Location: Whanganui
Top Things to do in Whanganui
What to do and see in Whanganui, North Island: The Best Things to do Good for Couples
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. 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
2. 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.
3. 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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
