Pipiriki is a gateway to the Whanganui National Park. A Department of Conservation information centre and a museum is located in the historic Colonial House and there is a shelter and toilets for travellers provided.

There are a range of accommodation options available along the River Road including home, marae (Koroniti) farm and woolshed stays, self-contained cottages, camping and campervan facilities.These need to be booked ahead, as some have remote access by aerial cableway or boat, which needs to be arranged in advance.