Last updated October 2026
The Three Rivers ride is a 60 km cycle tour on quiet sealed country roads between Whanganui and Hunterville, linking the Whanganui, Whangaehu and Turakina rivers.
Ngā Haerenga NZ Cycle Trail lists it as a Heartland Ride (it calls it the Three Rivers Connector Ride), graded 4 (advanced) for touring, and suggests 1 to 2 days. It starts at the Whanganui i-SITE on Taupō Quay and finishes in Hunterville, and NZ Cycle Trail recommends riding it from Hunterville to Whanganui because the route is downhill overall. Fordell, about 13 km out of town, has the only shop on the route.
Practical Information
- Start
- Whanganui i-SITE, Taupō Quay
- Finish
- Hunterville (via Ongo Road, at about 54 km)
- Length
- 60 km
- Riding time
- 1 to 2 days
- Grade
- Grade 4 (advanced) cycle touring route; moderate fitness needed
- Surface
- Sealed, quiet country roads; speed limit mostly 100 km/h
- Best direction
- Hunterville to Whanganui (downhill overall)
- Bikes
- Touring, gravel or road bike
- Toilets
- Whanganui and Hunterville
- Status
- Check Ngā Haerenga NZ Cycle Trail’s Three Rivers page for current alerts before you ride
About the Three Rivers Ride
This is a road tour rather than a trail ride. From Whanganui it climbs out over Durie Hill, then passes Fordell, drops to the Whangaehu River at about 23 km, and climbs into the Turakina Valley, past Mangahoe sheep station towards Hunterville, the town known for its sheep sculptures and its Huntaway dog statue.
Traffic is moderate between Whanganui and Fordell, where NZ Cycle Trail says riders should be confident on narrow roads and keep left. It is much quieter from Fordell to Hunterville, but fast traffic can still turn up at any time, with a 100 km/h limit on most of the road.
It links with the Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail at Whanganui, and NZ Cycle Trail points to the Gentle Annie and Manawatu Cycleway Heartland Rides and the Ohakune to Taihape (OTT) Connector Ride nearby.
Stops Along the Way
Durie Hill Elevator
Leaving town, follow the riverside path south from the i-SITE and cross the bridge. The entrance to the Durie Hill Underground Elevator is about 10 m away on the far side, and it takes coins only; NZ Cycle Trail’s Three Rivers page lists the fare. If it is closed, you can ride up Anzac Parade, Portal Street and Durie Street to the lookout.
Fordell and Paloma Gardens
Fordell is about 13 km out, and its garage sells drinks and snacks and lets you top up water. About 1 km past Fordell, a 3.5 km side trip up Denlair Road, with a short steep hill, leads to Paloma Gardens, themed gardens with an entry fee (also listed on the NZ Cycle Trail page) and cottage-style accommodation.
Sutherland Puriri Reserve
At about 40 km, a rickety old footbridge leads into Sutherland Puriri Reserve, which has a picnic area. NZ Cycle Trail lists tūī, shining cuckoo (pīpīwharauroa), kingfisher (kōtare) and NZ pigeon (kererū) as birds to look for.
Planning Your Trip
NZ Cycle Trail allows 1 to 2 days. On the route itself, the accommodation at Paloma Gardens is the place NZ Cycle Trail lists. Hunterville has a hotel, a motel and a handful of holiday homes, and Whanganui has plenty. The Intercity bus serves both towns, which helps if you want to ride the recommended direction from Hunterville.
The route can be ridden year-round, but heavy rain and high winds can come at any time and winter mornings can be frosty, so pack a good raincoat.
If you plan to ride it in reverse and carry on to the Mangapurua section of Mountains to Sea, NZ Cycle Trail says you will need a mountain bike with spares and tools.
Where to Learn More
Ngā Haerenga NZ Cycle Trail: Three Rivers: the official route description, distances and planning notes.
Mountains to Sea Ngā Ara Tūhono: the Great Ride the Three Rivers route joins at Whanganui.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Three Rivers ride?
60 km between Whanganui and Hunterville, usually ridden over 1 to 2 days.
Which way should I ride it?
NZ Cycle Trail recommends Hunterville to Whanganui, because the route is downhill overall.
How hard is it?
It is graded 4 (advanced) as a cycle touring route and needs moderate fitness and road confidence.
Is it on gravel?
No. It is on sealed, quiet country roads, so a touring, gravel or road bike is fine.
Where can I get food?
Only at the Fordell garage, about 13 to 14 km from Whanganui. Carry everything else you need.
Can I get back by bus?
The Intercity bus serves both Whanganui and Hunterville.
Are there any side trips?
Paloma Gardens is a 3.5 km side trip from Denlair Road just past Fordell (entry fee applies), and the Durie Hill Elevator is right at the start.
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