Whanganui Whanganui is surrounded by black-sand beaches and rests on the banks of New Zealand’s longest navigable river: the legendary Whanganui River. The city’s famed Durie Hill Elevator is burrowed 213 metres into hillside and from here you can take an antique elevator 65.8 metres to the summit. At the top,176 steps lead to the War Memorial Tower for views as far as Mt Taranaki and Mt Ruapehu.
Whanganui Relax in Whanganui
National Park
The city is just as pretty as its river setting, thanks to the heritage buildings and famed artistic community.
Delve into the town’s past with a 60-minute self-guided tour from the i-SITE, Putiki Church boasts intricate wood carvings and wall carvings detailing the city’s rich history. Catch a short ride on Mable, a restored tram, or make your own paperweight at New Zealand Glassworks. Whanganui locals are a very creative bunch, and when they’re not crafting objet d’art from strewn driftwood, clay and glass, they’re browsing the River Trader’s Market or seeking inspiration at The Sarjeant Gallery. Whanganui City will definitely make art lovers giddy. TOP TIP: Salvaged from the bottom of the Whanganui River, the restored Paddle Steamer Waimarie now provides leisurely river cruises.
THE WHANGANUI RIVER IN WHANGANUI NATIONAL PARK WAS A
ROUTE FOR MĀORI AND EUROPEAN SETTLERS. IT’S NOW A PLACE
MOUNTAINS TO SEA CYCLE TRAIL AND GLORIOUSLY RUGGED TRA
LOCAL BUZZ ‘Check out Whanganui’s natural landscapes from the beaches of Castlecliff and Kai iwi, to the Bason Botanical Gardens, Bushy Park and the secret treasure trove of Paloma Gardens.’ Ellen Young – Project manager for Whanganui’s Town Centre Regeneration
Experience New Zealand’s only coal fired paddle steamer
WHANGANUI NATIONAL PARK It’s a ‘great walk’, but there’s no walking involved on the Whanganui River Journey in Whanganui National Park.
T A cruise aboard the Paddle Steamer Waimarie is undoubtedly one of the most authentic ways to experience Whanganui River’s scenery and history. 1a Taupo Quay, Whanganui ph: 06 347 1863 | em: info@waimarie.co.nz
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his is all the need-to-know information you’ll need for your river adventure.
Five days on the Whanganui River will provide that very indulgence sought by all, yet rarely found: pure, unadulterated adventure. Canoes are hired from companies in surrounding Ruapehu townships, transported to your chosen departure point and then, after a quick safety briefing, that’s it: you’re sent on your way down the river. Most canoes accommodate two rowers which is ideal because for most, negotiating rapids is a two-person job. Put the lightweight passenger upfront to spot for hidden snags, which at their very worst can wrap canoes into such a tight grip, it takes ages for them to detach – and spells the immediate
end of your trip. In the back, you want the muscle; the brawn that will steer you successfully away from a cliff face. For the most part, there are very few turbulent rapids to navigate. The river, enveloped in soaring cliffside, is tucked serenely into a gorge; the water so reflective, it’s hard to believe your paddle doesn’t shatter the surface. Multi-tiered waterfalls pour from heaven, while others trickle in coves you cannot see. The journey is linked by breathtaking DOC campsites. Many are elevated with views stretching miles downriver and come dusk, sunsets to die for. Tieke Kāinga is a DOC hutcum-marae worth weaving into your agenda, because if the hosts are on site, you’ll get to partake in a pōwhiri.
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