deepen the rivers channels for river traffic. Even so, river boats sometimes found it necessary to winch themselves up the more difficult rapids. The River Trust existed from 1891 to 1940. Recreational use The flow of the river has been altered with the diversion of water from the headwaters into Lake Taupō. This may have been a contributing factor to the demise of the raft race and means river boats can no longer make the entire trip to Taumarunui during the drier months (see below). Whanganui National Park The Whanganui Journey is managed by the Department of Conservation under its Great Walks programme. Hiking (north/south and east/west trails cross on the Whanganui River) Te Araroa – The hiking trail the length of New Zealand and the Whanganui. East Cape to Cape Egmont Traverse Matemateāonga Range Tramping Trail (and others) Canoeing – many historic aspects and sites to visit. Annual Raft Race, Piriaka to Taumarunui – Last run in the 1970s Annual Jet Boat Race, Taumarunui to Wangaunui – Last run in the 1980s Bridges Despite being New Zealand's longest navigable river, the Whanganui has few bridges. Only two are located on the stretch between Whanganui and Taumarunui. The complete list of bridges in order from source to sea are: State Highway 47 Bridge near Tongariro National Park Te Porere Redoubt Walk crosses the river just downstream from The Western Diversion of the Tongariro Power Scheme crosses the river. A private forestry road near Lake Te Whaiau Hohotaka Road near Kakahi Taumarunui (x4) (including Victory Bridge) New Te Maire Bridge (1954) Jerusalem, derelict swing bridge. The Mountains to Sea cycle trail (Ngā Ara Tūhono) crosses the river on Ūpokongaro Cycle Bridge, which opened on 2 December 2020. The long bridge and cycle path link to it cost $3.4m. Whanganui – Dublin Street Bridge Whanganui City Bridge Cobham Bridge – long, 9 spans, designed 1959 by Ministry of Works, constructed 1962, abutments rest on raked prestressed concrete piles. A bridge over the Whanganui to connect Raetihi to Taranaki was to be constructed in the Mangaparua area (where the Bridge to Nowhere) is located, but this plan was never implemented. Rail bridges The oldest bridges over the river are rail bridges; the Aramoho Rail Bridge of 1876 in Whanganui and the Matapuna Bridge of 1903-1904 near Taumarunui. Notable people Te Mamaku, Māori chief Alexander Hatrick, tourism leader John Tiffin Stewart, engineer Mary Joseph