There is particular reference to the relationship that river dwellers both past and present experience with the Whanganui River.
We offer fully customised group tours in an air-conditioned mini-bus for four people or more. There is full commentary on the unique aspects of this stunning river and what has long been recognized as the most beautiful scenic river road in New Zealand. Through your own individual experience you will absorb the majestic beauty and gain a personal perspective of the history and culture of the Whanganui River.
The upper reaches of the river are cloaked in dense rainforest and lead to the deeply incised gorges of the middle reaches. Tree ferns and rare native plants cling to the steep riverbanks and morning mist clings to the surface of the water from dawn, rising slowly with the light of day.
This dramatic landscape opens out in the lower reaches of the river to follow rolling farmland and open valleys to the coastal dunes and cliffs which border the Tasman Sea to the west.
Koriniti Marae - where we have permission to tour the Marae and view the historic Wharenui. Full Marae visits/stays are possible, but by arrangement.
Stop at Jerusalem/Hiruharama - the most photographed village on the Whanganui River Road, and tour the Church and Convent that symbolise Sister Suzanne Aubert’s work. Jerusalem was also the site of James K. Baxter’s commune that was operating in the early 1970s.
Kawana Flour Mill - built in 1854 and renovated some 30 years ago is an excellent example of early European commerce on the Whanganui River.
Touch the water at Pipiriki - At one time the largest Pa in the region, Pipiriki is the final settlement on the River Road. It is the starting point for the jet boat trip to the Bridge to Nowhere and is also the finishing point for the three-day canoe trip from Whakahoro.
Standard tour prices begin at $80 per person but may decrease for larger groups.
Tour takes approximately 5 hours.
Jet boat tours as an addition to the standard tour are available and can usually be arranged for any part between the city and Pipiriki although the trip from Pipiriki to the Bridge to Nowhere is by far the most popular.
There is an option to take the last part of your Journey back to Whanganui on the historic riverboat Wairua.
There are several options available for overnight accommodation on the River Road.
Morning tea/coffee are complimentary. Catered lunch is by arrangement only. The minimum group size is four people.
All operators employed by Whanganui River Road Tours that assist in providing services carry both Qualmark and Department of Conservation certification.
The first part of the tour takes us to the most northern settlement of Pipiriki. Along the way you are given much of the content of the standard tour but in abbreviated form. This will enable you to better appreciate and understand your surroundings for your return journey down the Whanganui River Road by bicycle.
From Pipiriki we turn back and travel to the top of the hill above Jerusalem some 10 kms south. It is here that you mount your bicycle and travel south. The maximum ride is about 50 km and we meet you near the end of the River Road. However, the length of time spent on the bicycles is entirely up to you. There is obviously a requirement that tourers have a basic fitness but because the length of time spent on the bikes is negotiable we can collect less enthusiastic or less abled people from any point on the road.
We then transport you back to your accommodation in Whanganui. There is an option to take the last part of your Journey back to Whanganui on the historic riverboat Wairua.
Tour begins at 8am and is expected to finish between 4 and 5pm.
Bicycles provided.
Pricing Details:
1) Tour, bike hire and transport $100 per person
2) Tour, bike hire and transport, plus accommodation at Tamara Backpackers Lodge 2 night’s twin/double (en suite), $190 per person.
There are several options available for overnight accommodation on the River Road.
Morning tea/coffee are complimentary. Catered lunch is by arrangement only. The minimum group size is four people.
All operators employed by Whanganui River Road Tours that assist in providing services carry both Qualmark and Department of Conservation certification.
All operators employed by Whanganui River Road Tours that assist in providing services such as jet boating and canoeing carry both Qualmark and Department of Conservation certification.
Whanganui River Road Tours
Rory Smith, telephone 0800 201 234
info@whanganuiriverroad.com
