Location: Whanganui
Top Things to do in Whanganui
10 Things to do Good for Big Groups in Whanganui That You Shouldn't Miss
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. Unique Whanganui River Experience
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Unique Whanganui River Experiences offers unique educational and immersive one and multi-day experiences on the Whanganui River. The fully hosted, Māori experiences are guided by trained Awa navigators. Spend up to 16 hours traversing the beautiful Awa in a canoe, while learning about the rich history, kai, and kōrero. Visit the website or call us to learn more.
Reviewed By daryleliza59 - Northampton, United Kingdom
We had an amazing time on the river, with great scenery and vistas. This is not for the faint hearted- 90km of river to paddle in 3 days requires staying power. Having the cultural guide was a definite plus as he was able to tell us about the land, the legends and instruction for the rapids. Visiting a Maori Marae and experiencing a welcome ceremony helped us understand the culture. I would advise anyone booking to send the exact requirements for the numbers of tents, sleeping mats, sleeping bags, pillows and any dietary restrictions in one single email to avoid communication confusion.
3. 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
4. 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!????
5. Bridge to Nowhere
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
Joe and Mandy invite you to join us at Bridge to Nowhere for your complete Whanganui River experience - Jet boat tours to the Bridge to Nowhere - Unique lodge accommodation in the Whanganui National Park - Canoe trips to untouched parts of the river - Transport for trampers & mountain bikers to and from Whanganui National Park - Mountains to Sea - Mountain bike the Mangapurua track section. Accommodation & transport packages available. Jet Boat Tours Departing from Pipiriki, our tours to the Bridge to Nowhere run daily. BTN Lodge and Campground Unique river accommodation located deep in the Whanganui National Park wilderness region. Mountain Biking The Mangapurua / Bridge to Nowhere Track. Part of the Mountain to Sea cycle trail, a fantastic one or two day trip. Canoeing Combine a stay at the lodge & tour to the Bridge to Nowhere with canoeing the River. Tramping Trek through the Whanganui National Park including the Matemateaonga and Bridge to Nowhere tracks.
6. 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!
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.,
