www.airchathams.co.nz. A pedestrian tunnel leads to the elevator and at the top the panoramic views of the Tasman Sea, Mount Ruapehu and Mount Taranaki are amazing. This hugely popular play park has something for all ages. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Pinterest Email. Share. Whanganui is fortunate to have such a variety of cafes. A must on your list of Things To Do In Whanganui! Whanganui is one of the oldest cities in New Zealand and is rich in heritage, arts, and culture. If you are unsure about copyright and use, please contact us for clarification. Kowhai Park in Whanganui has been delighting children for decades. The Sarjeant holds more than 8 000 artworks in its collection with a comprehensive NZ art history from the 1840’s to the present day. Book a guided tour, see the building, and hear the story from local guides steeped in the knowledge of this historic treasure! ), More things to do in Whanganui like this…, Air Chathams offers three daily flights to and from Auckland, River Traders And Whanganui Farmers Market, Bushy Park Wildlife Sanctuary And Homestead. Here are some of the top things for active travellers to see and do in the Whanganui region. I am the river, the river is me. Virginia Lake is a premier outdoor garden park and is a beautiful destination for visitors and locals! Hamilton is nice, but in my opinion, it’s no Whanganui!). Explore the mighty Whanganui River, immerse yourself in the offerings of our contemporary and historical museums and art galleries, take a leisurely cycle or walk in our natural parks and reserves, or just sit back and relax and soak it all up! The Whanganui Regional Museum is one of the best places to learn about the... 2. Several studios offer weekend workshops so you can have a go too! Whanganui weekend: 5 things to do. Walk Around Virginia Lake – FREE. Whanganui offers plenty of places to go and things to do for kids of all ages. Whanganui (sometimes spelt Wanganui) is a place steeped in history, art and culture. Wander Around Virginia Lake. Big enough to draw crowds and small enough to be intimate. We look forward to welcoming you to our part of the world. With numerous sections beginning in Ruapehu, the final stage brings you down the Whanganui River Road, past historic landmarks both Māori and European. 2 adults. The different spellings arose from the way in which local iwi pronounce the word ‘Whanganui’ (the ‘wh’ creating a barely aspirated sound), and the way in which European settlers wrote down the word as they heard it – ‘Wanganui’. Events & Things To Do. Statues, footbridges, native and exotic trees, walks, water fountains, an aviary,... 2. Quayside is a popular place to relax and watch the boats from a café. p.parentNode.insertBefore(s,p); The longest navigable river in New Zealand and once known as the Rhine of New Zealand, the Whanganui River has shaped the history of the city and its people. Beaches. Sixty-six metres high, the Durie Hill Elevator was built in 1919 and is NZ’s only public underground elevator and unique in the southern hemisphere! Activities preferences (optional) Popular. Filter by location: Rural Whangarei (1) Bream Bay / Waipu (2) Tutukaka Coast (8) Whangarei City (20) Whangarei Heads (4) Waipu Museum. var s = d.createElement(sc), p = d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0]; https://www.visitwhanganui.nz/things-to-do-in-whanganui-wanganui Affiliate Links. Medium. Source: Photo by user russellstreet used … She arrived in Whanganui in 1899 and has been fully restored to her original condition. You may copy the content to individual third parties for their personal use, but only if you acknowledge Whanganui And Partners as the source of the material. Adjoining is the Art Garden combining sculpture and garden art. Find things to do and places to stay Whanganui National Park. The Best Things to Do in Whanganui Create a fully customized day-by-day itinerary for free. Top Things to Do in Whanganui, Manawatu-Wanganui Region: See Tripadvisor's 11,092 traveller reviews and photos of 38 things to do when in Whanganui. The iconic neoclassical Sarjeant Gallery at Queens Park is set to undergo a $35 million redevelopment and although closed, remains a Whanganui “must see” site. Top Things to Do in Whanganui, Manawatu-Wanganui Region: See Tripadvisor's 11,182 traveller reviews and photos of 50 things to do when in Whanganui. Te Awa o Whanganui is New Zealand’s longest navigable river and offers a range of adventure activities and outdoor leisure options. Kō au