Bridge to Nowhere

Meet our team at the Raetihi Holiday Park where we will shuttle you to the start of the Bridge to Nowhere/Mangapurua Track.

The Bridge to Nowhere / Mangapurua Track forms part of the Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail.
Mountain bike through an area known as the “Valley of Abandoned Dreams” named after a failed attempt by World War 1 servicemen and their families to make a go of this area.

This is by far the best trail in the area, offering 38km of off road riding, through one of the most remote and beautiful landscapes on the North Island. Starting from the Ruatiti valley, you climb the first 5km, followed by 7.5km of riding along the ridge line up to the Mangapurua trig, where you will experience stunning views of Whanganui National Park and the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park. From here it’s a predominantly downhill ride to the famous Bridge to Nowhere, passing Battleship Bluff. From the bridge it’s about another 20 minutes to the Mangapurua Landing to the Whanganui River where your jet boat will take you down the river to Pipiriki. (45min)

The track rides like a non technical Grade 2 trail when it is dry……..
BUT when it is wet, it’s a muddy and very slippery difficult ride and strong mountain bike skills are required.
ALL mountain bikes must be modern and well maintained with GOOD tread on the tyres.
E bikes are very welcome, but NOT city cruiser style with thin tyres and no tread.

If you turn up with in-appropriate bikes, we have a ‘duty of care’ not to allow you on our shuttle service (bike rental options available).

All bikes MUST have puncture repair kits (spare tube) and chain breaker/spare links to suit. It’s a very long walk if you break your chain!! (available for hire).