Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Whanganui National Park
The park has a sprinkling of huts, a lodge and numerous camping grounds. Along the Tau-
marunui-Pipiriki section are three huts classified as Great Walks Huts during summer and
Kainga Hut
, which has been revived as a
marae
(you can stay here, but full
marae
protocol
must be observed). On the lower part of the river,
Downes Hut
MAP
is on the west bank, op-
posite Atene. See the boxed text for booking info.
Bridge to Nowhere Lodge
MAP
( 0800 480 308;
www.bridgetonowhere.co.nz
; dm/d $50/100)
Across the river from the Tieke Kainga
marae
, this remote lodge lies deep in the national park, 21km upriver from Pipiriki near
the Matemateaonga Track. The only way to get here is by jetboat from Pipiriki or on foot.
It has a licensed bar, and meals are quality home-cooked affairs. The lodge also runs jet-
boat, canoe and mountain-bike trips. Transport/accommodation/meals packages available.
LODGE
$
Whanganui River Road
There's a free informal campsite with toilets and cold water at Pipiriki, and another one
(even less formal) just north of Atene. There's also a campsite at Pipiriki run by Whan-
ganui River Adventures (
Click here
)
- call for info.
From south to north, non-camping accommodation (book in advance) includes the fol-
lowing:
LODGE
$$
Rivertime Lodge
MAP
( 06-342 5599;
www.rivertimelodge.co.nz
;
1569 Whanganui River Rd; d $160, extra person $35)
A rural idyll:
grassy hills folding down towards the river and the intermittent bleating of sheep. River-
time is a simple riverside farmhouse with two bedrooms, a laundry, a wood heater, a
lovely deck and no TV! Sleeps five; meals available.
Te Punga Homestead
MAP
LODGE
$$
