This morning got up and headed to our tour starting in Pipiriki village on the Whanganui River. The road to Pipiriki was just like driving to Hana in Maui. Constant twists n turns through the rainforest, narrow road, one lane bridges, rock slides in the road, cows in the road, and a burnt up car or two on the side.

We first loaded up onto a jet boat that took us 33km upriver, then hiked a few miles to the Bridge to Nowhere (only accessible via boat), then the jet boat took us back down stream a bit to board our canoes. The last 12km was ours to paddle on our own, and included navigating small rapids. Unlike some of the other folks, I am a good steers woman and didn’t tip our canoe once in the rapids.

Loading up on the jet boat to head upstream

spooky cave off the river

Short video of our ride, it was really fun like an airboat.

riding the jet boat upstream

Not the bridge we’re looking for on the hike

Almost there!

Shawn on the bridge going nowhere

me on the crowded bridge

2.7km each way, plus a side trail, equals a bit over 3.5 miles

Enjoying some coffee hauled in by the guide

Can’t paddle if you’re busy taking selfies… I think I got the short end of the stick 🤣

Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum

After getting back and taking a hot shower, we ate a delicious well deserved dinner

Mary is running out of delicious little lambs

Tonight’s wacky snack as we wound down with some vino

Watch out for the flying fanged guinea pigs!

Thanks for reading! Not sure what we’re doing next, as there’s so much to see here. Stay tuned 😊