te Āwa, kō te Āwa kō au. 55%. Set the heart of Taupō Quay, the Sarjeant on the Quay’s shop specialises in exclusive gifts including jewellery, objects & glass. All rights reserved. Whatever your ideas for experiencing things to do in Whanganui, we can find something magic for you! Most of the city lies on the northwestern bank of the historically significant Te Awa o Whanganui – the Whanganui River. Te Awa o Whanganui (The Whanganui River) is the longest navigable river in New Zealand and attracts cyclists, hikers, canoeists and day trippers. Experience the Whanganui Journey. About this image. Culture. Either way – it is still the same place, Whanganui or Wanganui! With more sports events per capita than anywhere else in New Zealand, this is the place to be. Here you will find one of the regions most iconic attractions, the legendary Bridge To Nowhere, hidden deep in the wild native bush of the Whanganui National Park. Booking.com Discover Wanganui, New Zealand with the help of your friends. If you’re a vintage enthusiast or just yearn for yesteryear you must come to the Vintage Weekend, Whanganui’s premiere heritage event! See Tripadvisor's 2,670 traveller reviews and photos of kid friendly Whanganui attractions You may notice two different spellings of ‘Whanganui’, or ‘Wanganui’. This is why you will see the name of our city spelt with and without an H as you travel around. Any redistribution or reproduction of part or all of the content of this website in any form is prohibited other than the following: You may download content to a local hard disk for your personal and non-commercial use only. s.type = 'text/javascript'; Please note: Durie Hill elevator is set to receive a major upgrade to its entrance as well as a maintenance overhaul of its lift car in February. The current church dates back to 1936 and is a thing of wonder to behold. MORE. Not only will you be able to admire and buy the displayed art work but you can also see the artisans working on their projects. Premium. Booking.com Weekends and holidays children can ride on the Tot-TownRailway. Come and visit our beautiful city of Whanganui! Adults-+ Teens-+ Kids-+ Close. While you’re there, visit the 22 room 1906 Edwardian‑era homestead and enjoy a picnic. Nor may you transmit it or store it in any other website or other form of electronic retrieval system. While it’s not often found on a tourist’s New Zealand bucket list, I think Whanganui is actually one of the most underrated destinations in the country. Right next to the elevator tower is the fantastic War Memorial Tower, which, when climbed, will offer an even more amazing vista of the city! Grab a gallery guide from the i-SITE Visitor Information Centre (opens in new window) and discover Whanganui's vibrant arts scene, which includes fine arts, graphic design, photography, glass blowing and fashion. NZ Glass Works. Whanganui (sometimes spelt Wanganui) is a place steeped in history, art and culture. Air Chathams offers three daily flights to and from Auckland If you are unsure about copyright and use, please contact us for clarification. There are huts and campsites along the river. Outdoors. Head for the summit of Mount Parihaka, the highest point in the city. Looking for something to do but don't want to spend a fortune on your holiday - there's so much to do around Whanganui that doesn't cost a thing. Virginia Lake 411 reviews Nature & Parks 2. s.src = u + '?v=' + (+new Date()); TOP 13 THINGS TO DO IN WHANGANUI. Air Chathams offers three daily flights to and from Auckland Free Things To Do In Whanganui. Things to do in Whanganui. Tutukaka at the Poor Knights Islands. EVENTS & 'THINGS TO DO' Life will be a bit more leisurely in Whanga... nui this weekend after the fabulously active and entertainment of Whanganui Vintage Weekend over Anniversary weekend ... we hope you had a great time :-) But the great weather looks to continue over through the next week as we look forward to the next big event, the NZ MASTERS GAMES! Here are our favourite free activities in Wanganui. Please click through to www.WhanganuiCafesAndBars.co.nz to explore further . The Waimarie is a unique turn-of-the-century paddle steamer and the only operating coal-fired paddle steamer in NZ. Contact the Whanganui i-SITE Visitor Centre for more details and more Things To Do In Whanganui! More Whanganui locations revealed for Hollywood film. Most Popular Premium. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination. You can also book accommodation here and enjoy a peaceful stay in the magnificent heritage homestead. Let’s get Whanganui’s... 2. All rights reserved. 