Bridge to Nowhere Walk: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

Walk to an abandoned bridge in the heart of the Whanganui National Park. This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.

This DOC directory entry covers Bridge to Nowhere Walk in Manawatu-Whanganui, within Whanganui National Park. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.

Distance, time and grade

• Distance: 3 km return via same track
• Walking time: 1 hr 30 min return
• DOC grade: Easy

Access and alerts

Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.

Dog access

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.

Jetboat transport is required to access the beginning of the track. From the Mangapurua Landing on the Whanganui River, follow the Mangapurua Stream to an abandoned bridge.

Getting there

There are two ways to access the bridge site, either by a gentle 40 minute walk from the Mangapurua Landing on the Whanganui River (boat transport required up the river) or by the Mangapurua Track, accessible from either Whakahoro or Ruatiti road end.

Know before you go

Weather forecast

Check the weather forecast before heading out: Whanganui National Park weather forecast – NIWA website. Cold temperatures and heavy rain are common – the weather can change fast.

Safety information

• Fires – fires are not permitted in the Mangapurua Valley

• Track conditions – Track conditions may be slippery and muddy, particularly during winter and early spring.

• Communications – this area is remote with no cell phone coverage. It is recommended that you carry an emergency alert device (e.g. PLB/Spot tracker).

• Bluffs – there are multiple bluffs on this track. Care should be taken while passing these bluffs and watch out for falling rocks.

• Multi-use track – Bridge to Nowhere Track is shared by trampers, mountain bikers and hunters. Care should be taken on downhill sections. All users need to look out for and be considerate of others.

• Water – during dry periods, extra water should be carried as shelters and streams may be dry or stagnant. Treat or boil all water before drinking.

• Wasps – Wasps are a known hazard and are particularly common from January until May. Carry antihistamine if you are allergic to their stings.

History and culture

This large concrete bridge is an icon within the Whanganui National Park and a major visitor destination.

It was constructed in the mid-1930s to provide road access to farms known as the Mangapurua Valley Soldiers Settlement. By the time it was completed these areas of the Mangapurua Valley were deserted, the bridge rarely used and the construction of the road to the Whanganui River abandoned.

More about the history of the Bridge to Nowhere.

Sources and reuse

Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.

The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.