Ranking: 9/10

Nice journey in jet boat and kayak through the Whanganui River. We started with a jetboat, then we walk through the forest area and had a coffee break with a bit of history speak and then we returned by kayak. All the visit is guided except the kayaking.

Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in December 2016

Ranking: 1/10

After weeks of eager anticipation for a wonderful trip up the Whanganui river to visit the Bridge to Nowhere, we were totally let down by this company. The day started badly with the operator (Joe) arriving late and announcing that his main jetboat had broken down that morning! Firstly he attempted to get the trailer to get that boat out of the river, but there were issues with its brakes. Then his eftpos wasn't working! Next, life jackets were thrown at us in a heap and we were left to sort them ourselves. We finally left Pipiriki at about 12 noon (10-30 start time) in a smaller boat - 8 passengers altogether. A good commentary running up-river was spoilt by the smell of leaking fuel. Felt uneasy about that. Further up-river the driver stopped to check on hunters he was due to pick up, and turned off the jetboat motor. IT WOULD NOT START AGAIN ! After some time spent trying to fix it and radioing his partner, we were lucky enough to be rescued by the opposition ( Whanganui River Adventures) who delivered us safely back to Pipiriki in a much better boat. Upon reaching Pipiriki (at about 3pm) our original skipper rushed off the boat and disappeared without a word to his let-down clients ! All in all, a very run-down chaotic operation and a disappointing day - we didn't get to the Bridge to Nowhere ! Certainly cannot recommend this company to anyone. The one positive comment is that the young girl I spoke to on the phone when booking was very helpful and pleasant.

Reviewed over 5 years ago

Ranking: 1/10

"Sad end to a our planned Christmas treat."
We were both really looking forward to our trip up the river, an overnight stay in the lodge and then the Bridge to Nowhere trip the following day. Right from the start we have had problems with this company, problems getting an initial response, eventually contacted GrabOne for help, problems getting them to confirm the date and the time. Each time we rang they had the booking details wrong; they also did not ring us back as they promised. Finally today they changed the meeting time for the boat to the lodge which we cannot manage; It takes 5 hours for us to reach Pipiriki. It wasn't until yesterday that we learned that there is no Pipiriki Cafe, no phone, no cell phone reception so if the boat which takes customers to the lodge is delayed we would be stuck. Its quite a remote spot apparently. We were told that we could leave our car with someone near the leaving point for $10 a day. The boat trip price through GrabOne was $99 each, the lodge for dinner bed and breakfast was $145 each. Previous reviewers have commented that this is a bit steep for very basic amenities. Our GrabOne voucher expires on January 19 so we will not be able to use it and we have lost, what is to us quite a lot of money. We both found the phone calls difficult, vital information was not made available and the confusion over the booking made us feel nervous. We got the feeling that they were not prepared to change any part of their schedule - despite being told that we were the only people booked into the lodge that night. In the final phone call the girl told us that it costs them $300 to send a boat to collect customers; and this was why they would not be prepared to changed their revised schedule.... It was all very upsetting and disappointing. I understand that there are 2 companies operating on the river perhaps the other one is worth investigating

Reviewed almost 6 years ago

Ranking: 10/10

A brilliant experience. Our guide Doug was great, efficient, friendly and knowledgeable and didn't mind being bombarded with questions. The ride up river was nothing short of stunning, this is a truly beautiful part of NZ. The walk to the bridge was easier than expected and the cuppa when we arrived was perfect. Doug must double as a mountain goat to get up the side with that pack! The place is fascinating and there was something haunting about a lonely bridge surrounded by nothing but bush. A great day out, can't find a thing to fault - not even the weather. Will definitely do this again.

Reviewed almost 8 years ago