Whanganui

Whanganui (also Wanganui) is a great place to rediscover inner peace and reconnect with who you really are. Visitors can immerse themselves in local art, culture, history and the legendary spirit of the majestic Whanganui River. It is an urban area and district on the southwest side of the North Island.

Sometimes you will see the district and city spelled Wanganui. Although previously called Wanganui, the NZ Geographic Board recommended that the name be changed to “Whanganui”, and the government decided in December 2009 that either spelling was acceptable.

Whanganui is located on the South Taranaki Bight (a bay formed by a bend in the shorline) close to the mouth of the Whanganui River. It is 200 kms (120 miles) north of the capital, Wellington and 75 kms (45 miles) northwest of Palmerston North. From the Maori, the name Whanga nui means “big harbor.” The first Europeans called it Petre after Lord Petre but the name fell into disuse.

History, art and intrepid river journeys

The region is rich in Maori and European history, and the past is proudly remembered and respected by the people of today. This is physically apparent in the beautifully preserved heritage buildings, riverboats andmarae (traditional Maori community meeting places).

Travel along the Whanganui River Valley and absorb the tranquil beauty of the landscapes. The spiritual feel of this special place is most apparent. The Whanganui River Road follows the majestic Whanganui River (Te Awa O Whanganui) from just north of Wanganui to Pipiriki. A journey along the river road is a step back in time. Key settlements along the river road include Hiruharama (Jerusalem), Koriniti (Corinth), Atene (Athens), and Ranana (London).

The Whanganui River dominates the region as it flows through the Whanganui National Park to lowland farms and the historic city of Wanganui on the west coast. Enjoy cultural and historical experiences such as on the last NZ paddle-steamer, the Waimarie built in 1900, ride a modern jet-boat, or embark on canoe and kayak adventures available from one to five days in length.

Pipiriki is the end of the Whanganui River Road and is a base for many river operators. Jet-boat trips are available from here to the famous ‘Bridge to Nowhere’ and many canoe tours start and end here too.

For those not wanting to drive or cycle the river road, there are also a number of coach tours. One of the oldest and most famous, is the Whanganui River Mail Run Tour. Every weekday you can enjoy a unique opportunity to join the local mailman as he delivers mail and supplies to residents of the River Valley. Along the way you stop and listen to local history. There is also an overnight option which includes a night at the remote Bridge to Nowhere Lodge.

Wanganui has a strong and talented artist community. Unique works of art, in a range of media, are exhibited in numerous galleries and studios. The city is New Zealand’s ‘Center of Glass Excellence’ and visitors can enjoy live glass blowing as artists create their exquisite works.

Wanganui city offers an abundance of well-preserved historic buildings and the main street is recognised as one of New Zealand’s most attractive. Gas lights, wrought iron garden seats, palm and plane trees, and wide paved footpaths all contribute to a very elegant heritage atmosphere. Follow the Heritage trails to discover Wanganui’s oldest buildings. Prominent buildings include the Sarjeant Art Gallery, celebrated for its neo-classical architecture and magnificent exhibitions, and the Royal Wanganui Opera House. Enjoy Wanganui’s vibrant arts scene, which includes fine arts, graphic design, glass blowing and fashion.

Ride Wanganui’s historic Durie Hill elevator. Built in 1919, it is one of only two earth-bound elevators in the world. Or climb the Memorial Tower on Durie Hill. Built from fossilised shell rock it offers sweeping views of the city, inland volcanic mountains and the Tasman Sea. Or just stroll down the main street, Victoria Avenue admiring the classic buildings while you shop. From the banks of the majestic Whanganui River to the commercial hub of Victoria Avenue and the cultural heart of Queens Park, your walk will take you through a variety of locations that show the uniqueness and beauty of the Wanganui Central area. The walk is approximately 2.5 kms. (1.5 miles) long and can be completed by all age groups and by almost any enthusiastic couch potato.

For a look into skies above, check out the Ward Observatory in Wanganui. It houses the largest unmodified refractor telescope still in use in New Zealand.

Explore the Whanganui Regional Museum, recognized for its outstanding collection of Maori taonga (treasures) and Lindauer portraits of Maori people in the late 1800s. Follow the Whanganui River Road for an insight into early Maori life, the influence of Christian missionaries and the fascinating history of the romantically-named settlements. Enjoy the cultural perspective local Maori people bring to their unique guided tours. Hear the local korero (stories) and learn about taonga. You can even choose to stay overnight at a river marae (meeting house).