Location: Whanganui
Top Things to do in Whanganui
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Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Whanganui, North Island
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. Motor Vessel Wairua
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 33 reviews
Whanganui’s most authentic river experience. Step aboard Motor Vessel WAIRUA and be transported back in time to 1904, the height of the Whanganui riverboat era. Join our Upokongaro Village Cruise and head up the Whanganui River to Upokongaro, a classic New Zealand village with dining options and a beautifully restored historic church. Departing 11:00am Tuesday to Saturday. 3.5 hours duration including lunch stop. Adult $40 Child $15 Family (2+2) $95 Book on 0800 WAIRUA
3. Quartz Museum of Studio Ceramics
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 108 reviews
Reviewed By Fearless19625917923
I just visited Quartz Museum today after being recommended by friends. I could have spent much longer soaking up the amazing collection of ceramics made by both international and New Zealand potters from past to present day. This place is a real credit to Rick Rudd, his knowledge and dedication to create a museum to showcase such works. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would thoroughly recommend a visit!????
4. Bushy Park Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By 775gilvray - Cambridge, New Zealand
we had morning tea of fresh scones, jam and cream.. the service was wonderful warm a nd friendly. this place is a must for a visit to Whanganui.
5. 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!
6. 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.
7. Paddle Steamer Waimarie
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 185 reviews
Undoubtedly the most authentic way to experience Whanganui River’s scenery and history cruising aboard the iconic Paddle Steamer Waimarie - NZ’s only coal fired paddle steamer operating from the golden riverboat era. Cruising October to May - View cruise information, timetable, prices and purchase tickets online at our website. Also available for private charters. The Riverboat Museum is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9.30am to 1.30pm where you can view riverboat and awa history and memorabilia.
8. 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.
9. 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.,
10. 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 .
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