Bridge to Nowhere

Whanganui National Park, Taranaki, New Zealand

Classic trek through the Whanganui National Park, including the "Bridge to Nowhere".

Intermediate

Bike and Foot

Bridge to Nowhere This track was done as part of a package (through the Bridge to Nowhere Lodge) that included accommodation in Raetihi on Friday night, shuttle to the start of the track, jet boat from the end of track to the lodge, dinner, bed and breakfast at the Bridge To Nowhere Lodge, 3+ hour canoe ride down Whanganui River to the pickup point, jet boat ferrying bikes to pickup point and shuttle back to Raetihi.

The track starts (going anticlockwise) with a long but comfortable middle ring climb to an undulating section before reaching the main summit (about 660m) a bit before ½ way. After that there is a steep descent to the river (this is cut up be quad bikes and has some difficult bits such as ruts that are both difficult to avoid and too deep/narrow to pedal through). Once down on the relative flat by the river (Mangapurua Stream) there is a long sidle along the river flats with the only difficult bits being a couple of narrow tracks across cliff faces (best not to loiter under these), the odd stream crossing/washout and quite few swing bridges that it is not recommended to ride across. The Bridge 2 Nowhere just appears in front of you as you round a corner and if you want pictures from the side angle, take them from the other side of the bridge (or go bush bashing/climbing). After the bridge it is a short somewhat overly groomed track town to the Whanganui River and the jet boat landing.

As you progress along the track it generally goes from 4wd track to quad bike track to single track and is pretty much all 4wd track up to the main summit. If a bush is not sufficient, there is a toilet about 2/3 way along the track.

If you want, you can get canoes left for you at the landing and they are big enough for two people plus two bikes - depends of how much you value keeping you bike should you not be a capable canoeist.

This ride is not recommended during wet weather but if you are booked and it looks like it might rain, do it anyway if you can. The ground/mud is very abrasive, being especially hard on brake pads and the drive train. The track itself is not particularly difficult except for the section from the top down to the river which, when wet, turned into a slippery rutted clay stream bed. Even in the dry there would be a few minor bits where pushing would be advised as it is a long way to go get medical help.

Overall this track it easier than the 42nd traverse in terms of the required stamina but is more technically demanding, especially if wet. The scenery is spectacular, even in the wet, and this would have to be a must do (and must do again) ride for any cross country type mountain biker of medium or better fitness. You could easily do this ride over a few days as there are ample very pleasant looking spots for tenting if you are prepared to carry one.

Bridge to Nowhere Elevation Chart

Drive to Raetihi, sign in at the motor camp, go to pub (or Cossie Club). On return, drive to Ohakune, go to cafe with friends, drive home with big grin.

Parts of the track are in the process of being modified, as this track is to be part of the New Zealand Cycle Trail Project.

37.40km

Single track

12 Jan 2010 by capuchin

Ian