Spirit of the River Jet

Spirit of the River Jet hosts Brent and Claire Firman specialise in hospitality on the Whanganui River. If you would like to see spectacular natural scenery, enjoy great food, organic coffee, and fun company, come with Spirit of the River Jet, your proud tangata whenua hosts.

You can take either The Bridge to Nowhere, or The Flying Fox, or on a jet boat tour with canoe option, either in 2 person canoes, or in a 20 person waka, or a great cultural experience.

Bridge to Nowhere Discovery Tour

If your wish is to see as much of the Whanganui River as possible in one day, then this is the trip for you. This is the only 6 hour Bridge to Nowhere tour. Departing from Pipiriki, your day starts with a Kia Ora and a smile as you are welcomed aboard the purpose-built jetboat “Te Wairua o te Awa.”

There will be many stops as you learn the history of the Awa (river), of the old Marae, and ferries that once planed this stretch of the River. The scenery is second to none, and the gorges that rise above us are spectacular.

Arriving at Mangapurua Landing, a leisurely 40 minute walk into the "Valley of Abandoned Dreams", on to "the Bridge to Nowhere", where you will sit and enjoy the scenery and history of the valley and bridge, with a cup of tea or coffee, and Claire's tasty baking.

After returning to the Mangapurua Landing, you will boat a further 8kms up the Whanganui River, into "The Gorges" where the river is narrower and shallower, and the gorges higher. There are future reminders of earlier settlements along the way.

We stop at a secluded picnic area. Relax around the table while you enjoy your lunch. On your way home we will have a few more stops, including areas where scenes from the movie "River Queen", were filmed in 2004.

Havoc at the Fox

This trip is ideal if you don't have all day, or if you don't want to drive too far. We love it!

Departing Pungarehu daily at 10.30am, 20 minutes from Wanganui, and jet boat up the Whanganui River through the lower reaches of the Whanganui National Park. You will make several stops along the way to show features that are unique to this stretch of the River, and you will enjoy knowledgeable commentary on the River's rich history.

Once we reach The Flying Fox, take a stroll around the organic gardens and marvel at the workmanship of the two quaint handmade cottages (used for accommodation). When the kettle boils, we will gather on the verandah overlooking the Whanganui River, and relax enjoying Havoc coffee with delicious freshly baked muffins.

This is 'River time', and you are invited to take your time.

When it's time to go, we board once again, our boat – Te Wairua o te Awa (The Spirit of the River), and make our way back down the River to Pungarehu Marae.

Overnight at the Fox

Spirit of the River Tour to The Flying Fox, and River Road Return.

We are able to provide a convenient tour when you wish to stay at The Flying Fox overnight - or longer. We provide safe parking, a lift with the luggage, transport to the jetty (15 mins drive from our place), and a lovely jetboat tour up to The Flying Fox and your accommodation.

After a rejuvenating stay at The Flying Fox, your round trip is completed with a drive down the Whanganui River Road with a knowledgeable driver, back to our place.

Te Awa (The River) Tour

Te Awa is Havoc at The Fox – with a paddle! Yes, the first part of this trip is jet boating from Pungarehu to The Flying Fox, with all the stops and stories along the way.

Here's the difference – after savouring the hospitality of your hosts, Whanganui Jet and The Flying Fox, you will return to the River, where you will be instructed in the use of your canoe.

When you feel at ease, you will commence our 3 hour easy paddle down river (this includes some time for stops). The beauty of this trip is that you are really experiencing the Whanganui River first hand, in just one day.

Spirit of the River Jet's Cultural Journey - Jet Boat and Waka tour on the Whanganui River

Have an exclusive experience, sharing river time with real river people - known as tangata whenua. This is another unique tour - an enjoyable mix of modern technology with the traditional craft of the past - all in one day. We guarantee you won't have done anything like this before.

We jet boat from our family Marae, Pungarehu, up the Whanganui River as far as Koriniti, with stops along the way at the interesting cultural and historical features of this region of the Whanganui River, and then jet boat back down to Atene. Atene is the point where your waka journey begins. You will receive instructions before embarking on the journey, and your tangata whenua kaituhauora (guide) rides at the rear of the waka for the duration, steering and calling instructions.

This is a wonderful opportunity to learn from the people of the Awa, how their forbears plied the Whanganui River in their traditional waka. You will be taught to paddle in unison, and you'll have loads of fun along the way. Your team could even look quite formidable rounding that last bend!