Sights & Activities
Unforgettable sights
The Whanganui River – New Zealand’s longest navigable waterway is a beautiful, forest-fringed river.
Himatangi sand dune field – these 6000-year-old dunes stretch up to 18 km inland and were once an important gathering place for Maori.
The haunting Bridge to Nowhere – located deep in the forest on the Whanganui River.
Adrenaline-rush
Mokai Gravity Canyon – New Zealand’s most extreme adventure destination.
Jet boating – take a jet boat tour on the Whanganui River for an unforgettable adrenaline fix.
Relax & Indulge
Sarjeant Gallery – explore the artworks and neo-classical architecture at this acclaimed Wanganui gallery (
www.sarjeant.org.nz).
Waimarie Cruise – board the 100-year-old paddle steamer Waimarie for a river cruise (
www.riverboats.co.nz)
Feilding – take a drive to this country town; it’s been named New Zealand’s most beautiful town an amazing twelve times.
Top Picks
Culture
Ka Pai Tours – a Maori cultural experience on the unforgettable Whanganui River (
www.kapaitours.co.nz).
Road Trip
Whanganui River Road – this historic and spectacularly scenic road traverses a ruggedly beautiful landscape.
Luxury
Hiwinui Country Estate, Palmerston North – escape for a night or two to a five-star boutique luxury estate on the lush grass plains of the Manawatu. (
www.hiwinui.co.nz).
Inexpensive or free
Atene Skyline Track, Whanganui – this full-day walk offers spectacular views of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Taranaki as you hike through the wilderness (
www.doc.govt.nz).
Great for groups
Arts Trail – follow an Arts Trail around this river region’s numerous galleries and working studios.
Culinary experiences
Canaan Honey House, Wanganui – taste New Zealand’s distinctive manuka honey and sample some honey cookies at this boutique family-operated business (
www.canaanhoney.co.nz).
Exclusive dining
Avenue Restaurant 379, Wanganui – treat yourself to a sumptuous meal at this 5 times award-winning restaurant specialising in New Zealand beef and lamb (
www.theavenuewanganui.com)
Casual dining
Cracked Pepper Café, Wanganui – licensed café and restaurant with great food and a relaxed atmosphere (t. +64 6 345 0444).
Café
The Big Orange Café, Wanganui – offers café fare to dine in or take away seven days a week (t. +64 6 348 4449).
Swishy Bar
Ceramic Restaurant & Wine Bar, Wanganui – upmarket café-style menu, with cocktail hour five days a week (t. +64 6 348 4449).
Cosy pub
Rosie O’Grady’s, Wanganui – top Irish pub serving up traditional pub lunches and a tempting bar menu (
www.thegrandhotel.co.nz).
Shop or gallery
Black Sand Studio, Wanganui – working artists studio with many unique works for sale (
www.blacksandstudio.co.nz).
