Wanganui
What Wanganui has to offer you
Wanganui – the River City for obvious reasons, as the Wanganui River meanders through the City to finish it’s journey from it’s headwaters in Taumarunui, flowing into the Tasman Sea. West Coast beaches are famous for their rugged beauty, a few minutes by car from the City Centre to the Coast, get your walking shoes on and explore.
In 1900 the vessel Aotea began operating on the Wanganui River. The vessel was renamed the Waimarie after it joined the Hatrick fleet of Riverboats. You can take a trip on it today, thanks to those who restored it to its former glory. On the banks of the river near where the boat is moored, & leaves twice daily for trips, is a Museum dedicated to the story of this magnificent riverboat. Take time out for a cruise on the Waimaire, it’s one of a kind.
Further up the River, & on AA’s list of 101 Must Do’s for Kiwi’s, is the Bridge to Nowhere. Departing from Pipiriki, tours run daily from this tiny, historic village nestled on the banks of the Whanganui River. Traveling up stream into the middle reaches of the Whanganui you feel as if time has stood still. Native bush cloaks the banks and you will see deep gorges covered with ferns, caves, rapids and other unique and amazing scenery.
Wanganui is famous for its heritage and the arts. There is a vibrant and talented artistic community. Galleries and studios feature glass, painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, textiles and indigenous arts and crafts. Studio artists can be found in many of the heritage buildings. It also has two nationally renowned institutions, the Sarjeant Gallery and the Whanganui Regional Museum.
Children are well catered for in the City, with our famous Kowhai Park play ground, always lovingly maintained & the new additions to the Splash Centre in Springvale Park, a hydro slide & various pools in the indoor complex. Just a couple of the many options available.
The history of Wanganui can also be seen in the City Centre, Victoria Avenue (the main street) has many incredible heritage buildings. From an elegant building that once housed a bank, in the block closest to the River, now a trendy Café, to the art deco style of the Cinema along side it, all tell their story. Local authorities have taken great care to preserve a great deal of our heritage buildings and this is appreciated by both locals & visitors to the City. Our tree lined Avenue with it’s hanging baskets is a picture anytime.
Saturday mornings see the River City Markets in full swing, a great farmers /crafts market on the banks of the river. With over a hundred stalls to peruse, it’s easy to spend a few hours there. Lunch or a coffee are also available with seating on our new boardwalk by the River. Or it’s only a short walk to the many Café’s on offer in the City.
A trip back up Victoria Avenue & up St John’s Hill will lead you to the jewel in our crown, Virginia Lake & the Winter Gardens. A walk around the Lake at any time of the year, is definitely worth the journey. Beautiful mature trees & a wide selection of wild life leads you to think City life is very far away. The Winter Gardens are a show case of colour, lovingly tendered, they never disappoint.
That’s just a brief overview of what Wanganui has on offer, stay awhile & enjoy it, we love showing it off to you.