Tours
Atene Bush Scenic Reserve
2 hours
This is a great way to see a special piece of the Whanganui River and the Whanganui National Park if you only have a couple of hours to spare.
We head upstream through the gorgeous Atene bush, passing the Oyster cliffs, the old river bed at Atene, and the famous Ahu Ahu Valley.
We stop at the old tunnel culvert and return for a picnic at Downes Hut, nestled in beautiful native bush.
Tour includes:
1 hour jet boat ride
Bush walk
Stories and legends of the river and the region
Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and delicious snacks
Stunning scenery
Price $90 per person (adult)
$70 per person (child)
Kawana Flour Mill & Matahiwi Gallery
3.5 hours
Travel through the gorgeous lower Whanganui National Park to the historic, fully restored Kawana Flour Mill (built 1854). We head downstream to the village of Matahiwi where we visit the old school that now is a beautifully restored gallery and cafe. Here we enjoy tasty refreshments withour very special local hosts.
Tour includes:
2 hour jet boat ride
Bush walk
Visit to the flour mill and gallery.
Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and delicious snacks
Stunning scenery
Price $130 per person (adult)
$95 per person (child)
Flying Fox
3 hours
This tour heads 25km upstream through the gorgeous Atene Bush and lower reaches of the Whanganui National Park.
When we arrive at The Flying Fox, we take a stroll through the organic gardens and admire the great workmanship of the two quaint cottages.
Relax on the verandah overlooking the Whanganui River and enjoy locally roasted organic Havoc coffee or tea, with freshly baked muffins and a chat with our host.
On our return to base, we stop for a short bushwalk in the Atene Bush.
Tour includes:
1 1/2 hour jet boat ride
Stories of the history of the river
Tour of The Flying Fox
Coffee, tea and freshly baked muffins
Bush walk
Price $130 per person (adult)
$95 per person (child)
Jerusalem
4 hours
This is an ideal way to experience and enjoy the beauty and serenity of the lower reaches of the Whanganui River, visiting key historic and spiritual sites combined with the thrill of some exciting rapids.
We head upstream 50km through the gorgeous Atene bush, passing historical Moutoa Island, the scene of a famous battle in 1864. We continue on to Jerusalem where we are greeted by the Sisters of Compassion. In the grounds we’ll enjoy a picnic, visit the restored church, and learn the stories of Mother Aubert and James K Baxter.
Tour includes:
2.5 hour jet boat ride
Tour of Jerusalem (including the magnificent church)
The stories of Mother Aubert
Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and a wonderful morning or afternoon tea prepared by the sisters and the local people
Optional stop at The Flying Fox with a tour of their organic gardens and homestay with coffee, tea and muffins
Price $160 per person (adult) ($185 including stop at The Flying Fox)
$100 per person (child) ($125 including stop at The Flying Fox)
Bridge to Nowhere
8 hours (or 4 hours from Pipiriki)
The famous Bridge to Nowhere is an iconic piece of history on the Whanganui River.
Learn the stories of the early New Zealand European settlers and legends of the Maori people, and experience the beauty and serenity of the steep gorges in the upper reaches of the Whanganui River in the Whanganui National Park.
This is the ultimate day trip. Departing from our farm base, we head upstream through the lower reaches of the Whanganui National Park, passing through the gorgeous Atene bush, and then continue on to Jerusalem.
You will be greeted by the Sisters of Compassion and share a sumptuous morning tea of good old fashioned home baking, learning the stories of Mother Aubert and the local people, before taking time to visit the restored church.
You then board the boat and continue on through the upper reaches of the Whanganui River to experience the world famous Drop Scene, the Manganui-o-te-Ao River and sights from the movie River Queen.
When you arrive at Mangapurua landing you will walk through the Valley of Abandoned Dreams and have lunch on the Bridge to Nowhere in the heart of the Whanganui National Park.
We return to the boat and make our way home, stopping at Matahiwi for afternoon tea at the Matahiwi Gallery.
As an added extra, we can stop at the organic gardens of The Flying Fox on our way home. View the amazing craftsmanship of handmade cottages in a stunning bush setting, and enjoy afternoon tea on the verandah overlooking the river.
When we arrive at The Flying Fox, we take a stroll through the organic gardens and admire the great workmanship of the two quaint cottages.
Relax on the verandah overlooking the Whanganui River and enjoy locally roasted organic Havoc coffee or tea, with freshly baked muffins and a chat with our host.
On our return to base, we stop for a short bushwalk in the Atene Bush.
