Exploring the Mangapurua Track in Whanganui National Park
The Mangapurua Track, part of the Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail, is located in Whanganui National Park. This 36 km track offers an adventurous ride through stunning landscapes, including valleys, bluff faces, and ravines. A highlight of the journey is crossing the iconic Bridge to Nowhere. The track concludes at Mangapurua Landing on the Whanganui River, where cyclists can embark on a 32 km jet boat ride to Pipiriki. This experience requires booking the jet boat ride in advance.
History of the Mangapurua Track
The Mangapurua Track and the connected Kaiwhakauka Track are very remote, sitting largely within the Whanganui National Park. In 1917, the tracks were rough roads created to support land grants made to soldiers returning from World War I. Forty soldiers and their families established farms in the area. However, the challenging access roads were closed 25 years later due to frequent slips, leading to the abandonment of the settlements.
Today, native forest is gradually reclaiming the land, but remnants of past farming efforts are still visible along the trail. Te Araroa also runs along the Mangapurua Track.
Trail Conditions and Safety
The section of the Mountains to Sea cycle trail between the Mangapurua Track and Pipiriki features a narrow path above a gorge that is prone to slips. It is essential to check the trail status before setting out to ensure it is open and safe for travel.
How to Get There
The Mangapurua Track starts at the end of the Ohakune to Ruatati section of the cycle trail. You can also take an alternative route from National Park to Whakahoro, then take the Kaiwhakauka Track to the Mangapurua Track.
Once at Pipiriki, the next section of the trail is the Whanganui River Road, where you can stop at historic Jerusalem, NZ, on the way to Whanganui.
