, used his
grandmother’s sacred jawbone to haul up Hāha-te-Whenua, a
writhing landmass which later became known as Te Ika-ā-Māui,
The Great Fish of Māui, or the North Island. This fish had great
mana (power) and could only be subdued by something of
greater mana. Ranginui, the Sky Father, placed Matua te Mana
(Mt Ruapehu) in the centre of the great fish, easing its
thrashing and struggling.

History 7
For a long while, Mt Ruapehu stood in solitude, aching with
loneliness. Seeing his pain, Ranginui gifted him with two
teardrops to flow from his feet, one being Te Awanui-a-Rua, the
Whanganui River. This is the reason why Whanganui tribes
refer to Ruapehu as the main mountain and Whanganui as their
river. But Ruapehu was still lonely, so Ranginui created four
Ruapehu companions of his own kind – Te Kāhui Maunga of the
Mountain Clan, placing Tongariro, Taranaki, Ngāuruhoe and the
mountain maiden Pihanga by Ruapehu’s side. Tongariro then
became the guardian of the Whanganui River and Ruapehu the
guardian of the second teardrop. Pihanga was given in marriage
to Tongariro and from them came forth the remainder of the
mountains throughout the North Island.

However, Pihanga was tempted by Taranaki, causing Tongariro

distress. Consequently, Ruapehu, the grandfather of the clan,
instructed Taranaki to leave the area least there be trouble.

So Taranaki drew away from the clan, leaving a shadow of his

memory on a humble hill in the hinterland, and followed the
teardrop of the Whanganui River. As he followed the river
downstream, he widened the channel to make it what it is today.
When he arrived at the coast he turned northward and settled
on the plains where he now stands. These days, from high
points around the western half of the North Island you can see
Taranaki looking towards the mountain clan he left behind in
the centre of the island.

8 visitwhanganui.nz
Our woven rope, Our sacred river
“He Muka nā te Taurawhiri-a-Hinengākau.”
“I am a strand of the sacred woven rope of Hinengākau.”

Hinengākau, along with her brothers Tama-ūpoko and Tūpoho,

is one of many prominent ancestors on the river. The lower
river reaches sit under the mantle of Tūpoho.

Whanganui River Road

The Whanganui River Road was completed in 1934 following

30 years of construction. It opened the Whanganui River valley
to a new world, but changed the river itself forever. Sadly,
during construction it desecrated a number of sites sacred to
the Whanganui tribes.

Originally, many Whanganui River marae were on the true

right of the river. These settlements were protected from
the elements and enjoyed the warm morning sun. With the
opening of the road on the true left, time saw the gradual shift
of many marae to the road side of the river. Prior to the 1930s
almost all access to these remote settlements was from boats
operating along the Whanganui River.

History 9
Ways to experience the
Whanganui River Road

Today, the Whanganui River valley is still a major

attraction for visitors and locals, and offers unrivalled
opportunities for walking, cycling, hunting and
tramping in a pristine wilderness, as well as a full range
of activities on the water, including jetboat trips and
single and multi-day canoeing. The Whanganui River
valley offers many places to stay and relax, to experience
the relationship of the local people to the river, to learn
the stories and enjoy the beauty and serenity of the area.

The Whanganui River and Whanganui River Road can

be explored in many different ways, by vehicle, bike,
jetboat, canoe or on foot. You may want to explore the
area in your own private vehicle or join tours run by
local operators. Please contact the i-SITE in Whanganui
for more information.

10 visitwhanganui.nz
Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail
Ngā Ara Tūhono

Part of the New Zealand National Cycle Trail, Ngā Ara Tūhono
starts on Mount Ruapehu and ends in Whanganui, travelling
through Tongariro and Whanganui National Parks, including
the Whanganui River Road from Pīpīriki to Whanganui. The
trail takes four to six days and covers a variety of terrain; the
Whanganui River Road section is classified as Grade 2. From
Pīpīriki follow the trail down the scenic Whanganui River Road,
revealing a richness of natural and cultural heritage of the
Māori and early European settlers. Engage with locals, absorb
the serenity and history as you cycle alongside the Whanganui
River through small settlements.

