Bridge to Nowhere
Built in 1936 to open up farmland that was ultimately abandoned, this concrete bridge over the Mangapurua Stream now leads nowhere but bush — reachable only by river or a multi-day walk.
Quick Facts
- Region
- Manawatū-Whanganui, North Island
- Best time
- Oct – Apr
- Entry fee
- Free; jet boat transport from ~$130
- Duration
- Full day
Overview
The Bridge to Nowhere was built in the 1930s to connect farms established by returning WWI soldiers in the remote Mangapurua Valley. The farms failed within a decade — the land was too steep and remote to work profitably — and the settlers walked away, leaving the substantial concrete bridge standing in bush that has long since reclaimed the surrounding paddocks.
Today it's one of the North Island's most atmospheric short walks, reached almost exclusively by jet boat up the Whanganui River followed by a walk through native forest, or as part of the multi-day Whanganui Journey canoe trip, one of New Zealand's Great Walks (in canoe form).
Things To Do
- Jet boat and walk — the classic day-trip combination, up the river by jet boat then a bush walk to the bridge.
- Whanganui Journey — a multi-day canoe or kayak trip down the Whanganui River, passing the bridge access point.
- Mangapurua Track — a longer mountain-biking and walking route tracing the old settlement road.
- River scenery — the Whanganui River gorge itself, with its dense native bush, is a highlight of the trip.
- Historic sites — remnants of the abandoned 1920s farm settlement along the walking track.
Getting There
The bridge is only reachable by the Whanganui River or the Mangapurua Track — there's no direct road access. Jet boat tours depart from Pipiriki, about 1 hour's drive from Whanganui city.
| Location | Whanganui National Park, Manawatū-Whanganui |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours | Jet boat tours run daily, weather and river-level dependent |
| Entry Fee | Free; jet boat transport typically from NZD $130 |
| Duration | Full day for the jet boat and walk combination |
| Accessibility | Walking track from the jet boat landing is unsealed and uneven |
Gallery
Nearby Attractions
Manawatū Gorge
A scenic river gorge and walkway between the Ruahine and Tararua ranges.
Whanganui City
A river city with a historic Victorian centre, the usual base for exploring the national park.
Pipiriki
The small settlement where most jet boat trips up the Whanganui River depart from.