In this series exploring New Zealand's iconic rivers, poet Sam Hunt investigates the rich history of the Whanganui River, which was an important highway for Māori and Pākehā alike. Before colonisation, generations of Māori knew and named every bend and rapid. Hunt talks to local historians about the heyday of riverboats and steamboats, and to families who've farmed in the area for generations. Historian Arthur Bates explains the history behind the mysterious Bridge to Nowhere. As Hunt travels the river, he breaks into verse — especially at Jerusalem (aka Hiruhārama) where his friend James K Baxter is buried.