1. Whanganui is part of the Manawatu-Wanganui region. Adjoining is the Art Garden combining sculpture and garden art. There are plenty of things to do in Whanganui, the home of Arts and Heritage in New Zealand! In this post, I will share with you the best fun and FREE things to do in Whanganui, New Zealand.. Whanganui was recently crowned New Zealand’s most beautiful city (small city that is – it had to jointly share the top spot with the ‘big city’ of Hamilton. These are the places for your selfie One of the top things to do in Whanganui! Enjoy our manaakitanga – our legendary hospitality. Looking for a bit of history on your list of things to do in Whanganui – then enjoy stepping back in time and take a leisurely cruise on the mighty Whanganui River! For many visitors, it happens at Whanganui. s.src = u + '?v=' + (+new Date()); Whanganui weekend: 5 things to do. Dive! Since the mid-1800s there have been two different spellings in use for the name of our area. From famous Kowhai Park with the miniature railway, a family favourite for generations, to laser tag among the pine trees, there are lots of ways to keep the kids entertained while you have a coffee – we mean, join in! Don’t be surprised to find an immediate sense of connection, an unexpected little slice of heaven, and real New Zealand authenticity. Take a 25 minute woodland walk around the lake, spy Peter Pan’s statue and enjoy the birdlife, both on and around the water. Georges Fisheries. The Whanganui River Traders Market is an eclectic mix of art, plants, food, crafts and much more! Our vibrant community prides itself on its parks and reserves, cycle and walk ways and an abundance of creativity. Discover the subtropical Whangārei, a city of adventure, culture and natural beauty. Whether you want to explore the Whanganui River or the Whanganui National Park, or appreciate the vibrant arts scene that is the Wanganui City, you will not be disappointed. Things To Do in Whanganui - Sports Capital of NZ. This busy weekly market is located on the downtown Whanganui Riverbank where, historically, Māori traded their produce, and happens every Saturday morning from 9:00am – 1:00pm, rain or shine! p.parentNode.insertBefore(s,p); Brown and rainbow trout are found in the Whanganui River and its tributaries. By Alexx Hayward August 18, 2020. Pop in and see us today to purchase your Eventfinda tickets. Whanganui Chronicle. our list of the top things to do in Whanganui. With dynamic and regularly changing exhibitions set in a sleek contemporary space within an historic warehouse, the Sarjeant on the Quay is the temporary home of the Sarjeant Gallery and its collection. Put this on your list of things to do in Whanganui! Good. Itinerary Planner + Add destination. Apart from the feature EVENTS that happen from time to time, we also have a fabulous choice of THINGS TO DO - places and activities that are there for you to engage in every week of the year. Whanganui is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. The elevator will be closed for around 12 weeks from 15 February, 2021. The Whanganui Journey is one of New Zealand’s officially designated Great Walks although in reality it’s actually a ‘Great Paddle’. Slow & easy. Gardening: Shade trees a great way to … New Zealand Glassworks allows free public viewing of the glass blowing process. Nor may you transmit it or store it in any other website or other form of electronic retrieval system. See your plan. 10 Best Things to Do in Whanganui 1. Updated on February 25th, 2021. Hidden gems. Whanganui is famed for its glass art with over 400 resident artists. You may not, except with our express written permission, distribute, use for political purposes, or commercially use the content. Fun Things to Do in Whanganui with Kids: Family-friendly activities and fun things to do. 19 Feb, 2021 04:00 PM 2 minutes to read. On the banks of the mighty Whanganui River, Kōwhai Park is for small and big kids alike! (function(d, sc, u) { Prices are guides only: $0 = Free $ = under $10pp; $$ = $10 – $20pp; $$$ = $20+pp ; Kowhai Park $0. Ride a brontosaurus, check out the pirate ship, swing on an octopus, see-saw with a snake and on a hot day play in the water maze. Whanganui Regional Museum is notably one of the best museums outside of the main cities. var s = d.createElement(sc), p = d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0]; A must visit for families looking for things to do in