A Brief History and Introduction to the Whanganui River Road

The Whanganui River Road follows the majestic Whanganui River (Te Awa O Whanganui) from just north of Wanganui to Pipiriki. A journey along the river road is a step back in time, revealing the heritage of the local iwi, the remnants of early European settlement as well as many historic landmarks and features. This is a fascinating drive for those wanting to experience a real New Zealand.

Taking over 30 years to construct, the Whanganui River Road was opened in 1934. Construction was delayed many times because of floods and slips. Prior to the 1930’s almost all access to these remote settlements was from boats that operated along the Whanganui River.

Key settlements along the river road include Hiruharama (Jerusalem), Koriniti (Corinth), Atene (Athens), and Ranana (London).

At Hiruharama there is a beautiful village and convent. This settlement is also famous as the location for Mother Aubert’s mission and poet James K Baxter’s commune.

Once the longest operating flour mill on the river, Kawana Mill is now a beautifully restored building and museum. Near Ranana you can find a cairn commemorating the ‘Battle of Moutoa’ . This 1864 battle on Moutoa Island was between Whanganui Maori and invading warriors from the north.

Pipiriki is the end of the Whanganui River Road and is a base for many river operators. Jet-boat trips are available from here to the famous ‘Bridge to Nowhere’ and many canoe tours start and end here too.

Although the river road is now sealed for much of its length, it is winding and drivers should take care. The journey from Wanganui to Pipiriki takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on the number of stops.

For an ideal day trip, you can complete a loop from Wanganui to Pipiriki, across to Raetihi and back to Wanganui along the Parapara Scenic Highway. This round trip can be completed in 4 to 6 hours, depending on the number of stops.

Enjoy your Whanganui River Road discovery!

The Whanganui River Road
and the New Zealand cycleway

The government has announced the creation of a new national cycleway that will allow visitors to explore New Zealand’s unique wilderness areas and spectacular scenery. It will link many existing tracks with new pathways to be created and will allow cyclists into some of New Zealand’s most scenic and rarely seen countryside.

One of the first tracks to be developed is the Mountain to the Sea / Mt Ruapehu to Wanganui. Starting on the slopes of Mt Ruapehu, the route includes the 294-metre Hapuawhenua viaduct, the Whanganui National Park, the historic Mangapurua Valley and the iconic ‘Bridge to Nowhere’. From the bridge cyclists take a jet boat down the Whanganui River to Pipiriki, and then continue down the Whanganui river road to Wanganui. The 245km 4 to 6 day ride is mostly through DOC administered lands.
For those wanting to only do part of the track, Whanganui Tours offer a cycle hire service and can drop off and collect riders from any point.

Coach Tours and Guided Tours on the Whanganui River Road

For those not wanting to drive or cycle the river road, there are also a number of coach tours.

One of the oldest and most famous, is the Whanganui River Mail Run Tour. Every weekday you can enjoy a unique opportunity to join the local mailman as he delivers mail and supplies to residents of the River Valley. Along the way you stop and listen to local history. As well as being collected from your hotel, there is an overnight option which includes a night at the remote Bridge to Nowhere Lodge.

Whanganui River Road Tours offer fully customised tours that can be tailored to meet the specific need of any group of 6 or more and can also include overnight options on local marae or river accommodation, as well as jet boat tours.