Location: Whanganui
Top Things to do in Whanganui
Things to do in Whanganui, North Island: The Best Outdoor Activities
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. 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.
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. Ki Tai Whanganui River Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Welcome to Whanganui River Tours. Enjoy the relaxing waters of the Whanganui River as one of our Cultural Navigators shapes your experience through song, stories and their charismatic charm. From a couple of hours to multi-day experiences you'll be exposed to the natural world of the Whanganui River whilst making authentic connections the local people and the maori culture.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. That Place
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
That Place Mountain Bike Park is recently opened offering 10 trails built for mountain bikers by mountain bikers. Something for all levels of skill with a strong focus on Downhill and endure riding.
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. Whanganui Sightseeing Tour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Let our local and knowledgeable guide take you through our amazing city as you explore everything from the town centre to the pristine rural pastures. You will also be given a unique insight into the rich history of one of New Zealand’s oldest and most beautiful cities.Relax and let our local driver guide you in a modern van or coaster on this Sightseeing Tour.
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. Atene Viewpoint Walk
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
