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City in Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand
Photo: Bgabel, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Whanganui or Wanganui is a city on the west coast of the North Island of New Zealand. It lies at the mouth of the Whanganui River, which flows from Mount Tongariro via the stunning Whanganui National Park. The district has a population of about 48,000 in 2022.
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From December to March, hundreds of hanging flower baskets line the streets of central Whanganui.
An extensive collection of natural and human artifacts with a strong regional emphasis.
Well known for its large collection of British, European and NZ art.
Has both indoor and outdoor gardens with some bush walks.
Contains fascinating displays of river-related artefacts and photographs of the riverboat era. Also offers river cruises in a paddle steamer on Saturdays 11AM & 2PM in Jan - Mar.
Held around Whanganui's city centre at almost all times. Much of it is student work from UCOL, and the best exhibitions usually take place in the acclaimed Whanganui School of Design, which has a very nice tight-knit staff that can hold very interesting conversations. However, don't ask Tanya Roberson about dogs or memes, you'll be there for hours.
A state-integrated coeducational boarding, secondary school that was founded in 1854, which has a beautiful campus with some attractive old brick buildings. You cannot drive through the grounds during school hours as the school's main thoroughfare - the only one wide enough for cars - is used heavily throughout the day.
Around 300 km long. It is the longest navigable river and the second longest river in the North Island. There are a number of operators who offer canoeing, rafting and jetboat trips. The Mangapurua stream (tributary to the Whanganui) is bridged by the famous Bridge to Nowhere. This was built to provide access to settlers establishing farms in the Mangapurua Valley. The settlements no longer exist but the bridge remains as an eloquent reminder. It can be reached from the Mangapurua Landing on the Whanganui which is a 1.5 hour walk round trip. The landing can be reached by drive to Pipiriki then a jet boat ride. Additionally, the river is also legally a person.
Tram rides on Sundays and some holidays.
Built in 1921 with an Italian Renaissance influence, this building was the fire station until 1981.
Westpac Stadium
A stadium and a park. It is used as a sporting facility commenced in 1896. Peter Snell lowered the world mile record by a tenth of a second here on 27 January 1962. Since then, the four minute mile has been broken 63 times at Cooks Gardens by 41 athletes. Its re-development was completed in 2004 with the construction of two further grandstands.
This tower was located on the site of the old York Stockade, one of the town’s defense dating back to the 1850s. Rebuilt in 1891, replacing the original one at the same location. The original fire bell, a Sheffield bell dated 1874, is still in this tower. Four clock bells, manufactured by John Taylor and Co., Loughborough, England in 1903, moved into this tower after the 1930s earthquakes, which destroyed the post office clock tower in Victoria Avenue. The clock bells still ring at every 15 minutes today.
Art gallery with clay, photography, installation art, and exhibition. For example, from 7 Nov 2024 to 25 Jan 2025, there is a photography exhibition of works by Richard Wotton, retired staff photographer at the Sarjeant Gallery.
Accessed by the Durie Hill pedestrian tunnel, it is the only underground elevator in New Zealand. It has two viewpoints.
Take a two-hour cruise up the river on NZ's only coal-fired historic paddle steamer.
Discover the history of one of NZ's oldest European settlements.
Really good kebabs.
A rather good Turkish fast food joint next to the main street Subway.
Right up there with the best cafes in Wellington and Auckland.
A small but well-stocked sweet shop with extensive range, and features homemade sweets as well as bulk candy.
A nice atmosphere with pool tables and big screen TV's to watch the rugby.
Does good food early evening and then a spot for the young ones later on F Sa after 11PM.
Motel 151 on London
26 suites including studios and 4 family apartments.
A bed and breakfast-style travellers' lodge on the banks of the Whanganui River. Also a function centre.
Luxury.
Bed & breakfast & self-contained apartment.
3 acres of park like grounds
Qualmark rated 4+ star accommodation in the heart of Whanganui. 15 ground floor accessible units, wireless internet, spa bath units, kitchen facilities. Note that this lodge is near the Cooks Gardens but not inside the Cooks Gardens.
12 ground floor accessible units (8 x studio, 4 x 1-bedroom) units), all with kitchen facilities, Wireless or Dial-up Internet. Qualmark rated 3 Star Plus. A member of Host Accommodation Group. Motel is pet free and units are smoke free.
Has restaurant.
Backpackers lodge in an Edwardian villa on the banks of the Whanganui River.
Historic homestead set in a lowland rainforest offering both B&B and backpacker-style accommodation. Very quiet location. Fully licensed cafe and evening meals by prior arrangement.
La Bella Bed and Breakfast
Historic 19th century mansion overlooking the Whanganui river. River views from every window and three verandas. Lavishly furnished with antiques, paintings and artefacts from all over the world.
Shopping centre on Taupo Quay was opened in 1989 with New Zealand's largest K-Mart store. K-Mart has since been replaced by The Warehouse, which shares the complex with a range of other shops including Wendy's. NZ Post Shop Wanganui is located within this mall.
A small but well-stocked gothic apparel store near the Red Eye Cafe. The staff are friendly and the store smells pleasingly of incense.
A rather artsy-fartsy new age store with a confused demographic, but it sells some very beautiful unique hand-made necklaces between $5 and $50 that, while bereft of mineral value, are generally much prettier and more interesting than diamonds. Perfect for a bohemian friend.
An Indian grocery store. You can buy Indian foods and spices here.
A photo & print shop. Convenient if you need some photos for passport or visa. You can also buy 35mm films here. $90 for 3 rolls of Kodak Gold or Ultramax and $45 for one roll of AGFA APX 100.
By bus
There are daily coach services from Wellington, New Plymouth, Palmerston North and Auckland.
By plane
Whanganui Airport has several Auckland flights in or out daily by Air Chathams using Saab 340A and Metroliner III. Air New Zealand flights have ceased.
By train
The nearest railway station with a passenger service is at Marton (40 km away).
A mixture of walking and taking buses is generally the most cost-effective way to get around Whanganui. Buses generally depart every hour from Maria Place Extension. There is also a taxi company.
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Wanganui · Regional · WAG
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