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

  "A Marvellous Epic Adventure" Jan 2022 Review
  Five of us have just completed the “Epic Tour" (4 days/3 nights) and would highly recommend it to anyone, young or old.
  All of the FWA staff that we encountered were absolutely fantastic, very knowledgeable, extremely helpful and ensured the tour ran like clockwork. Morning teas, lunches and afternoon teas provided along the way were tasty and filling, with toilets available at these stops. The scenery was spectacular whether from the rail carts or jet boat. The history of the area and river was fascinating and well told. Our time at Blue Duck Station was interesting with the farm ATV tour and seeing a Blue duck being highlights of our stay. The FWA motel was comfortable and clean. It is a convenient place to stay the night before starting the tour and on the last night after finishing the tour. Within easy walking distance of the motel are a few good eating places along with a couple of bottle shops. The motel in Whanganui was excellent, also with a choice of good eating options close by. The Whangamomona Hotel was fun and we all enjoyed a superb dinner and breakfast. We stayed in the lodge 80m away from the hotel and the rooms were perfect. Top marks to all the team at FWA for making this such a great experience for us.