Traveling upstream into the middle reaches of the Whanganui River, you will encounter native bush, deep gorges and lush ferns which curl out into the warm New Zealand light.
Led by a guide who will share stories en route, this is more than just an area of natural wonder, and you will be introduced to many of the secrets of this vitally important historic and cultural area.
Along the way, you will stop at the Mangaio Gorge and the Manganui-O-Te-Au River, home to the endangered blue duck. While exploring, you can hear the native tui and catch glimpses of the bellbird all en route to the historic ‘Bridge to Nowhere’, the gateway to the ‘Valley of Abandoned Dreams’.
On arrival, you will listen to takes of the historic Mangapurua Valley and its early pioneers as well as the settlers who came here after World War I. A return walk to the boat and a return trip down-river to Pipiriki complete this unique experience.
I understand that one size doesn’t fit all, and that’s why you have the freedom to design your experience, your way.
Trip Ideas
-
New Zealand Uncut Hiking Adventure
New Zealand EscortedExplore diverse landscapes from north to south islands of New Zealand on this 15 day ultimate hiking adventure.
From £6767 Excluding Flights
-
South Island Solo Travellers Tour
New Zealand EscortedSpecially designed for solo travellers, share this comprehensive exploration of the South Island with fellow-adventurers.
From £3410 Excluding Flights
-
Hike and Drive New Zealand
New Zealand Self DriveExplore with your own 4x4 and hike some of New Zealand's best backcountry trails.
From £4619
-
Discover Aotearoa
New Zealand Self DriveThe ultimate self drive covering a lot of ground but with plenty of time to relax too.
From £4199
-
New Zealand by Rail, Cruise and Coach
New Zealand Escorted RailExperience spectacular rail journeys and boat cruises on this escorted group tour.
From £5450 Excluding Flights
-
New Zealand by Motorhome
New Zealand Self DriveThis motorhome itinerary offers you a wonderfully independent self-drive holiday.
From £2184
-
Spectacular North and South
New Zealand Self DriveExplore New Zealand in depth on this well-paced self-drive allowing you to immerse yourself in the country's plentiful wonders.
From £4666
-
East Cape Explorer
New Zealand Self DriveDiscover one of New Zealand's seldom explored regions on this 14-day self-drive holiday following the Pacific Coast Highway around the East Cape of North Island.
From £2444 Excluding Flights
-
North Island Classic
New Zealand Self DriveThis two-week self-drive holiday takes in the highlights of the North Island.
From £1966 Excluding Flights
-
Wildlife Encounters
New Zealand Self DriveTrack down New Zealand's endemic wildlife on this self drive nature tour.
From £5037 Excluding Flights
Blogs
-
Iconic Experiences of New Zealand: Travel Specialist Insights
Iconic moments come thick and fast in New Zealand. This was certainly the experience of Travel Specialist, Trudy’s, recent trip. As one icon followed another, she recalls her highlights...
-
15 Amazing Viewing Platforms
Who doesn't love a view? We’ve picked out a selection of viewing platforms and observation decks around our world that have caught our eye…
-
New Zealand: North Island vs South Island
Wherever you go in New Zealand, you’ll find spectacular scenery, a friendly welcome and plenty of activities, but this guide will help you discover the differences between the two main islands.
-
Natural Nights Out in New Zealand – Spotlight on Atatu PurePod
Add a glamourous 'night in nature' into your tailor made New Zealand holiday - find out what Head of Product, Liz, made of a night in Atatu Purepod in the Greta Valley, north of Christchurch on South Island.
-
New Zealand Tailored to Perfection: A Client Perspective
Our Travel Specialists are experts in creating tailor made holidays fitting in with your key interests, must-see places, special occasions, family commitments and specific time frames. That’s exactly the kind of personalised service Sue Sparks enjoyed on her recent trip to New Zealand…
-
7 Whale Watching Hotspots Around the World
Become a dedicated follower of flukes with our guide to the world's best places to spot cetaceans.
-
7 World Heritage Sites in Australia and New Zealand
There are 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Australia and a further three in New Zealand - read our guide showcasing the seven sites we think you should consider when planning your holiday Down Under.
-
A Guide to the Best Road Trips
Imagine exploring a country at your own pace, driving through spectacular landscapes with your favourite songs playing in the background. From one-day classic drives to multi-day touring routes, read on for our pick of the world's great road trips.
-
12 Reasons to Visit New Zealand
Travel writer William Gray explains why we should pack our bags and head for NZ in a dozen reasons... just for starters.
-
Did You Know This About New Zealand?
How much do you really know about New Zealand? It is a county with plenty of cinematic acclaim (often dubbed the ‘other Hollywood’), home to incredible landscapes and exotic wildlife. It has developed a distinctive personality since the Maori first set eyes on the islands about 1000 years ago and is a land of many interesting quirks that will impress any travel and trivia enthusiast. Read on to find out more...
