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Home , Bridge to nowhere, Koriniti, Ohakune railway station, Pipiriki, Raetihi, Taumarunui

in 1909). This 15km section of Oio trail is Grade 2 and provides a 47 great day out for families. The 4 Hapuawhenua is a highlight Fishers Track of the Mountains to Sea Trail – a MOUNTAINS rare curved lattice viaduct that was built in 1908 and is listed with the Oio Road Johnson’s National Park Historic Places Trust. From Horopito, Clearing Kaiwhakauka the trail follows rural (48km) Track Tongariro to the start of the Mangapurua Track TO SEA Trail at Ruatiti. MANGAPURUA River National Park Mangapurua Trig TRACK STARTS MANGAPURUA TRACK TO 661m Mt Ruapehu 2797m MANGAPURUA LANDING, Ruatiti 36KM TO NOWHERE 4 Ruatiti Domain Ride up to the Mangapurua Trig, a HOROPITO Turoa great spot to stop and take in the Ski Field views of the national parks and mountains. The trail continues along 1 the Mangapurua Track, dropping Whanganui Hapuawhenua Viaduct down into the valley. You will pass National Park remains of original settlements and the iconic Bridge to Nowhere. MOUNTAINS TO SEA TRAIL 4 MOUNTAINS TO SEA TRAIL 49 From the bridge, it’s only 3km to the Pipiriki-Raetihi Road Mangapurua Landing, where you Bridge to Nowhere will start your jet boat/kayak journey down the . Jerusalem MANGAPURUA LANDING TO TRAIL INFO WHANGANUI, 118KM Kawana Flour Mill Mangapurua Landing to Pipiriki TUROA, OHAKUNE to (32km) – pre-arranged jet-boat/ kayak trip WHANGANUI NORTH MOLE The trail terrain is varied, from Pipiriki to Whanganui (86km) 3-5 Days MAP LEGEND pasture curving through abandoned 233km Don’t forget to book your jet boat farmland, rutted and bouncy paths (32km river) trail section bridge pick-up in advance! Try Whanganui River Adventures or Bridge to and small fords to single-file tracks 233km alternative route hill / mountain Nowhere Tours. After skimming 3-5 days bisecting some vertiginous bluffs. (32km river) boat / water taxi café/restaurant through the gorges and rapids of You’ll spot poignant remnants of the Whanganui River, you’re back 3 4 route settlements, where making a living toilets on your bike at Pipiriki, following the TRAIL GRADES: Aramoana highway section Whanganui River Rd to . from this remote country was This remote cycle trail showcases the region’s TUROA CAR PARK TO camping From here, there is a short section of AA Centre attempted and failed. Authentic, MANGAPURUA TRACK undeniable connection between the river, WHANGANUI Upokongaro shelter riding along SH 4, before connecting unadorned country experiences GRADE 2 (EASY) i-SITE Visitor with a dedicated cycle path that will Centre hut take you through Whanganui city to the land and the people. abound along the way. ALTERNATIVE ROUTE 4 the end of your ride at the Tasman Suitable for all abilities of cyclists, (includes Grade 4 section) start / finish point accommodation North Mole Sea at North Mole, Castlecliff. the trail includes a mixture of NATIONAL PARK VILLAGE Note: a dedicated cycle/pedestrian rom the fringes of Mt Ruapehu and bridle trails, the legendary 3 point of interest 1 state highway to the coastal shores of Bridge to Nowhere, and jet boat off and on-road trail, which can TO KAIWHAKAUKA TRACK bridge will be built in 2019 at be enjoyed in sections or in its GRADE 2 (EASY) - GRADE 3 Upokongaro to avoid SH 4. Whanganui, this route and kayak transport options for © AA Traveller 2018 F (INTERMEDIATE) encompasses majestic mountains, the Whanganui River link to Pipiriki. entirety. It’s recommended that you ALTERNATIVE START: stunning native forest and the From there, a country road trail start from Ohakune. There is an MANGAPURUA TRACK TO NATIONAL PARK VILLAGE alternative start from National Park MANGAPURUA LANDING spiritual, cultural and historical abundant with history and culture riding the trail TO MANGAPURUA TRIG, Village but this includes a Grade GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE). highlights of the Whanganui River. alongside the Whanganui River Turoa Ohakune Mangapurua Bridge to Pipiriki North Mole 68KM links Pipiriki to the at 4 sections, so it’s for experienced KAIWHAKAUKA TRACK – 16km Horopito Track Nowhere boat Whanganui It takes in the alpine grandeur of 1200m This route starts at the National Whanganui. riders only. MANGAPURUA TRACK 1000m 86km Mt Ruapehu, historic coach road 800m 15km 48km 36km 32km Park Railway Station. It follows GRADE 4 (ADVANCED). 600m 400m Fishers Track (Grade 2), descending PIPIRIKI TO WHANGANUI 200m through bush into the Retaruke GRADE 2 (EASY). Valley and along gravel roads to the War Memorial Monument at MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE: “A fantastic mountain bike It’s recommended that you start OHAKUNE OLD COACH the junction of Upper Retaruke and look out for... Beautiful Limited outside of Ohakune, adventure from the central plateau from Turoa, Ohakune, or look at ROAD TO MANGAPURUA Oio Rd. Continue along Oio Rd to the alternative, more difficult route This is ancient Maori National Park and Whanganui. volcanoes, across massive TRACK, 63KM Whakahoro and the start of the It’s recommended that you carry beginning at National Park Village. Kaiwhakauka Track (Grade 4). You Bridge to Nowhere of the Mangapurua settlement, land, and you’ll feel the and the Bridge to Nowhere and From the , an emergency location device. will travel through farmland before which were all but abandoned wairua (spirit) as you TUROA CAR PARK TO the trail follows the historic Looking decidedly out-of-place down through Whanganui National connecting with the Mangapurua OHAKUNE OLD COACH Ohakune Old Coach Road to by the time the bridge was pass by delicately carved DRINKING WATER: Potable water Track (and the cycle trail from deep within the lush Whanganui Park to the Tasman Sea.” Horopito. This is a cobbled route finally completed. Now an iconic and ornately decorated is available at Ohakune, National ROAD, 16KM Ohakune). Follow the same route National Park, this large concrete once used by horse-drawn coaches attraction in the Whanganui marae. Visitors are often Park Village, Whakahoro, Take in the views before descending as described above from the bridge leads to... well... nowhere. to transport passengers between National Park, the bridge can welcomed, but you must Taumarunui, Raetihi, Pipiriki and on the sealed and winding Turoa Mangapurua Track. This route is the two rail heads of the unfinished The bridge was an immense obtain permission first. Whanganui. Boil water drawn Kennett Brothers mountain road back to Ohakune. slightly shorter but does include a be accessed by mountain bike, main trunk railway line (completed project constructed to provide tramping or a boat or kayak trip from rivers and streams. Grade 4 section. road access to the remote farms followed by a 45-minute walk. 56 57 Whanganui

