Wanganui

Whanganui’s paddle steamer the Waimarie travels along the majestic Whanganui River (Te Awa O Whanganui) giving passengers a lifetime experience aboard this spectacular steamer. If you are looking for something unique the Wanganui Glass School has nurtured the love of Glass Art into a thriving glass community. This delightful community has a lot to offer visitors; Whanganui’s main-street is influenced by the Victorian and Edwardian eras, flowers and trees are laden throughout the town.

Take a trip to the Whanganui Regional Museum, climb to the top of the Durie Hill Tower all 33.5 metres of it, to view Whanganui, Mt Ruapehu, Mt Taranaki and the distant Tasman Sea. Travel along the pedestrian tunnel, spectacularly lit to light your way. Ride the No. 12 tram and experience the history of this delightful working early 20th-century cable car.

The early Maori once traded upon the shores of the Whanganui River and today a regular Saturday market is held there. Arts, crafts, fresh organic produce, and everything a great market holds. Visit the charming village and convent in Hiruharama, the Kawana Mill, Ranana where the 1864 Battle of Moutoa was held, Pipiriki for jet-boating and canoeing leading you to the ‘Bridge to Nowhere’, the Whanganui River Road, and join up with the ‘New Zealand Cycleway’ that will run 3,000km through the country and will include stunning scenery, cultural interests, and informative local regional information.