Whanganui River Road

The Mississippi of New Zealand, the Whanganui River runs broad and muddy.

Yes, the River Road is windy, but it's not as bad as the sign suggests!

The River Road winds through farmland and forest between Raetihi and Whanganui.

Slabs of mudstone packed with marine fossils show that the sea once covered this landscape.

Old and new rub shoulders along the River Road: a water tank in a paddock and a cellphone tower on the ridge.

At the city end of the River Road, the vistas become more expansive.

Access to the Flying Fox B&B, near Koriniti, is—not surprisingly—via a flying fox.

In the grounds of the convent petals of a burgundy camellia fall beside a statue of Mary.

James K Baxter's simple grave in Jerusalem.

St Joseph's church, Hiruharama.

A laden lemon tree grows beside St Joseph's church.

St Joseph's church is famous for its combination of Maori and Pakeha decorative motifs.

Parts of the River Road is unsealed, making for a rustic driving experience.

Classic Whanganui River scene: muddy water flanked by native forest.

As well as Jerusalem, there are settlements named London, Corinth and Athens along the River Road.