LEFT: Bridge to Nowhere, © NZ ABOVE: Sphere sculpture ‘Bearing’ Mt Tihia, © whanganuinz.com © Harry Keys FAR LEFT: Canoeing down the Whanganui Along the trail BELOW: Crater Lake, Mt Ruapehu- RAETIHI River © visitruapehu.com Tongariro National Park © Visit Ruapehu Spoilt for choice with a he Whanganui River is the star activities in warmer weather. From of its cultural and natural heritage. It magnificent national park Ko au te awa, ko te of the show for much of the here you can take a canoe trip on features one of ’s most on either side, Raetihi is a Sphere Sculpture ‘Bearing’ © visitwhanganui.nz setting-off point for a host BELOW: Virginia Lake, Whanganui © visitwhanganui.nz awa ko au Ttrail. The ride alongside the the Whanganui River, hike the trails popular walks, the Tongariro Alpine LEFT: Raetihi, Central Plateau © davidwallphoto.com river is an intimate and adventurous in the Whanganui and Tongariro Crossing – 19.4km of pure rugged of adventures. Mt Ruapehu, MOUNTAINS TO SEA TRAIL I am the river and MOUNTAINS TO SEA TRAIL ride through isolated communities, national parks, enjoy a game of golf, New Zealand beauty. the Whanganui River urrounded by dramatic is a great place to discover the local Rose Gardens. Bushy Park the river is me. and the Tongariro Alpine where cultural and natural heritage head for the hills on horseback, Jerusalem/Hiruharama village is beaches and wilderness ripe talent and watch glass blowers Sanctuary will delight with the Crossing are all within Canoeing, kayaking come together. You’ll see many go fishing or warm up for your big full of fascinating history. It’s been for exploration, Whanganui in action. Several studios offer sounds of rare native birds and the easy reach, so jet boating, S and jet boating beautifully decorated and preserved ride with a thrilling 16km descent home to two famous New Zealand rests on the banks of New Zealand’s weekend workshops. 500-year-old ‘Ratanui’ tree. marae in this area – visitors are of Ohakune Mountain Rd before tramping and mountain figures – Mother Mary Aubert longest navigable river. This classy Culture vultures will want to check The War Memorial Tower adventures await welcome, although permission must relaxing at a bar or restaurant. biking is all on the cards established a Catholic mission here city has a beautiful national park on the Whanganui here. Visit the Waimarino out the Sarjeant Gallery and the is reached via a tunnel that burrows always be obtained before entering. The other-worldly Tongariro in 1883 that remains to this day, Museum, a precinct of on its doorstep and a mighty river Whanganui Regional Museum, 200m inside the hill and then by River. The versatile après-ski town of National Park is one of only three and celebrated poet James K Baxter restored heritage buildings running through it. while the green-fingered will be elevator. Climb the shell-clad tower Ohakune is a skiing base in snow UNESCO World Heritage sites in New established a retreat and commune with a fascinating collection season, and a hub for many summer Zealand and has dual status because in Jerusalem in the late 1960s. Whanganui has an international impressed with the city’s parks for magnificent views over the city of artefacts from the reputation for its art, especially and gardens, including the Bason or take a paddlesteamer up the district’s formative years. glass. The New Zealand Glassworks Botanic Gardens and Glenlogie river to see it from another angle. Raetihi rae (promontory, high spot) tihi (summit) • 36km S of National Park on SH 4 Whanganui big harbour • 160km SE of

