- Address: Parinui 4696, New Zealand;
- Area: 742 km & sup2
Fanganui National Park (another pronunciation is Wanganui) is located in an area that stretches along the upper and middle reaches of the Fanganui River. This is the longest waterway in New Zealand , thanks to its features attracting many kayaking lovers. Such a nature, as in a park, a traveler is unlikely to be seen in other parts of the world. After all, at the source of the river, the total length of which is 329 km, lies a majestic central plateau with a multitude of volcanoes.
The local landscape will not leave indifferent lovers of beauty. There are a lot of hills of impressive size and picturesque flattering valleys, where you will get to know the most amazing representatives of the local flora.
An excursion into the past
At one time in the territory of Fanganui Park lived representatives of the Maori tribe, for which the river of the same name was an important transport route. Along its tortuous current on the capes, not one defensive structure was erected. The Maori enemies were difficult to capture the aborigines surreptitiously, because the river is still known for its long narrow gorges, through which even today it is difficult to get to experienced yachtsmen.
What attracts tourists to Fanganui?
The Fanganui National Park is characterized by its unique terrain features. The valley of the river is adjacent to dangerous underwater rocks, steep mountain slopes and plain, on which the ancient virgin forest is still growing, practically untouched by felling. In the earth's crust, sedimentary rocks of clayey type predominate in this area, which, under the influence of river moisture, assume the most bizarre forms. Often in the forests there are original varieties of wood ferns, and for lovers of hunting goats and deer, as well as fishing, there is real expanse.
In the park there are many interesting representatives of the New Zealand fauna. It is especially attractive for ornithologists. In fact, it is in this reserve that such unique birds, such as miromiro (titmouse), kereru (local pigeon), ririro (gray kamyshev), thuja or tutuvai (thrus), pivakavaka (trumpeted pigeon) and others live in this reserve.
In this conservation area, the Department of Environmental Protection is conducting an experiment to restore the population of blue whio, which has already yielded good results. In addition, you will often see the long-tailed yellow-headed parrots and Kaka birds circling above your head. At night, there are often heard screams of brown kiwi nesting on the North Island.
Where to stay?
If you do not have special requirements for comfort and just want to enjoy the amazing pristine nature, you will be satisfied with living in camping sites, located in a large number along the river, or three tourist huts equipped with the Department of Environmental Protection. You do not need to book a hut in advance. The park also has a pedestrian tourist path with the exotic name of Matemateonga, where you do not have to die of hunger and fatigue: there are also special huts with round-the-clock service for tourists.
Near the northern border of the reserve you can stay overnight in a small settlement of Taumarunui, where you will be offered a choice of a variety of accommodation. In the southern part of the park is the city of Wanganui, in which to find a suitable room or room is also no problem. Between Pipiriki and Wanganui there are several budget hotels by type of hostel. They do not have any additional amenities, but they are quite cheap, and the bed and breakfast will be exactly provided for you.
Excursions and attractions
If you consider yourself a fan of extreme travel, rafting along the Fanganui River on kayaks or kayaks will be an unforgettable adventure for you. This is one of the best water routes in New Zealand for kayaking enthusiasts. The path along the river from Taumarunui to the small village of Pipiriki, 145 km long, will present you with as much as 5 days of thrill. Experienced tourists can also try to go on a three-day trip, starting at Wakahoro and ending at Pipiriki.
Those who are not ready for such adventures, surely with pleasure will ride on motor boats, which can be rented at both ends of the river. This one-day trip will allow you not only to explore the terrain better, but also to reach the main attraction of the reserve - "Bridge to Nowhere".
"Bridge to Nowhere"
"Bridge to Nowhere" is one of the most isolated and mysterious bridges on earth. It was erected through the deep gorge of Mangapurua as far back as 1917. In this remote area, it was planned to cut down the forest and equip many farms, but the land here was not entirely suitable for agriculture, and remoteness from civilization played a role. Therefore, houses for the peasants in large numbers were never built, like roads, and the bridge appeared to be suspended among the pristine jungles. A few farms were abandoned in 1942. The height of the structure is 38 m, and the length is 40 m. It is extremely difficult to get to the bridge: for this you need to go down the river in a boat or canoe, and then make your way through a dense tropical forest.
Route Matemeaaonga
Tourists with good sports training can try their hand at the pedestrian route of Matemeaaonga, the length of which is maximum in the park. It is laid in the footsteps of the old Maori road, and it will take you at least four days to pass it. The traveler will have to travel to Wakahoro, and the end point will be "Bridge to Nowhere". To go back, you better take a boat and within an hour and a half enjoy the beauty of the river. Here you can get acquainted with the ancient Maori villages, admire the majestic waterfalls and amazing views of the terrain from the observation platforms. In the southern part of the reserve there is also a pedestrian route Atene Skyline, designed for one day.
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