Location: Whanganui
Top Things to do in Whanganui
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Things to do in Whanganui, North Island: The Best Nature & Parks
Whanganui (/ˈhwɒŋənuːi/; Māori: [ɸaŋanui]), also spelt Wanganui, is a city on the west coast of the North Island of New Zealand. The Whanganui River, New Zealand's longest navigable waterway, runs from Mount Tongariro to the sea. Whanganui is part of the Manawatu-Wanganui region.
Restaurants in Whanganui
1. Riverland Family Park
2. Waitahinga Trails
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By AudsBT
The Waitahinga Trails are located about 12 kms from SH 3, past Bushy Park, inland from Kai Iwi Beach, and are a collection of walks in native bush catering for various fitness levels. There are various walks of different lengths and is a great half day or full day outing in the hinterlands of Whanganui! A short walk to the Taranaki and Ruapehu lookouts lead you to a stunning panoramic view from Mt Egmont to Mt Ruapehu – this alone makes the drive out here worthwhile. Most of the walking trails are under native forest canopy. This forest is a combination of original forest including tawa and rimu and very old regeneration dating back to when the land was purchased in 1903. The ancient looking mahoes on the flatter areas are examples of regeneration. You will follow an old fence line for several kilometres on the longer walks. This fence was built of local totara and the stumps of the trees felled for it are still evident. In places it is hard to believe the fence is over a hundred years old.
3. Whanganui National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By RocheMaree - Hawera, New Zealand
Amazing! Started our day trip driving from Whanganui one hour up the winding, narrow River Road to Pipiriki. We passed through many beautiful small villages perched on the river bank. The photo ops are amazing and the trip a great start to the day. We had booked a 4 hour Bridge to Nowhere trip with Whanganui River Adventures. It started with a 32km jetboat ride up the river and then a 40 min tramp in the National Park to the amazing Bridge to Nowhere. The track was easy going and multipurpose with it also being part of the Te Araroa (Cape Reinga to Bluff) Cycleway. The bush and the river valley is pristine, beautiful and ancient. All bought fantastically alive with the knowledge of our local tour guide whose family has lived on the river and farmed the land in the Park for 6 generations. An amazing day in an amazing place!
4. Whanganui River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 291 reviews
Reviewed By RocheMaree - Hawera, New Zealand
So many ways to experience this beautiful river. The lower reaches are tidal and the river looks beautiful on a full tide. On a low tide watch the wading birds on the mudflats, so beautiful at sunset. See it from above in its full glory as it snakes through the city from the top of Durie Hill. Walk or cycle the paved riverbank. Take a leisurely trip on the Waimarie paddle steamer. Feeling energetic? Take a half day up to a 5 day kayak/canoe trip into the upper reaches. We drove the winding River Road through original small settlements dotted along the bank up to Pipiriki and then took a Whanganui River Adventures jetboat on a four hour trip further up the river to hike to the Bridge to Nowhere. It was amazing learning the history of the river and the area from our tour guide along the way. This river certainly has some tales to tell.
5. Kowhai Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 225 reviews
Reviewed By Grannybee1 - Whanganui, New Zealand
Play equipment for all ages in a safe, park like setting, including water play areas. Have taken our children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren to this lovely area. Also has train rides, pirate ship, flying fox, and skate and bike area.
6. Bason Botanic Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 177 reviews
Reviewed By valandrobw - Carterton, New Zealand
This is an amazing place to visit. There is so much to see with lots of picnic areas and beautiful planting of all kinds of trees and ferns etc., hothouse with incredible orchids etc.,
7. Virginia Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 414 reviews
Reviewed By 20carolj - Palmerston North, New Zealand
This is the jewel in the crown for Wanganui.Unwind and meander along the different tracks around the lake taking in a different vista with every turn. There are two main tracks , one along the edge of lake and another upper track running parallel .Its an easy 45 min walk with bridges and water fowl, all wheelchair accessible. Along the way you pass gazebos, a band rotunda and bronze statues. One statue is Tainui depicting a woman and another of Peter Pan with NZ creatures surrounding him. The fountain is coin operated by the seat with the large mural of a swan. There are toilets on site and other amenities. A beautiful place to stroll/run and take the children .
8. Wanganui Winter Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 74 reviews
The Winter Gardens is an all-year-round attraction with colourful displays whatever the season or weather. Adjoining the Winter Gardens is the Art Garden which combines an intriguing blend of sculpture and garden art.
Reviewed By rodcramb - Randburg, South Africa
A stunning, well kept garden very close to Victoria Lake. Ample parking with an aviary outside too. There's a Mud Duck café close by for snacks. Lovely display and a wide variety of plants.
9. Kai Iwi Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
A safe beach for the whole family and all ocean activities, Kai Iwi is reached via Rapanui Road 14kms west of Whanganui. Patrolled during the summer you can swim, fish, laze in the sun, go for long walks and pick through the driftwood. A popular place to visit for visitors and locals alike, there is a large childrens playground, flying fox zip line, paddling creek, toilets and showers, picnic fac
Reviewed By charliem001 - Waikanae, New Zealand
Camping ground is awesome, had new owners and they are lovely, very close to beach for walks, also great white baiting in the creeks. Highly recommend.
10. Paloma Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By Kiwicouple96
On Wednesday the 20th of January 2021 we celebrated at 25th wedding anniversary As a surprise I took Sharon Francis away for a weekend She did not know we were going until we got there and the destination was Paloma Gardens....... Oh my goodness how amazing was this place We have been there before for a work doo but we stayed in the little red house for two nights There were books a plenty to read no cell coverage for me just unadulterated peace and quiet silence and tranquility. Stunning.....the gardens are Amazing The Norton arboretum was awesome it had so many trees from Kauri to potacarpus and so many more The Giant bamboos are stunning so many little places in the garden to sit relax and let the soul in the mind be free You have to see it believe it It is definitely a must see.
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