Tour includes:
4 hour jet boat ride, 175km
Stories of the history of the lower and upper reaches of the Whanganui River
Morning tea and tour of Jerusalem
Bush walk
Afternoon tea at the Matahiwi Gallery
Stunning scenery
Optional stop at The Flying Fox
A day you’ll never forget
Price $300 per person (adult)
$200 per person (child)
Pipiriki to the Bridge to Nowhere (4 – 4.5 hours)
Tours to the Bridge to Nowhere departing from Pipiriki are available for large groups.
Minimum numbers apply.
Price on application
Whanganui River Safari
3 to 5 Days
A special NZ river journey. Explore the beauty and tranquility of the upper reaches of the Whanganui River with our three day river safari.
Experience the true history of the Whanganui River – its people, the natural beauty or flora and fauna, wildlife, and the spirit of the river. Enjoy the freedom to explore all the historical attractions the river offers, traveling by jet boat and staying in comfortable New Zealand lodge style accommodation.
We float through majestic gorges of unspoilt native bush, which opens up into farmland broken and nurtured by the early settlers. As we turn off the engine, relax in the tranquility of the bush and absorb the sounds of native birdlife, and the remoteness of the valley.
Day 1:
Travel from our base through the lower reaches of the Whanganui River, exploring the Kawana Flour Mill, Jerusalem and then gradually travel upriver to our night’s accommodation nestled on the banks of the river.
Day 2:
We travel upriver for a walk into the famous Bridge to Nowhere, learning of the extraordinary conditions of the early settlers, before continuing on to enjoy the majestic gorges and the isolation and tranquility of the valley stopping to explore cultural and historical sights. We head to our night’s accommodation beside the Retaruke River, exploring the lodge’s efforts to restore the native blue duck (whio) and kiwi to the area.
Day 3:
The final day explores the section of the river nearly as far as Taumarunui, visiting the historical nui poles and glorious waterfalls. We stop for lunch at the beautiful lavender farm, before retracing our journey down river to Pipiriki with the opportunity to stop and explore more sights. Return to our base on the famous Whanganui River Road, experiencing the stunning scenery from a different vantage point.
Extend your journey with an additional night’s accommodation on the river if you wish to make this a truly relaxing and restorative experience.
This is an experience of a lifetime.
Forgotten World Highway option
How about combining two legendary New Zealand experiences in one tour? Combine our 3 day Whanganui River safari with a guided tour of the Forgotten World Highway linking Taumaranui through to Taranaki. More stunning scenery, and a visit to the Bridge to Somewhere to add to your visit to the Bridge to Nowhere. Enjoy a night’s accommodation in the legendary Whangamomona Hotel and a visit to Mt Taranaki, before returning to our base.
Contact us to map out an itinerary to suit the needs of your group.
Terms and conditions
Minimum numbers apply to all tours. Warm clothing and outdoor footwear are essential. For canoeing tours, no denim clothing is permitted. We supply life jackets and all other safety equipment.
Tours from Whanganui City
Whanganui City Express
25 minutes
Experience the thrill of a jet boat ride through Wanganui city. See the city landscape from the river, passing under all four bridges and heading out to the river mouth.
Tour includes:
20 minute jet boat ride
Thrilling ride through the city
Price: $65 per person (adult)
$30 per person (child)
Note: Available for large group bookings only.
Hipango Park
3 Hours
This tour is an ideal way to experience the lower reaches of the Whanganui River from Wanganui’s doorstep. Departing from the central city, we pass under the bridges that form a unique part of Wanganui’s landscape. We travel upstream, through the village of Upokongaro, Kaiwhaiki Pa, the famous Shell Rock Quarry and Kemp’s Pole. We arrive at Hipango Park, Wanganui’s most isolated picnic reserve only accessible by river. Enjoy a picnic at the park and a bush walk if you wish.
Tour includes:
1 ¼ hour jet boat ride
Stories of the rich history of the Whanganui River
Unique view of the city landscape from the river
Bush walk if you wish
Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and snacks.
Price $105 per person (adult)
$75 per person (child)
Note: Available for large group bookings only.
Customised Whanganui River Tours
We are happy to design customised trips to all destinations on the Whanganui River.
Water taxi services are available to accommodation outlets on the river including overnight stays at The Flying Fox.
Accommodating all sized groups, we are happy to arrange catering at your request.
Having a proud safety history we take personal care of all our guests as good friends. Life jackets are supplied and other safety equipment including a satellite phone.
We are a fully certified commercial jet boat operation authorised by Maritime New Zealand, and are members of the New Zealand Commercial Jet Boat Association. We have the right to cancel or reschedule all tours due to river or weather conditions for safety reasons.
Warm clothing and outdoor footwear is essential. For canoeing tours, no denim clothing is permitted. Minimum numbers apply to all tours.