Wanganui, New ZealandWanganui - Activity Highlights

Wanganui | Regional Information | Activity Highlights | Scenic Highlights | History

The Wanganui district promises 'an intimate connection with nature', whether you're hiking in the forest, wandering a rhododendron garden or canoeing along a river.

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Wanganui Activity Highlights Overview

The Wanganui region is alive with history, culture, and adventure or relaxing activities. Whether you want to explore the Whanganui River or the Whanganui National Park, or appreciate the vibrant arts scene that is the Wanganui City, you will not be disappointed.

Exploring the World of the Whanganui River

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Canoeing on the Whanganui River, Wanganui, New Zealand
Canoeing Whanganui River
Wanganui
Photographer: Ian Trafford
(www.iantraffordphotos.com)

The Whanganui River is New Zealand's longest navigable river. It is a stunningly beautiful river, and provides endless opportunities and activities.

Explore the river by jet boat, or canoe or kayak downstream over gentle rapids. Other activities include:

  • Take a gentle trip on the restored Whanganui River Paddle Steamer, the PS Waimarie
  • Find the Bridge to Nowhere. A jet boat trip is followed by a guided walk to the bridge
  • Catch the Whanganui River Mail Run—a mini-coach trip travelling from Wanganui to Pipiriki and returning through the heart of the Whanganui National Park
  • Visit Pipiriki village, on the banks of the Whanganui River

Places of Interest in Wanganui

Wanganui is the city by the river—an interesting place to explore.

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Canoeing safari on the Whanganui River, Wanganui, New Zealand
Canoeing Safari Whanganui River
Wanganui
Photographer: Ian Trafford
(www.iantraffordphotos.com)

Take a ride in Wanganui's historic Durie Hill elevator to the top of Durie Hill for commanding views of Wanganui and the surrounding countryside. Built in 1919, it is the only earthbound elevator in New Zealand and one of only two in the world.

Hire a car and follow the Whanganui River Road for an insight into early Maori occupation, the influence of Christian missionaries and the interesting history of the romantically named settlements.

Venture into the Whanganui Nation Park and enjoy a short bush walk, or tramp in the beautiful forestry.

Wanganui History and Culture

Wanganui has a vibrant arts scene with fine arts, graphic design, glass blowing and fashion.

  • The Sarjeant Art Gallery in Wanganui is known for its neo-classical architecture and magnificent exhibitions
  • Also in Wanganui, the Memorial Tower is built from fossilised shell rock and offers excellent views of the city, Mount Taranaki, Mount Ruapehu and the Tasman Sea
  • Follow Old Town Heritage Walk to find Wanganui's oldest buildings
  • The Ward Observatory in Wanganui houses the largest unmodified refractor telescope still in use in New Zealand
  • The Whanganui Regional Museum is recognised for its outstanding collection of Maori taonga (treasures) and Lindauer portraits

Wanganui Region Information

Regional Information
Key information and facts about the Wanganui region.

Activity Highlights
Major activities and attractions in the Wanganui region.

Scenic Highlights
Major natural attractions in the Wanganui region.

History
History of the Wanganui region.

Wanganui Tourism Operators

Choose from our accommodation, attractions, tours, transport or visitor information categories below to find a tourism operator in Wanganui.

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