Whanganui to Bulls

Whanganui City Bridge to Turakina River - 30km

As you come out of Whanganui, take No 2 Line Road which can be accessed by the following options:

• 1. Crossing the City Bridge from Taupo Quay at Victoria Avenue
• 2. Climbing the Durie Hill (355 steps) to the tower at the top, or
• 3. Taking the Durie Hill Elevator (closed Christmas Day). 8am-6pm Mon-Fri. 10am-5pm Sat and Sun. $2.50 charge.

If you take the steps or elevator following Durie Street to Portal Street, this then carries on to No 2 Line. Walk to Fordell which is approx 14kms, turn right onto Warrengate Road for approximately 4km and walk to SH3. Turn left and walk for 3km and cross the Whangaehu River Bridge. Turn right across the bridge into Whangaehu Beach Road and walk to the end. Go through the gate and carry on following the track to the beach. From Whangaehu to the Beach is approximately 8km. Turn left and walk along the beach till you get to the Turakina River.

Turakina River - Koitiata - 3km

The Turakina River changes regularly, as does the best location for walkers to get across.  Given these frequent changes, the crossing is not marked, as the markers can quickly become misleading and/or disappear into the sea.  The instructions provided here are valid at the time of writing, but good judgement and careful analysis of the river will be of utmost importance.  Take your time to identify a safe crossing. Check the tide and only cross at low tide.

Updated October 2025 -

• An alert has been created to accurately show a good crossing point on the map.  Photos are included in the description of the Alert. 
• At low tide, this crossing was below knee height with slow water. 
• Even in cloudy water, this area was visibly shallower than other parts of the river.
• Crossing at the mouth of the river (where it hits the sea) is also doable as an alternative, but was about a meter deep.

Santoft Route - 15.5km / 7-8 hours

Head south along the beach. Look for two orange markers by a stream bed after approximately 13.5km, at km 1,445.8. There are other tracks entering the forest that do not fit the current Te Araroa route. You will see a fire lookout on top of the dunes in the near distance. If you get to the fire lookout you have gone too far by about 1km, go back, do not enter the bomb range. 

Then turn left and follow the blaze markings to the forest road. Follow the forest road which leads southeast for approximately 2.5kms until you come across Raumai Road

Raumai Road to Bulls - 15.5km

Walk for approximately 11km on Ruamai Road and 4km on Parewanui Road to Bulls Township.

Fire is serious threat to these forests.  For safety reasons camping and fires are not permitted on the beach and through the exotic forest.