Adventure and outdoors

Canoeing and jet boating

There are a number of ways to explore the Whanganui River’s picturesque middle and lower reaches – the multi-day canoe trip, known as the Whanganui Journey, is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. Jet boat rides are a thrilling way to reach the Bridge to Nowhere and several iwi-owned businesses offer guided canoe and cultural tours.

Fishing and hunting

The Whanganui district offers topquality outdoor adventure for hunting enthusiasts – red, sika and fallow deer, goats and boar. The upper reaches of the Whanganui River are home to brown and rainbow trout and coastal fishing can be enjoyed from breakwaters and beaches.

Golf

The Whanganui Golf Club at Belmont is New Zealand’s oldest golf club. Both this and the Castlecliff Golf Club are championship courses. The Rivercity Golf complex in Tawhero features a nine-hole public course and driving range.

Heritage and city walks

Whanganui has a range of guided or self-directed walks around the city that take in our historic architecture and many heritage sites. For more details visit www.visitwhanganui.nz

Mountain biking

Ride recreational tracks at Hylton Park, Araheke MTB Park and the newly-built That Place - Mountain Bike Park or experience the Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail – an eight-section, multi-day ride through mostly Department of Conservation administered land.

A cycle and pedestrian bridge at Upokongaro (10.5km north of Whanganui city) is a recent addition to the Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail. For more information, visit www.mountainstosea.nz

Skate and bike parks

Whanganui has banks, bowls, lips and stairs for skaters and BMX riders at the centrally-located Kowhai Park and in the seaside suburb of Castlecliff. The Springvale community bike park next to the Splash Centre is also worth checking out.

Skiing and snowboarding

You can be on the slopes of Mt Ruapehu – which offers world-class skiing and snowboarding – within a two-hour drive of Whanganui.

Surfing

Whanganui has a range of beaches within minutes of the city centre with conditions to challenge surf enthusiasts of all abilities.

Tramping

Whanganui National Park offers a number of options for day-long or multi-day hikes. One of the popular walks in the park is the Atene Skyline Track, which is a loop that takes about 6-8 hours – a shorter walk to the track’s lookout is two hours’ return. Tongariro National Park and Egmont National Park are both less than two hours away from Whanganui by car.

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