Whanganui, and a favourite for all! Discover the best top things to do in Whanganui, New Zealand including Whanganui Regional Museum, Citadel, Durie Hill Elevator. The Winter Gardens is an all‑year‑round attraction with colourful displays whatever the season or weather. It was once the site of the largest Māori Pā (fortified village) in New Zealand. An opera show at Royal Opera House Wanganui. It is home to the largest permanent collection of Moa bones in the world (over 1000 bones), as well as housing one of the most extensive collections of Lindauer paintings in the country. Take a 25 minute woodland walk around the lake, spy Peter Pan’s statue and enjoy the birdlife, both on and around the water. 9 Best Things To Do In Whanganui, NZ 1. Located on the West Coast of New Zealand’s North Island and home to approximately 43,000 people, Whanganui (sometimes spelt Wanganui)  sits at the junction of State Highways 3 and 4. Most are free or low cost. (Did we mention the friendly ducks and geese?! Tieke Hut is run as a Marae (meeting house) by local Māori and traditional customs are observed. 29%. Campervans are welcome to stay, too! Bushy Park Reserve is a 100 hectare native forest sanctuary kept predator‑free for native birds and is ranked one of Australasia’s ‘Top 25’ Restoration Projects. Feeling sporty? The Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail is the most diverse in NZ. Search for restaurants, hotels, museums and more. Shopping . 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Whanganui 1. Here are seven amazing things to do in Whanganui. 1. The Museum Shop and Gallery stocks works by local artists and specialises in books on local history, Maori culture and the natural world. Come and learn more. Museums. Things to do in whanganui, places to visit in whanganui, everything you need Tourist Tube Wildlife. The river is part of Te Araroa and the Whanganui Journey is one of the NZ’s Great Walks. 40 Victoria Avenue, Whanganui 4500, New Zealand Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible New Zealand, Seafood, Fast Food Lunch, Dinner +64 6-345 7937. Add in a children’s playground and a free bird aviary and this makes Virginia Lake one of the best attractions of things to do in Whanganui! Parents that played there while young bring their children back to experience the same fun! Whanganui Chronicle. This free-entry museum is full of fascinating relics from... 3. We are surrounded by mountains, Mount Taranaki, Mount Ruapehu and Mount Tongariro, a beautiful natural landscape, dramatic west coast beaches and unspoilt native bush for tramping and wilderness trips. A visit to the Whanganui Regional Museum. Get up close and personal with Te Awa o Whanganui. Imagine getting your blood pumping in an area surrounded by kilometres of beautiful countryside and a wide variety of great walks. Whanganui is a great little town. Visit in the evening and see the historic Higginbottom Fountain lit up at night. Fast-paced. Don’t miss ‘Ratanui’, believed to be the biggest northern rata, 43 metres high with a girth of more than 11 metres with an age of between 500 and 1000 years. Romantic. (Did we mention the friendly ducks and geese?!). Contact the Whanganui i-SITE Visitor Centre for more info and start to plan your adventure! Culture Yourself at the Whanganui Regional Museum – FREE. Relaxing. s.type = 'text/javascript'; Museums and Galleries Whanganui Regional Museum. Wanganui Things to Do, Activities & attractions Home / Wanganui Things to Do, Activities & attractions Wanganui is located on the West Coast on the North Island a 2 ½ hour drive from New Zealand’s capital Wellington at the mouth of the Whanganui River – Te Awa o Whanganui, the longest navigable river in New Zealand and an important route for both Maori and Europeans. The Winter Gardens is an all‑year‑round attraction with colourful displays whatever the season or weather. There are many options and things to do in Whanganui on our beautiful Awa River). })(document, 'script', '//aff.