Into mountain biking? Try the new Maungapurua Track section of the Mountain to Sea Cycleway, which takes you to the famed Bridge to Nowhere.

A journey of just 22kms into the Valley from Uncle Bill's Cottage will take you to the start of the Maungapurua Track section of the Mountain to Sea Cycleway. As you travel down to the start of the track you pass from the Orautoha valley into the Ruatiti Valley, through tracts of native bush, steep farm country, and alongside the beautiful Manganui O te Ao River, home to the endangered native Blue Duck (Whio).

From Ruatiti, the amazing Mangapurua Track takes you on a 30km trip through the abandoned farmland of a post-World War 1 settlement for Returned Servicemen. With huge bluffs and breathtaking scenery, this cycle ride is now said to be the North Island's ‘best adventure ride'.

Arriving at the Bridge to Nowhere, pause to remember the harsh environment the settlers lived in, and the trials they endured, only to abandon their dreams shortly after the bridge was built when the government of the day ordered all settlers off their land.

From the bridge a short cycle-ride takes you down to the Mangapurua Landing on the Whanganui River. This whole trip into the valley takes around 5 - 6 hours. From there you can cycle back to Uncle Bill's Cottage, or we can arrange a jetboat to pick you up and transport you to Pipiriki.

To take the hassle out of your trip, try our complete package deal!

We can take care of your accommodation, and organise shuttle transport to the start of the track.

From the Maungapurua Landing a Spirit of the River jetboat will meet you for the next leg of your exciting journey to Pipiriki. Travel New Zealand's most majestic and spiritual river, the Whanganui, with local people - for history and excitement this trip cannot be beaten.

On arrival at Pipiriki, a shuttle bus will transport you back to Uncle Bill's Cottage where you can relax in comfort, and relive the pleasure of your big day!

All the operators in this package are local people, with a wealth of history and local knowledge. We are all passionate about the district, and proud to share it's treasures with you.

 

• Stay at Uncle Bill's Cottage, enroute to the Maungapurua Cycleway

• 22km from the start of the Maungapurua Cycleway

• Safe parking at Uncle Bill's Cottage

• Shuttle bus available to the start of the Maungapurua Cycleway (or cycle there yourself)

• Travel the mighty Whanganui River to Pipiriki in a jetboat 

• Shuttle bus available back to the cottage

• Self catering or the option of an evening meal prepared for you.

• Minimum of 4 people required for this package, maximum 9.

 

For bookings visit Spirit of the River