Remove Ads

Bridge To Nowhere

Mangapurua Landing, Whanganui National Park, Manawatu-Wanganui 3990 New Zealand

Free
Free to Visit
Open Now
Fri 12a-11:59p
  • Independent
  • Not Wheelchair
    Accessible
  • No Wifi
Add to Trip
Remove Ads

“Walk to an abandoned bridge in the heart of the Whanganui National Park.”

The Bridge to Nowhere is a concrete road bridge spanning the Mangapurua Stream in Whanganui National Park, North Island, New Zealand. It has no roads leading to it, but it is a popular tourist attraction, accessible by mountain bike or tramping on a variety of different tracks, or by boat or kayak, followed by a 45-minute (one way) walk along maintained bush trails. It was built across the deep Mangapurua Gorge to provide access to an area where the government was opening up land in 1917 for pioneering farmers, mainly soldiers who had returned from World War I. The intention was to build roads to it later, but the area proved to be so remote and unsuitable for farming that the venture failed and the farms reverted to native bush. A sign on the bridge states: Started in January 1935 and completed in June 1936, this bridge was built by the Raetihi firm of Sandford and Brown, for the Public Works Department. It is 130 feet long, and 125 feet above the stream. The cost of labour was 598 pounds 11 shillings 7 pence, and cartage of all materials (via the Mangapurua Valley road) cost 419 pounds 14 shillings. Unfortunately the cost of materials was not recorded. Aggregate for the concrete is said to have been transported from the Rangitikei River. The completion of the bridge was delayed considerably due to floods, slips, and the consequent delay in the supply of materials. The bridge was built to facilitate vehicular access to the Wanganui River, to link the settlers of the valley with the riverboat service. In 1917 the Government opened up the valley for settlement by soldiers returning from World War I. Virgin forest was cleared, and a total of 35 holdings developed. A school was opened, and for some years the valley prospered. However economic hardship, and problems associated with the remoteness and difficulty of access, resulted in many families abandoning their farms. By 1942 there were only 3 families left. After a major flood in January 1942 the Government declined to make further funds available for road maintenance, and it officially closed the valley in May 1942. The disappearing road line, old fence lines, stands of exotic trees, occasional brick chimneys, and this bridge serve as reminders of the ill fated settlement of the Mangapurua valley.

Read More >
Add Review
Thanks!
Your Rating
1
2
3
4
5

Be the first to add a review to the Bridge To Nowhere.

Bridge To Nowhere

Mangapurua Landing, Whanganui National Park
Manawatu-Wanganui
3990 New Zealand
Remove Ads

Hours

Open 24 hours today
  • Sun - Sat: 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Problem with this listing? Let us know.

Has RV parking changed? Let us know.

Remove Ads
  • Unavailable
    Parking
  • Unavailable
    Pets Allowed
  • Unknown
    Restrooms
  • Unavailable
    Wifi
  • Unavailable
    Wheelchair Accessible
  • Unknown
    Credit Cards Accepted
See More Details (4)
Remove Ads

Nearby Hotels

Manawatu-Wanganui
Manawatu-Wanganui
Manawatu-Wanganui
Manawatu-Wanganui
Remove Ads

Related Trip Guides

  • Trip Guide

Forgotten World Highway

  • 12 Places
  • 07:33
  • 196 mi
  • Trip Guide

Manawatu's Best Short Walks

  • 4 Places
  • Trip Guide

Wellington to Gisborne Long Weekend Roadie

  • 18 Places
  • 19:22
  • 826 mi
  • Trip Guide

Cycle The Otago Central Rail Trail

  • 34 Places
  • 04:20
  • 169 mi
Remove Ads
14811845