You might blink and miss Mangaweka if it weren't for the random obsolete aeroplane perched beside a desolate building labelled 'Mangaweka International Airport'.
I can't number how many times I've passed through without giving the tiny town a second thought.
Mangaweka Adventure Company plane.
However, recently while passing through, the towering Papa Cliffs beckoned me down a side road and that was when I stumbled across Awastone, home of Mangaweka Adventure Company (MAC).
A café sign, combined with the summer heat, drew me in for a cold drink.
On the banks of the Rangitikei River, under the shadow of a giant cliff face, I discovered a unlikely camping ground, paved pathways edged in river stones and a café set among stunning gardens looking out across the river.
When I learned of its family-friendly river rafting, I decided to come back for an adventure with my 8-year-old son.
After all, summer had just begun.
Arriving at Awastone we set up our tent beside the river with an incredible view of the Papa Cliffs, before jumping into our togs.
Camping at Awastone in Mangaweka under the shadow of towering clay cliffs.
While we were sipping on smoothies from the licensed café, our rafting guide Cam suited us up with life jackets.
We were given waivers to sign, stating that we understood the dangers of the trip and MAC was not responsible for anything that may happen, alarmingly including death or injury (an unlikely scenario but not one that hasn't happened on the river before).
A little unsettling as I looked over at my son, but all adventure has an element of risk, right?
Anyway the website classified the trip as "safe".
So we signed away and headed for the river.
The one-hour rafting trip we opted for was soft pace.
This gave us plenty of time between rapids to set aside our oars and gawk at the giant clay cliffs that felt as though they might slip and fall on us at any second.
We stopped intermittently to jump into the warm river and swim.
JUMPING out of the raft for a swim, 8-year-old Roman climbs onto a rock in the middle of the fast flowing river.
It was a great way to cool off before being ungracefully pulled back into the raft like a sack of spuds to continue on.
What a thrill, rafting was far easier than I thought and didn't require much skill, fitness or experience at all.
Down a rapid, I watched my son sitting on the helm of the raft, as he bounced up and down with a huge smile, holding his own as he paddled.
He turned to me, from the smile on his face I expected him to say the classic phrase "this is the best day of my life" but instead he said "Mum can we come here every time?"
Suffice it to say, he enjoyed himself.
We glided peacefully down the river spotting waterfall after waterfall, native birds, a flock of paradise ducks and sheep grazing the riverside.
Down another rapid, we were instructed to start paddling and hard.
Water flew through the air and adrenaline kicked in as we all focused on steering the boat through the turbulent waters.
Out the other side, we pulled the oars in and collapsed back into relaxed positions; the boat slowed to a soft glide.
Passing under a second bridge towering far above us, the hour had gone and our adventure was over all too soon.
MAC owner Paul Eames was waiting to load the raft and deliver us back to camp. It was both a thrilling and relaxing ride, the perfect family adventure.
Mangaweka Adventure Company owner Paul Eames loads the raft onto the trailer alongside rafting guide Cam.
Back at camp we rinsed off and slipped into Awastone's new cedar hot tub, set privately among native planting.
With tui flying overhead, I may have even fallen slightly asleep as the aroma of cedar wafted and my body pruned in the steaming water.
THE cedar hot tub at Awastone campground in Mangaweka.
After showering in the beautiful communal facility, we popped into the café for our complimentary hot drinks, sausage rolls and scones.
With a glass of Waihopai Valley Savignon Blanc, I indulged in their Drippy Chicken Burger with a side of chips and gherkins.
Awastone's own garden provided most of the fresh vegetables.
The Awastone Drippy Burger.
After a riverside campfire and some sticky chocolate s'mores, we headed back to the tent to get ready for bed.
However a minor mosquitoes infestation meant we were glad to have brought a bug zapper with us.
My son was more than happy to kill the blood suckers, but the electrocution came with a foul smell of singed hair, so next time I might just take some citronella.
A minor mosquitoes infestation meant we were glad to have brought a bug zapper with us to Awastone's powered campsite.
Sleeping under the stars is something every parent should do with their children.
The Managweka section of river was immortalised in the The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring as the The Gates of Argonath.
It's unique to this part of New Zealand, and I had never seen such sheer vertical clay cliffs or deep canyons, other than in that movie.
The river provided the perfect setting for adventure to ignite the imagination.
Awastone claims it's New Zealand's best riverside destination - and I'd have to agree.
Not only does it have basic campsite for pitching a tent, it also caters for the more glamorous camper with riverside cabins, secluded huts and powered campsites.
You can also check out this stunning destination for an evening of live music and good food at their Sunday Sessions throughout Summer from 3-9 pm. Ring ahead to book your group on 0800 655 747.