Te Araroa – New Zealand’s Walking Trail

Te Araroa, New Zealand’s Trail, is a continuous 3,000-kilometre

walking track from Cape Reinga to Bluff, connecting
settlements, towns and cities. The Whanganui River Road
section of the trail has a recommended walking time of
three days.

We recommend cyclists and walkers on the Whanganui River

Road wear a high visibility vest.

Ways to experience the Whanganui River Road 11

Whanganui National Park

Whanganui is a gateway to the pristine and beautiful

Whanganui National Park which has at its heart the
Whanganui River - Te Awa o Whanganui.

Of all of New Zealand’s national parks, Whanganui National

Park is most closely associated with human settlement. It is
bissected by the Whanganui River, the longest continually
navigable river in the country. Although the bed and waters
of the river are not part of the park, it is an integral part of
the landscape and provides an important accessway into and
through the park.

The park protects one of the largest remaining tracts of

lowland forest in the North Island. This extensive forest
comprises many different communities reflecting changes
from north to south, riverside to high ridges. Large Northern
Rata trees occur throughout the park, forming a spectacular
display in midsummer when in flower.

The isolated reaches of the park support a range of native birds.

The park is home to the largest population of North Island
brown kiwi in New Zealand. Whio (blue duck) inhabit the clean
fast-flowing river habitats in the park.

Hiking tracks and river trips through the wild lowland forests
are hugely popular with visitors. The Matemateaonga Track

12 visitwhanganui.nz
traverses between Taranaki and the Whanganui River. Using an
old Māori trail and settlers’ dray road, you are able to penetrate
deep into the remote interior of the park. The 43-kilometre
track is usually tramped in three to five days.

The Mangapurua and Kaiwhakauka Tracks pass through the

historic Mangapurua and Kaiwhakauka Valleys. These valleys
were rehabilitation settlements where land was offered to
soldiers following World War I. The tracks form two stages of
the Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail.

The Ātene Viewpoint Walk is an enjoyable outing for the entire

family and provides one of the few places where the public can
easily access the Whanganui National Park while the Ātene
Skyline Track, a loop walk, offers a more challenging tramp.

The Whanganui Journey is one of nine Great Walks and is a

145-kilometre journey by canoe from Taumarunui to Pīpīriki.
The journey takes an average of five days to complete, while a
shorter three-day journey from Whakahoro to Pīpīriki is also
available.

Conservation for prosperity

Tiakina te taiao, kia puawai

Ways to experience the Whanganui River Road 13

 Whanganui
River Road
Points of Interest
1. SH4 and Whanganui River Road

2. Aramoana Viewpoint

3. Pungarehu

4. Parikino

5. Oyster Cliffs

6. Ātene (Athens)

7. Ātene Skyline walk

8. Downes Hut

9. Otumaire campsite

10. Hand dug culvert

11. Koriniti (Corinth)

12. Matahiwi

13. Kawana Flour Mill

14. Rānana (London)

15. Moutoa Island

16. Hiruhārama (Jerusalem)

17. Ōmōrehu waterfall

18. Pīpīriki

14 visitwhanganui.nz
 Raetihi
D
IR
E TI H
– RA
PIP I R I KI

18

17

16
Jerusalem / Hiruhārama
4

15 WHA
NG
AN
14 Rānana
UI
RIV
ER RD

13

12

Matahiwi

11
10
Koriniti
nga River

9 7
8
nui

Ātene
ha

W
5
4

3 4
2
Parikino

Upokongaro
4

Points of Interest 15
16 visitwhanganui.nz
 SH4 and Whanganui River Road 0km
Before you begin your journey up the Whanganui River Road,
take time to stop at the display at the information kiosk to
understand a little more about the history and spiritual and
cultural significance of the Whanganui River to its local people.

No. 2 Aramoana Viewpoint 3km

A popular stop, the Aramoana viewpoint showcases views of
the river valley, Pungarehu and Mount Ruapehu. Aramoana
means “the path to the sea”.

