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Whanganui Must-Do's
Durie Hill Tunnel and Elevator
Burrowed 213m into hillside, take an antique elevator 66m to the summit. From here, 176 steps lead to the War Memorial Tower and spectacular views across the city and surrounds.
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St Paul’s Anglican Memorial Church
Bursting with intricate Māori carvings, lattice panelling and tukutuku (wall panels), book a $10 tour via the Whanganui i-SITE.
Mable the Tram
Enjoy an outing on the riverbank aboard Mable the vintage electric tram. Trundling the tracks on select Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm.
New Zealand Glassworks
A gorgeous art centre with contemporary glass art gallery space, vibrant shop and glass paperweight-making workshops.
River Traders’ Market
Every Saturday morning, come rain or shine, the Whanganui River is the backdrop to more than 100 stalls. From local food producers to an eclectic mix of collectors of vintage and retro, traditional crafts, plants and street food, there’s something for everyone.
Sarjeant Gallery
Temporarily housed in the Taupō Quay facility, a diverse collection of contemporary and high-quality exhibits will impress every art lover, while the gift shop is sure to seduce.
Two Historic Boat Cruises
Steam boat on Whanganui River © Adobe Stock
Take a trip up Whanganui River on an historic boat cruise. Originally built in 1899, the Waimarie paddle steamer was salvaged from the bottom of the Whanganui River while the restored MV Wairua first launched in 1904. Learn more at the Waimarie Riverboat Centre.
Castlecliff and Kai Iwi Beach
Shimmering black sand beaches are firm favourites with families for their swimming, facilities and playgrounds.
Bason Botanic Gardens
Free entry and complimentary barbecues. Pack your snags and have a sizzle in between the glasshouses, terraced succulents and frisbee golf course.
Paloma Gardens
A perfect slice of paradise governed by nature, albeit upkept by two passionate owners, take a picnic and relax amidst the greenery. $10pp entry.
Bushy Park
A 100ha, predator-free sanctuary brimming with birdlife, visit the five-room 1906 Edwardian-era homestead and Rātānui; at 43m high, it’s reputedly the world’s largest rata tree.
Virginia Lake
Five minutes north of the city centre, enjoy a woodland walk by the lake, passing gazebos, rotunda and bronze statues. Stop by the café and fountain: pretty by day and lit up at night.
Windemere Farm
PYO fresh berries, pat resident alpacas, sit in the café overlooking a strawberry patch and eat real berry ice cream. Don’t leave without a few bottles of strawberry dessert wine.
Tamatea’s Cave, Whanganui River © Visit Ruapehu
WHANGANUI NATIONAL PARK
An adventurist’s playgroundpacked with gorges, sheerpapa (clay) cliffs andwaterfalls, all crying outfor walks, mountain biking,kayaking and jet-boat rides.
THE WHANGANUI RIVER GREAT WALK
Classed as a ‘Great Walk’, this is actually a three to five-day jaunt down the Whanganui River by Canadian canoe. Self-led or guided, nothing spells intrepid more than living off your packed supplies, zero commercialisation and no frills DOC campsites.
THE BRIDGE TO NOWHERE
Built for a remote farming community that eventually diminished to nothing. Part of Whanganui National Park,access is via jet boat,mountain bike, hike or the Whanganui River Great Walk.
