Things to Do in Whanganui - A Local's Guide

The River

Whanganui River

Flowing through the heart of our city is the Whanganui River, actually the longest navigable river in New Zealand. If you enjoy walking or cycling (as many here do), you can travel on boardwalks and good paths many kilometres upstream along the bank and down to the sea beaches. In town there are cafés and other attractions along your way. Cycle tourists ride along the Mountains to Sea Cycle Trails from the Tongariro National Park through amazing countryside along the river down to Wanganui.

The Paddle Steamer 'Waimarie'

This really is a novel experience for most. Dredged from the bottom of the Whanganui river, boat was completely restored and is now New Zealand's only coal-fired paddle steamer. It cruises the river to Ūpokongaro on a daily basis (season dependant) but there are other options. It is a very gentle, scenic journey that feels like stepping back in time with the paddle wheels splashing and the unique sound of the original 1889 steam engine! The Riverboat museum is also worth the time as it gives much of the river and steamer history.

Whanganui River Markets

This is held every Saturday morning, rain or shine, on the Whanganui river bank next to the iSite. The market is a mix of fresh produce, artisan food, crafts and some great coffee. Wandering around you get wafts of some lovely aromas. It's great just to browse and occasionally spoil yourself with an exciting find!

Art & Culture

Whanganui Regional Museum

Located in Pukenamu Queen’s Park, this museum is a fascinating insight into the European and Maori populations over the last 200 years. It houses many collections but stand-outs are a spectacular waka taua (war canoe) and the superb Gottfried Lindauer Gallery housing paintings of Māori men and women. Admission is free.

Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehua

This is one of New Zealand's most respected art galleries which holds a collection of over 8,000 items. It sits on top of Pukenamu Queen's Park hill, overlooking the town. The restored and earthquake strenthened category 1 heritage building and its extension offers an interesting collection in many media spanning 400 years. The gallery also hosts changing contemporary and visiting exhibitions alongside the permanent collection.
Entry is free and there is a gallery shop and café - the Sarjeant Gallery is well worth a visit

New Zealand Glassworks

This is the national centre for glass and home to a community of glass artists. Depending on the day, it's possible to watch the glass artists at work from above the working area. Afterwards, you can browse their amazing creations in the gallery.
For those interested, various workshops are available for beginners to learn the basics of glass blowing from a skilled instructor. From experience, these courses are really good - I made a spherical multi-coloured paperweight and I'm definitely not an artist!

Durie Hill Elevator & Tower

Ride one of the world's only public underground elevators and then climb the tower for panoramic views over the city, river and on a clear day, the Ruapehu volcano to the north, all for the small price of $2.50. Apparently, guided tours of the elevator are available though I've not been on one. Should be fascinating if you are mechanically minded.

Outdoor Adventures

Bason Botanic Gardens

You can find these superb gardens on the way to Kai Iwi beach. There are themed gardens, lakes and picnic spots and is really pleasant to simply wander around at any time of year. Spring brings a spectacular floral display.

Bushy Park Tarapuruhi

Originally a livestock and horse breeding farm, it became a conservation estate in 1962. Since then, through trapping and predator fencing the homestead and native bush forest are now pest-free. This has allowed many unusual species of New Zealand's birds to thrive and walking around, you will hear many different bird songs. Look out for saddlebacks and black robins along the many walking tracks although they frequently find you. There are easy shaded walkways around the estate and many species of native trees can be seen in the setting of pristine New Zealand bush. One visitor stand-out is a massive Northern Rata (called Rātānui, meaning "Big Rātā" in Māori) which is between 500 and 1000 years old.

Kai Iwi Beach

A classic west coast beach with black sand, rugged cliffs and safe swimming in summer. The beach is best visited around low tide when you will find a wide sandy margin. There's plenty of parking with toilets and a children's area at the entrance. Many folk go there to run their dogs, ride horses, drive for many kilometers on quad bikes or just go beachcombing. Whatever you do there, it's a typical slice of Kiwi life and very relaxing. Wear a hat and sun cream as around summer it's a good place to get burned! There is also a holiday park there if you enjoy beachside breaks.

Eating Out

Caroline’s Boatshed
This restaurant is located on Somme Parade on the way to Te Korito Alpacas and is where many locals go to eat out. There is a large menu, the food is excellent and it has a great atmosphere. Depending on the weather, you can eat outside with tables looking over the river.
Rutland Arms Inn
This is an imitation English pub so has many 'traditional' items throughout the restaurant and bar area. Many really good dishes and a wide range of beers and wines are available. An interesting feature is the number of old photographs of Whanganui on the walls. These were taken over the last 110 years and show the development of the town and major events.
The Yellow House Cafe
Very close to the Dublin Street roundabout, this is a locals cafe.
Japanese Kitchen WA
If you enjoy Japanese food, this would be a great choice. Dining is both inside the restaurant and outside in a courtyard, set back from Victoria Avenue. It has an expansive and apparently authentic menu and really good service - well worth a visit.