Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
suspension bridge used between 1920 and 1936. This old bridge and its two predecessor
wire cages were vital to the initial settlers for the transport of all supplies.
It's a 40-minute walk to
Mangapurua Landing
, along a well-formed walking track fre-
quented by day visitors venturing to the Bridge to Nowhere. The Mangapurua Landing was
the main access point to the Mangapurua Valley during the early years of settlement when
the paddle steamer provided the only transport option. The landing is now used by jetboaters
and canoeists.
WHANGANUI JOURNEY - THE GREAT WALK THAT'S A PADDLE
One of NZ's nine Great Walks, the Whanganui Journey is in fact a river journey, al-
though there are welcome opportunities to disembark your vessel and stretch the legs
on dry land.
The 145km journey from Taumarunui to Pipiriki takes around five days. It is one of
NZ's great river adventures, wending from highlands to lowlands, through the heart of
Whanganui National Park. It's a journey of natural beauty, history and cultural interest.
Along the way are two huts, a bunk house and 11 campsites.
The level of effort and skill required is largely dictated by the river flows. When the
river is slow, be prepared to paddle for hours. Frequent rapids are generally gentle and
fun, but you will need water confidence, paddling skills and good general fitness - this
is, after all, a long journey through the middle of nowhere.
Local companies are geared up to set you on your way, and fully guided trips are
available if you don't want to tackle it on your own. For more information and book-
ings, which are essential all year round, contact
Great Walks Bookings
( 0800 694
732;
www.greatwalks.co.nz
)
or any Department of Conservation (DOC) Visitor Centre
(
www.doc.govt.nz
). A good potted summary is also compiled in DOC's brochure
Whanganui Journey,downloadable from its website.
RUAHINE FOREST PARK
Located a 35km drive from Palmerston North, Ruahine Forest Park spans 936 sq km, from
the Manawatu Gorge north to the Taruarau and Ngaruroro Rivers, which form its boundary
with Kaweka Forest Park. Ruahine is long (95km), narrow (only 8km wide at its southern
end) and very rugged. It encompasses the main Ruahine Range, as well as the Mokai Patea,
Hikurangi, Whanahuia and Ngamoko Ranges.
The park is laced with tracks and poled routes, and within its boundaries are 60 DOC and
club huts available to trampers. East-west crossings over the Ruahines are popular, but the