No. 3 Pungarehu 6.3km

Pungarehu is the first of many Whanganui River Marae on
the Whanganui River Road. The Whare Tupuna (ancestral
house) Maranganui was built by their Rangatira, Te Ratana Te
Urumingi and esteemed carver Hori Pukehika and whānau in
1905. Pungarehu Marae was fully restored to its former glory in
1986. It also houses one of the last historical waka used on the
Whanganui River.

No. 4 Parikino 8.5km

The Parikino settlement is located on the site of a former
village named Kaitangata. The original Parikino Pā was located
across the river. Carvings from its old ancestral house are
displayed in the Whanganui Regional Museum.

*A “Pā” was a term used before the arrival of European settlers.

The main feature is the fortification of the external areas of the
Pā in preparation for an invasion by other tribes.

No. 5 Oyster Cliffs 13.5km

The Whanganui region was once seabed that has been uplifted.
A fascinating showcase for this fact can be found in the cliffs
which are layers of fossilised oyster shells.

Points of Interest 17
No. 6 Ātene (Athens) 21km
This settlement was named by the missionary Reverend
Richard Taylor. Prior to a flood in 1904, the settlement was
closer to the river than present day. The small Ātene meeting
house was constructed in 1886. Just south of the Ātene
settlement marks the entry to the Whanganui National Park.

No. 7 Ātene Skyline walk 21.5km

Part of the Whanganui National Park, the Ātene Skyline track

rises to a height of 523 metres above sea level and offers views
over the region and an unusual land feature called a “meander”,
where the river once flowed in a near circle and now has cut
through to create a shortcut to the sea. The Ātene Viewpoint
walk takes 1-2 hours and follows the ridge of the old river valley
and the Skyline track takes 6-8 hours (note, a good level of
fitness is required to attempt the Skyline track).

No. 8 Downes Hut 21.9km

On the riverbank opposite the road is Downes Hut. This

small hut was built by Thomas D Downes during his time as
the River Foreman in the early 1920s and later bequeathed
to the Whanganui River Trust Board. The Department of
Conservation is now the custodian and the hut is used by
canoeists and other recreational groups. The hut is built on a
former kāinga site known as Pukupuku. A magnificent Pūriri
tree planted by Downes still flourishes.

No. 9 Otumaire campsite 23.5km

Otumaire is a free camp site with drinking water and toilets

provided by the Department of Conservation.

No. 10 Hand dug culvert 26.6km

This large hand-built culvert can be found down a short track

from the road. It was built when the Whanganui River Road
was constructed.

18 visitwhanganui.nz
Points of Interest 19
No. 11 Koriniti (Corinth) 33km

The home of Ngāti Pāmoana, Koriniti is a large and beautiful

marae, and features two traditional wharepuni (Poutama
and Te Waiherehere) as well as a small museum, “Hikurangi”.
Poutama was moved from a site upriver to its current location.
One of three ancestral houses here, Te Waiherehere is a smaller
version of one built in 1845, and has tukutuku panels designed
by the late Cliff Whiting, a New Zealand Māori artist, heritage
advocate and teacher.

No. 12 Matahiwi 40km

Matahiwi is the hub of a small farming community. In 1923, a

building was transported by riverboat from Parinui,
46 kilometres upriver, to Matahiwi, and was used as the local
school for many years. Today it is the local café and gallery
open during the summer. Matahiwi takes its name from a
nearby hill (hiwi) where visitors would stop and light a fire to
announce their imminent arrival.

No. 13 Kawana Flour Mill 41.5km

The Kawana Flour Mill was constructed in 1854. It is now a

great example of a rebuilt water-power mill, and features its
original water wheel and grinding stones. It was first built
with the help of Governor Grey to grind the wheat grown by
local farmers and was one of several built in the Whanganui
River valley in the 19th century. Now a museum, there is also
a restored miller’s colonial style cottage alongside the mill.
Drinking water and a toilet is available here.

No. 14 Rānana (London) 45km

Rānana is sheltered by the hills and is now the largest

community along the Whanganui River Road. As well as a
century old Catholic church, the settlement also features two
beautiful marae. The local school for the Whanganui River
valley is located here.

