Whanganui River Adventure

Kia ora – welcome to Taupo! Right in the centre of New Zealand’s North Island, the town sits on the banks of Lake Taupo and is a perfect starting point for your adventure. Meet your leader and fellow travel crew at 10 am this morning – more details can be found in the ‘Joining Point Instructions’ of your Essential Trip Information. After a quick meeting, head to Pureora Village and Forest Park, learning about the local history and its logging past. With an abundance of ferns and centuries’ old trees here, you’ll feel you’ve escaped to the wilderness already! Head back up to Lake Taupo for an optional picnic lunch on its banks before heading south with your group to Taumarunui. Set near the junction of the Whanganui and Taringamotu rivers, Taumarunui is your base for tonight, and you’ve got a free evening to enjoy the town at your leisure. Perhaps ask your leader for their restaurant recommendations.

Rise and shine for an early start this morning – you’re off to the Forgotten World! These former railway tracks take you along 40 kilometres of the 'Forgotten World Railway', through ten incredible hand built brick tunnels; one of them over 1.5 kilometres in length. Ride on custom built rail carts through dense native bushlands and past stunning hilly outcrops – you’ll soon realise that this region definitely lives up to its name as King Country. Arrive in Tokirima, where a delicious ploughman’s lunch and home baked goods await your group. After lunch, board a minibus, which will take you via the acclaimed Lauren’s Lavender Farm. Awaken the senses walking through the fields of purple (seasonal). Next head to Ohakune at the foot of Tongariro National Park. Keep an eye out for the big carrot on the way into town – you won’t miss it! Once arrived, there’s the option to hike to Waitonga Falls if you’re feeling up to it (approximately 1.5 hours total). Otherwise, take the afternoon to rest and relax.

Another early morning calls for some adrenaline pumping action. Travel up the Whanganui River on an exhilarating jetboat rapids ride to Mangapurua Landing, passing by pristine forests and deep gorges full of ferns. Once arrived, disembark the boat and begin a guided walk to the Bridge to Nowhere, the gateway to the so-called ‘Valley of Abandoned Dreams’. You’ll learn all about the history of the valley and the tales that surround this mysterious region and tragic period of New Zealand history. Sit back and soak in your flourishing surroundings. Hop back into the jetboat for another short ride, then slow things down for the next part of your journey – a leisurely canoe back down the Whanganui River towards Pipiriki. After a safety briefing and some paddling tips, board your 2-person canoe and leave the rest of the world behind you as you float past stunning scenery, stopping off as you wish at points of interest along the way. Your guide will be on hand to share why this river is so significant to the Maori people. Head back to Ohakune for the night

This morning continue to Whanganui, set at the mouth of the Whanganui River. Stop off in Putiki and pay a visit to one of the country’s most beautiful churches where you’ll admire its intricate Maori tukutuku (weavings) and learn about its layered history. Settle into your accommodation then set out to explore Whanganui on an orientation walk with your leader. One of New Zealand’s oldest towns, Whanganui is dotted with heritage buildings, natural wonders and artistic touches. The rest of the afternoon is free for your own explorations.

After breakfast this morning, swing by the popular Kai Iwi Beach to marvel at its soaring cliffs and rugged beauty, well known for its unusual drift wood. Then it’s time to get back on the road with the epic Mt Taranaki (also known under its colonial name Mt Egmont) in your sights. Watch the peak loom larger in the horizon, and once arrived at its base, take a leader-led walk on the slopes with your group. Continue your drive to New Plymouth, where your adventure finishes on arrival. With no activities planned after this, you are free to leave the group, either continuing your own adventure or beginning your homeward journey.