We got away by 7:30 AM and enjoyed riding through the station on a 4x4 track before it became a trail. Contractors were working on the trail and when they are finished it will be top class.
After clearing the work area it soon became a single track and then that turned in to a single track "PUSH BIKE" trail for about the next 5 km, as such there was not a lot of point in riding because as soon as you get started it's time to get off and push again. We were now in the Whanganui National Park and on another 4x4 track all the way to the top which was about 600 meters elevation.
Virtually from that point down for the next 25 km it was a reasonable 4x4 track right through to jet boat pick-up and it was all down hill.
There was a compulsory stop at the Bridge to Nowhere and then a short 15 minute ride to the boat pick up.
We had plenty of time so a swim was in order which means I also killed two birds with one stone. I had a thorough de-dusting and also got my riding kit washed.
Now I'm sitting on the side of the Whanganui River writing my blog while we wait for our ride down to Pipiriki.
Whanganui River Adventures run the jet boat pick up service and the camp ground at Pipiriki. It is a local family owned business and it is Thomas who drove the boat, Junior was his assistant and the rest of the family greeted us and cooked up our burgers that we ordered from the boat half way down the river. This meant the burgers were ready when we arrived at camp which is the old two room school and site. The family are great hosts who know how to look after guests and help us spend our money (nicely). Junior did a great job of remembering everyone's name and spent time getting to know us. A lovely spot, great hosts and if you're ever near by then do pop in and say you're doing so coz Jonesy told you to... Don't expect a discount on account of this referral but I can assure you, you will be welcomed.
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