Kauika, a fee paying campsite with toilets, is located next to the

river past the marae. The fee for the campsite is collected in the
early evening.

20 visitwhanganui.nz
Points of Interest 21
22 visitwhanganui.nz
No. 15 Moutoa Island 46km

This small island was the scene of a short and fierce battle in
1864 between Whanganui Māori. A monument to the memory
of the fallen was erected in Pākaitore (Moutoa Gardens) in
Whanganui. On the 100th anniversary a memorial cairn was
placed at Rānana Marae.

No. 16 Hiruhārama (Jerusalem) 53.5km

Hiruhārama is home to a century old catholic church and

convent built in the 1890s. The church features a beautifully
carved altar of Māori design and kōwhaiwhai panels adorn
the walls. Once the home of an orphanage, the convent today
hosts retreats and offers accommodation, and the rosary way
garden offers peace and serenity. The impact and history of
the mission and its founder Mother Aubert in the Whanganui
region is immense, and details of this history can be found in
the convent. In the 1970s Hiruhārama was also the location of
poet James K Baxter’s community, which closed soon after his
death in 1972.

On a clear day the approach to Hiruhārama offers a stunning

photo opportunity with the settlement reflected in the river.

No. 17 Ōmorēhu waterfall 59km

The waterfall offers a great photo opportunity and is an

example of the many waterfalls that fall into the Whanganui
River.

No. 18 Pīpīriki 64km

Pīpīriki is the end of the Whanganui River Road journey. Today

Pīpīriki is the gateway to the upper Whanganui River and the
Whanganui National Park. Many canoe and jetboat trips start
and finish here and there are also short walks. The Department
of Conservation has a shelter at Pīpīriki with toilets, water and
a camping area, and a story-board display of the history and
cultural significance of the Whanganui River.

Points of Interest 23
Whanganui River
Adventures
Jetboat Tours & Canoeing

2522 Pipiriki Raetihi Road, Pipiriki

 NZ Tollfree 0800 862 743
 info@whanganuiriveradventures .co .nz
 www .whanganuiriveradventures .co .nz

Locally owned, tour operators (Ken and Josephine

Haworth) offer the most authentic and unqiue scenic
river tours on the middle reaches of the Whanganui River .
We are based in Pipiriki - our hometown, born and bred
locals to this iwi - Te Ātihaunui a Pāpārangi, our ancestral
area . We share our local history and stories of the river
with you when you visit the “Bridge to Nowhere” on our
tours .

Pipiriki Camping Ground

& Cottage Accommodation

Located in Pipiriki Village – The Southern

Gateway to the Whanganui National Park .
The camping ground has tent and
campervan sites, a six bunk cabin, family
cabin and a communal lounge and
kitchen area . We also have a lovely
three-bedroom cottage which sleeps six
people . Whanganui River Adventures
accommodation offers affordability and a
place to relax right on the doorstep of
your next adventure!

Mountains to Sea Trail

No worries about transport hassles, we

can do it all at our one-stop operation!
Most popular of all is the “Oneday” Ride,
all transport options covered including
passenger transport to the start of the
track, scenic jetboat out to Pipiriki and
we will transport back to your
accommodation in Raetihi/Ohakune .
We also link with the M2C trail with other
options available! Book online at our
website or at an i-SITE near you .

24 visitwhanganui.nz
Bridge to Nowhere
Lodge, Jetboat & Canoe Tours

On the Whanganui River

 0800 480 308 or 06 385 4622
 info@bridgetonowhere .co .nz
 www .bridgetonowhere .co .nz

Jetboat Tours and Canoeing

We are a family owned and operated

outdoor adventure tourism business,
based in the wilderness region of the
Whanganui National Park .
See nature at its finest . Our jetboats
travel up river through fern clad gorges to
the Mangapurua Landing . A 40-minute
bush walk takes you to the Bridge to
Nowhere . You can then jetboat with us or
canoe back down the river at your own
pace exploring as you go . Unforgettable!

