Whanganui River Road & Jerusalem
Whanganui River Road, Hiruharama
A scenic road running about 80 km along the Whanganui River, linking Māori villages, a French convent, and river-valley cliffs.
Whanganui River Road runs north from the city along the river to Pīpīriki, a total of about 80 km. Parts of the road are narrow and winding, and a one-way drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Along the way, the river valley is beautiful, passing Māori villages named after Greek and Biblical places, such as Atene, Koriniti, and Ranana. Hiruharama (Jerusalem) village is home to the Convent of St Joseph, founded by French nun Suzanne Aubert in 1892, and a small white chapel. The poet James K. Baxter also lived here in his later years. Visitors to the Māori meeting house at Koriniti should observe local customs and ask for permission before entering. Pīpīriki, the end point, is the jetty for speedboats heading to the Bridge to Nowhere. There are no petrol stations along the road, so fill up before setting out.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Bridge to Nowhere
- Bason Botanic Gardens
- Virginia Lake Reserve
- Kai Iwi Beach
- Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehua Whanganui
- Whanganui Regional Museum
- Whanganui River Traders Market
- PS Waimarie