River Queen Film Location

The haunting, watery world of River Queen slides quietly into your consciousness. After watching the movie you can close your eyes and see green in every shape and shade, smell the cool scent of river water and feel the weight of the Whanganui River’s eventful history.

The Whanganui River, New Zealand’s longest navigable waterway, is both the stage and backdrop for Kiwi director Vincent Ward’s film River Queen.

Remote and mysterious, the Whanganui River is a wild escape.
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The movie begins in the lower parts of the river, then moves upstream to the remote region between Pipiriki and Taumarunui, which is protected within the boundaries of Whanganui National Park. The film depiction of this untouched wilderness didn’t require special effects or retouching - what you see is exactly how it is.

The river that is also a road

Starting from the confluence with the Ongarue River near Taumarunui, the Whanganui River wanders for 290 kilometres before it reaches the Tasman Sea. Along the way it passes through the historic village of Pipiriki and Wanganui City, which is at the river’s mouth.

The Maori people travelled up and down the river for centuries before the first Europeans began to explore the area. I50 years ago, the river was the only trading and transport route for settlers trying to establish homes and farms in the region; even today, most of the river’s length is still inaccessible by road.

	A scene from the movie River Queen, filmed on the Whanganui River.
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An amazing journey

Whether you have a day or a week, a journey down the Whanganui River offers a comfortable level of challenge, adventure and freedom. A kayak or canoe is the vehicle of choice for many people; others opt for a jet boat tour. Hiking is another way to immerse yourself in the river/forest environment.

Canoe and kayak experiences begin at the northern end of the river and include return transport. The majority of paddlers travel the 87 kilometres from Whakahoro to Pipiriki through Whanganui National Park, taking two nights and three days. Those with more time do the 145 kilometre trip from Cherry Grove to Pipiriki, which includes the excitement of 49 rapids within the first 21 kilometres. If that sounds a little too exciting, be assured that the Whanganui’s rapids are manageable for even the most inexperienced canoeist.

Well-equipped campsites provide accommodation during the journey, but if you decide to pop to the shops for a loaf of bread you’ll be right out of luck - Whanganui National Park is one of the most remote places in New Zealand.

The Bridge to Nowhere

A special feature of the river journey, the 'Bridge to Nowhere' serves as a memorial to the tenacity of World War One soldiers who tried to farm the remote Mangapurua Valley. Completed in 1932, the bridge is the only remaining evidence of the settlement.

Cross the 'Bridge to Nowhere' in the Whanganui National Park
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Jet boat tours to the Bridge to Nowhere run daily from Pipiriki, travelling upstream to the middle reaches of the Whanganui River. The scenic bush walk to the famous bridge begins at Mangapurua Landing.

Tieke Marae

For paddlers, another high point of the river journey is an overnight stay at Tieke Marae, one of the many old pa (forts) on the Whanganui River. The experience begins with a traditional powhiri (welcome) at the riverbank, then unfolds to give you a very real view of Maori culture - past and present.

Pipiriki and the lower river

Self-guided journeys through the Whanganui National Park end at Pipiriki, but there’s still a lot of scenery to discover before the river reaches the ocean at Castlecliff.

Pipiriki has a colonial museum and several short walks of historic and scenic interest; further south, the Kawana Mill is a good example of a water-power mill, with its original waterwheel and grinding stones. It was built in 1854 to grind the wheat grown by local Maori farmers.

	A Whanganui River canoe trip is perfect for people of all ages and experience levels.
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The city of Whanganui was an important trading town during the early days of European settlement. It has many heritage buildings and a highly unusual earthbound elevator which runs to the top of Durie Hill. The paddlesteamer Waimarie, lovingly restored by volunteers, conducts half day cruises of the river. You’ll also find an i-SITE information centre in Wanganui - a rich source of knowledge about things to do and see and the region.

Whanganui National Park birds and trees

Whanganui National Park includes the largest tract of native lowland forest in the North Island - predominately rata, rewarewa, rimu, tawa, kamahi and kowhai. Bird species such as kereru (native pigeon), piwakawaka (fantail), tui, toutouwai (robin), riroriro (grey warbler) and miromiro (tomtit) are often seen and heard. Keep your ears tuned for the distinctive whistle of the whio (blue duck). At night listen for the call of the brown kiwi.