Mountain To Sea Cycle Trail

“If you only have the chance to do one

adventure ride this year, this is
North Island’s best” — Jonathan Kennett

Our most popular adventure ride covers

the Mangapurua - Bridge to Nowhere
section of the Whanganui National Park .
We cover everything from
accommodation, pick up to track start,
jetboat to Pipiriki and shuttle back to
your accommodation . Bike hire also
available . Check our web page for our
two-day overnight package - it’s amazing!

Lodge and Campground

www .whanganuiriveraccommodation .co .nz

If you are looking for the ultimate NZ

wilderness experience, you have come to
the right place . The Lodge is situated
deep in the Whanganui National Park
wilderness region, surrounded by native
bush overlooking the river . It is the only
accommodation of its kind in the area .
We offer comfortable backpacker or fully
catered accommodation with buffet
meals, and a licensed bar . Our exclusive
campground has tent sites, new cabins,
hot showers, cook house . Amazing!

25
Whanganui River
Tours

On the Whanganui River

 64 6 3438229 or +64 22 423 2131
 info@whanganuirivertours .co .nz
 www .whanganuirivertours .co .nz

One Day River Experiences

Locally owned and operated, Ash Patea and

his family draw inspiration from the tribal
landscapes of Whanganui, enriched by the
river’s unique stories of yesteryear . Born
and bred along the banks of the Whanganui,
Ash’s team offers NZ’s most authentic
Māori cultural experience in New Zealand .
If you’re looking for a cultural river
experience, but limited for time, this is the
trip for you . From the city outskirts to city
centre, or a small drive north to one of the
local Marae, enjoy a relaxing river tour with
a local guide as you listen to the history of
the area . Refreshments and lunch included
in all guided trips .

Whanganui River Cultural Tours

If you’re looking for a multi-day river tour,

nothing can beat the experience Ki Tai can
offer . Enjoy the comfort of our six-man
waka (canoes) unique only to the local
Māori as a guide shares with you the place
they call home . Offering two-man canoes
and freedom hire we are bound to appease
your request . Wrapped in a cultural ribbon,
Ki Tai’s Whanganui River Tours give you
exceptional service and memories that will
last a lifetime .

Marae Experiences

The Whanganui River region has many

marae along the banks stemming from the
Mountain to the Sea . As the saying goes
“I am the river and the river is me,” we offer
experiences to large groups looking to
make authentic connections . Stay on local
marae and feel one with the river that flows
beside it . From participating in workshops,
enjoying Māori cuisine or being entertained
by local performing artists, this experience
will have you embracing the Māori culture
as much as the local Māori .

26 visitwhanganui.nz
Whanganui River
Canoes & Raetihi
Holiday Park
10 Parapara Road
 0800 40 88 88
 info@whanganuirivercanoes .co .nz
 www .whanganuirivercanoes .co .nz
www .raetihiholidaypark .com

Whanganui River Canoes

info@whanganuirivercanoes .co .nz

Whanganui River Canoes is your first

choice when planning a multi-day
Whanganui River trip . With the best
canoes in the Whanganui National Park,
there is nothing we love more than helping
our customers make lasting memories .
Friendly service, great equipment, our trips
range from three to six days . Choose
freedom hire canoes to explore at your
own pace or a fully guided tour, and learn
the history of the river as you paddle down .

Raetihi Holiday Park

info@raetihiholidaypark .com

Raetihi Holiday Park is an excellent base

for any adventure in our area . On SH4, we
are next to the ski-fields of Mount
Ruapehu in winter, near the Whanganui
River and the Tongariro Crossing for your
summer adventure . Shuttles arranged to
any adventure in the area - just ask when
you book . Accommodation is comfortable
and affordable . We offer basic cabins,
spacious non powered and powered sites,
with lovely communal facilities and hot
showers!

Mountain Biking and Tramping

The Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail is an

amazing experience with something for
every rider . Our specialty is the historic
Mangapurua-Bridge to Nowhere Track,
riding through the valley of forgotten
dreams all the way to the magnificent
Whanganui River . Knowledgable staff can
organise everything for you from
accommodation to shuttles, mountain
bike hire, to jetboat . We can help you plan
any mountain biking or tramping
adventure in the area so get in touch
today! Based at the Raetihi Holiday Park .

