Whanganui-Manawatu Explorer Tour

Explore Whanganui and Manawatu by bike. Overlooked as a tour destination the countryside is extraordinary. We ride roads less travelled along mighty rivers and expansive plains. This Itinerary is ideal for ebikes and standard bikes and people who enjoy a challenge with sumptuous food and accommodation throughout.

Our trip starts with a thrilling jet boat ride (optional) to Matahiwi and the Kawana Mill alongside the mighty Whanganui River. We hop on our bikes at Matahiwi and return to Whanganui by road and cycle trail. Whereas other tours might leave you alone on such a stretch of road we will always be close by, ensuring your bikes are operating as planned and helping where needed.

Being able to experience the river from different perspectives is treat.

After exploring the Whanganui river, we can make time to visit the town centre and galleries.

On day two our ride leaves Whanganui on quiet roads toward Fordell. We zip towards interior landscapes. Here-within we discover a few hilly passes followed by gentle valley riding as the road winds it’s way toward Hunterville and our destination Maungaraupi Country Homestead. This 100 year old mansion is something to behold. Everyone will scurry to the bell tower and marvel at the views across the Rangitikei Valley.

From Mangaweka to Apiti is a hilly day with deep river valleys cut into the lansdscape. It is a rewarding day which will finish with hot showers and a comforting fire on cold days. Finally we zip down the Porhangina Valley to our Finish in Ashhurst alongside the Manawatu River. wanawatu and Whanganui by bike, what a journey!

Choose from one of our fixed starting dates or contact us to arrange customised dates. We can collect your group of 8+ riders from any North Island Location, South of Auckland.

Day 1 : Whanganui River Road

We drive to Upokongaro, where we catch a jet boat ride to Kawana Mill. Our ride is back to Whanganui, approximately 70km of riding alongside the Whanganui River. This undulating road is scenic and lightly trafficked. It offers gorgeous, predictable riding on good quality roads. Note: if groups are coming from the North we start riding at Pipiriki and continue to Whanganui. Our first night is spent at Braemar House BnB in Whanganui.

 Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 :Whanganui to Maungaraupi Country Estate

Departing Whanganui we head East towards Fordell and then on to our destination of Maungaraupi Country Estate. Taking in quintessential Rangitikei landscapes. River valleys and a gentle upwards trend we make our way up toward the central plateau. After one final lift we pedal down to Maungaraupi Country Estate. This Charles Natusch designed house is simply incredible. Our accommodation for the night is at Awastone Riverside Retreat in Mangaweka.

 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 Day 3 :Mangaweka to Apiti

We start with a minivan ride of about 30 minutes, to our starting point in Mangaweka, on State Highway One.
A short down hill to cross the mighty Rangitikei River belies the next section or riding. You will “enjoy” a long, and beautiful hill that leads us to Rangiwahia. On a clear day, majestic views towards Ruapehu are waiting for us. On we spin, towards Apiti. We cross several deeps river valleys and flat plains before taking a final turn to our accommodation at Makoura Lodge.

 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 Day 4 :Apiti - Ashhurst 50km

Finally we have a day of downhill riding. We depart Makoura at a reasonable hour and find the following 50km evaporates as we enjoy a mostly downhill spin through the Pohangina Valley. This picturesque route finishes in Ashhurst where we are rewarded with hot coffee before loading up and heading home.

 Breakfast, Lunch

Includes

• Group transport from/to any North Island Location
• 3 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 3 Dinners
• Jet boat ride on Whanganui River
• Accommodation at superior venues
• Driver Guide
• Mechanical support

Available as extras (on booking)

• Bike hire (available as extra when booking)
• Single supplement accommodation