Itinerary

• The Epic

  The Epic travels across wide expanses of rugged countryside and native bush, over 47 bridges and through 20 tunnels before arriving in New Zealand’s only self-proclaimed republic – Whangamomona.  After spending the night, continue through the remaining tunnels on the SOL rail line and 18 more bridges on the way to Stratford. From here a shuttle takes you to Whanganui for your next overnight stay. 

  On Day 3 you will travel up the Whanganui River Road in a tourist operated mail run. You will be treated to morning tea at the Matahiwi Gallery, after which you will travel to Pipiriki - a settlement on the eastern bank of the stunning Whanganui River - from here you two day jet boat journey up the Whanganui River begins.

  In addition to the breathtaking landscape of the Whanganui River, the highlights of the last two days of your tour will be the short walk into your lunch stop on the Bridge to Nowhere, a night’s accommodation, dinner and breakfast at the Blue Duck Station in Whakahoro. Located on the banks of the Whanganui and Retaruke Rivers and surrounded by Whanganui National Park, Blue Duck Station is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground. Getting off the grid and out into the New Zealand bush to experience real station life is a highlight you don’t want to miss.  Blue Duck Station has one of the highest concentrations of whio and kiwi in New Zealand not to mention weta, native bats and fish. To help increase numbers of these and other native species, they are improving the habitat by encouraging bush to regenerate, enhancing water quality and trapping predators. It is as recognition of this work that Blue Duck Station has been granted three Ballance Farm Environment Awards and a Department of Conservation Services to Conservation Award.

  On Day 4, you will continue your jet boat travel to the far upper reaches of the Whanganui River where you will enjoy lunch at Lauren's Lavender Farm for lunch before arriving back in Taumarunui to conclude your Epic Adventures. 

  This trip is limited to 60 seats throughout the season. All accommodation and specified meals are included. Minimum numbers apply*

• TripAdvisor

  "Forgotten World Adventures Epic Tour - A must do" Dec 2023 - 5-star review - Trip Advisor
  This is a must do. 4 day Epic. The staff made this 10 out of 10. The information the local guides provided along the way added to the trip. Who knew there was a flour mill on the River! The photos the guides showed us were perfect. A past vibrant and alive to forest and paddocks today. The tunnels all hand-made, bridges erected with no cranes. The jet boat portion was a perfect way to appreciate how long this river is and visualise this as the road for the area. Then we get to the food. Let's just say start dieting a week or so before. Homemaking for morning and afternoon tea. Breakfasts fit for voracious eaters. Thank you to every one of the FWA staff - all handpicked because of their passion for the area.