27
Rivertime Lodge

1569 Whanganui River Road

 06 342 5595
 info@rivertimelodge .co .nz
 www .rivertimelodge .co .nz

Rivertime Lodge is a delightful self-contained cottage on the

Whanganui River Road section of the Mountain to Sea Cycle
Trail . The cottage sleeps four and we have three private cabins to
accommodate groups up to ten . There is easy access for luggage
transfers and secure bike storage . Expect a warm welcome, a
good night’s rest and a quiet relaxed atmosphere . At this place
you are on river time .

Whanganui Scenic
Experience Jet
Jetboat Tours

1195 Whanganui River Road

 06 342 5599 or 0800 945 335
 tours@whanganuiscenicjet .com
 www .whanganuiscenicjet .com

Experience the Whanganui River with us . We specialise in scenic,

historical jetboat tours with local guides . Let us share with you
the beauty and tranquillity of the Whanganui River valley . Learn
the stories, history, and rich culture, and visit unforgettable
places with spectacular scenery . Tours depart from our farm
base, a 25-minute drive from Whanganui, and range from two
hours to our all day tour to the Bridge to Nowhere .

Matahiwi Gallery
Cafe

Whanganui River Road

 06 342 8112 or 06 342 8116
 mtranginui2013@gmail .com

Matahiwi Gallery Cafe is the central point between Whanganui

and Raetihi . Come relax and enjoy the country hospitality over
tea, coffee, cold drinks, light food . Arts & Crafts - old and new .
Tent site available . Eftpos is available .

Seasonal, closed May to September .

Open October to April, Wednesday to Sunday 9am-4pm .

28 visitwhanganui.nz
Kohu Cottage

20 Koriniti Pa Road
 06 342 8178
 lois .gilbert@xtra .co .nz
www .whanganuiriver .co .nz

Pamper yourself in this cosy renovated one-bedroom 100-year

old cottage nestled in the tranquil Whanganui River Valley,
45 minutes from Whanganui . Sit on the verandah and listen to
the sounds of the birds in the bush and watch the world slip by .

Journeys on the
Whanganui

Whanganui River
 021 466 486
 Info@whanganuiriver .co .nz
 www .whanganuiriver .co .nz

Journeys on the Whanganui is a group of operators working on

and alongside the stunning and culturally important Whanganui
River and Whanganui National Park . We offer a range of places to
stay, canoeing and jet-boating trips, and walking and cycling
tours . Our group offer visitors the ability to engage with locals
whose family and historical links to the area mean people can
hear the stories of earlier generations, both from the perspective
of local Māori and the European who followed them .

The Flying Fox

Koriniti

Eco-friendly boutique accommodation

 06 927 6809
 info@theflyingfox .co .nz
 www .theflyingfox .co .nz

Accessed only by aerial cable car or boat, this is unique,

eco-friendly accommodation, overlooking the Whanganui
River . This tranquil setting provides the perfect place to
relax away from the hustle and bustle of modern living .
An ideal base for exploring the river or a stop-over on the
Mountains to the Sea trail . With options ranging from
hand-built cottages to glamping/camping there’s something
to suit all tastes and budgets . Catering is available by prior
arrangement .

29
30 visitwhanganui.nz
Whanganui River
Hunting & Wild
Food Festival
Paraweka Marae, Pīpīriki
Whanganui River Road
 Annual Event in April
www .aotearoahuntnation .co .nz

Hosted by different Whanganui River Marae

annually, this mid-year event allocates registered teams of hunters and
individuals to a block of land within the river district . An opportunity to
bring more people to the Whanganui River communities and to reconnect
with the natural environment, the Whanganui River Hunting and Wild Food
Festival is a competition and event for all whanau (family) and ages with
a prize-giving featuring hangi and local food, music, games and novelty
events . Run by iwi, this festival truly celebrates and connects iwi and
visitors with Māori as a people living off the land and the river .

31