Raetihi Relax in an attractive garden setting on the banks of the Whanganui River where you can watch the historic paddle steamer Waimarie sail the lower reaches. Centrally located with the Holiday Park city centre, Sarjeant Art Gallery, Museum, Opera House, Riverboat Centre and restaurants all a short distance away. • Spacious, comfortable studio, 1 & 2-bedroom units • Full kitchen facilities including microwave in all units

The perfect base for your cycling adventure. 30 Somme Parade, Wanganui 4500 • Ph. +64 6 345 2448 • Fax. +64 6 345 2442 Email. [email protected] • www.riversidemotel.nz Ohakune We have a range of Whanganui National Park Reservations Freephone: 0800 853 333 36km S of National Park accommodation options 80km N of Whanganui and shuttles from the Jet Boat Tours | The Lodge | Canoeing | Mountain Biking | Tramping door to cycle tracks in the region.

• As specialists in the Mountains To Sea • Free car parking while you are on your Cycle Trail, we can help you arrange adventure. your ride on the Old Coach Road, the • Luggage transfers • Itinerary planning Mangapurua/Bridge to Nowhere Trail, FREE and Fishers Track. • Bike hire and canoe hire WIFI Ohakune A beautiful bush setting with the mountain TOP 10 Holiday Park stream flowing freely along the Park • Book with us for accommodation, bike • Bike storage • Bike wash-down area offering a truly tranquil camping experience. hire, shuttles and jet boat. 0800 521 003 Motels | Units | Cabins | Sites 5 Moore , BBQ Area • Playground • WiFi • Spa Bath Ohakune • Spa Pool • Games room • Close to the 0800 40 8888 • www.raetihiholidaypark.com top10.co.nz Ohakune Old Coach Rd & Mountains to the Sea cycle trails Freephone 0800 480 308 or 06 385 4622 email: [email protected] Bookings are essential | Tours depart from Pipiriki | [email protected] | www.bridgetonowhere.co.nz vwww.wanganuimotels.co.nz • Book Direct: Freephone 0800 10 20 01 58 59