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js'); © 2016 Copyright Whanganui And Partners and Visit Whanganui. Cruising at 11. The Whanganui is New Zealand's longest navigable river, canoeable for over 200 kilometres. This unique building is adorned with fascinating Maori tukutuku (weavings) and lattice designs which speak of the history of the church and the area. (function(d, sc, u) { Things to Do in Whanganui, Manawatu-Wanganui Region: See Tripadvisor's 2 564 traveller reviews and photos of 37 Whanganui attractions. Excellent. Enjoy river travel as it used to be as you listen to stories, take in the beautiful scenery, send a message with the homing pigeons and…. Top Attractions in Whanganui 1. That said, visiting a glassblowing workshop should delineate be on your things to do in Whanganui list. See What’s happening In Whanganui at EVENTFINDA. The Whanganui i-SITE is a proud Ticketing Agent for Eventfinda. More recently, the name of our district was deemed by the Government to be ‘Whanganui’. s.async = true; Visit in the evening and see the historic Higginbottom Fountain lit up at night. Air Chathams offers three daily flights to and from Auckland. Come on a journey of discovery at the Waipu Museum as it tells the unique & inspiring double migration story from Scotland to Canada and then New Zealand. The Whanganui Regional Museum is a must see with collections dated from 1890 and is famed for its Taonga Māori Collection, second to none in Aotearoa New Zealand. Be transported to a bygone era- Dress-ups, markets, bands, food and wine – its a few days of old-time fun and tomfoolery for all! Waimarie Centre, Whanganui, Manawatu / Whanganui. Moored on the banks of the river near the Riverboat Centre, we celebrate the riverboat era of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. restaurants and bars. www.airchathams.co.nz. Be sure to visit the Whanganui i-SITE Visitor Centre nearby for Things To Do In Whanganui! Historic sites. We are surrounded by mountains, Mount Taranaki, Mount Ruapehu and Mount Tongariro, a beautiful natural landscape, dramatic west coast beaches and unspoilt native bush for tramping and wilderness trips. St Pauls Anglican Memorial Church in Putiki, Whanganui, is one of the most intricately and beautifully decorated Churches in Aotearoa, New Zealand. s.async = true; Go Through the Tunnel, Up the Elevator Then Up the Spiral Staircase of the Durie Hill Tower. Any redistribution or reproduction of part or all of the content of this website in any form is prohibited other than the following: You may download content to a local hard disk for your personal and non-commercial use only. You may copy the content to individual third parties for their personal use, but only if you acknowledge Whanganui And Partners as the source of the material. The Church site itself dates back to 1842, and several actual buildings have been constructed on this site over the years. 19 Feb, 2021 04:00 PM 2 minutes to read. Things to see & do in Whangarei. Whanganui has many picturesque parks to enjoy but if you only have time to see one, make... 3. Big enough to draw crowds and small enough to be intimate. Balanced. There are 3.4km of easy all‑weather walking tracks throughout the forest and a huge variety of bird life and species of trees. Add in a children’s playground and a free bird aviary and this makes Virginia Lake one of the best attractions of things to do in Whanganui! Situated in the heart of historic old town Whanganui just around the corner from the Whanganui i-SITE Visitor Centre for more Things To Do In Whanganui!. 17 Things to Do in Whanganui + Why You Should Visit. Virginia Lake is a premier outdoor garden park and is a beautiful destination for visitors and locals! You may not, except with our express written permission, distribute, use for political purposes, or commercially use the content. Carry on into the city, past public art on the riverbank and out where the river meets the Tasman Sea… Then visit the Whanganui i-SITE Visitor Centre for Things To Do In Whanganui! There are so many activities and places to see we couldn’t just pick ten, so here is our top 13 things to see and do! Whanganui is home to hundreds of professional artists and this impact of creative talent can be seen around town. We are a 2 ½ hour drive north from New Zealand’s capital city Wellington, an hour and a half from Mount Ruapehu and Mount Tongariro or an hour flight from Auckland. Read More. The Wanganui region is alive with history, culture, and adventure or relaxing activities. Whanganui may not be as popular as other cities in New Zealand, but don’t let that fool you. })(document, 'script', '//aff.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js'); © 2016 Copyright Whanganui And Partners and Visit Whanganui. Whanganui River Shoppers can buy colourful art and craft, fresh garden plants and products, mouth-watering home baking and preserves, flavour-filled organic fruit and vegetables and a range of other goods. Fri 5 Mar 11:00am – more dates / Family Entertainment.