Welcome to Discover Whanganui, your ultimate guide to exploring our region. The Whanganui District is situated on the West Coast of New Zealandโs North Island.
Whanganui is a place that gives visitors an opportunity to become immersed in authentic heritage in a generous riverside setting, bustling with activity. There is something here for everyone from arts and culture to sport and recreation or enjoying the scenery and natural attractions. We are surrounded by a natural landscape with dramatic west coast beaches, unspoilt native bush for tramping and w
ilderness trips and the longest navigable river in New Zealand. At the mouth of the Whanganui River lies the town of Wanganui or Whanganui (whichever you prefer) a place called home by approximately 48,000 people.
And just like that it's September, which also means Whanganui's beloved Paddle Steamer Waimarie is almost back in action. ๐ Mark it in your diaries, cruises start on Saturday 14th September. Visit Waimarie's website linked below or pop along to the Whanganui isite Visitor Centre to book your tickets for the season ahead! ๐ฅ๏ธ
www.waimarie.co.nz
Here Magazine is coming to Whanganui! ๐คฉ Celebrators of fantastic residential architecture and design in Aotearoa, Here have found some treasures in Whanganui worth sharing through their beloved Open Home tours. ๐ก Join them on Saturday 28 September to discover The Dog Box by Patchwork Architecture and Payne House by Michael Payne. Learn more about these two special homes and purchase your tickets through the link below.
https://www.thisishere.nz/here-and-now/open-home-whanganui
Once-in-a-lifetime type moments on the Whanganui River at the Mangapurua Landing. ๐ฆ
Dogs on the wall!? ๐ถ Don't worry, they're not real. ๐
Part of our diverse and vibrant street art, this playful sculpture by Brit Bunkley & Andrea Gardner is found on Drews Ave in the heart of Whanganui CBD. Learn more about the piece through the Coastal Arts Trail linked below.
https://coastalartstrail.nz/gallery/peaceable-kingdom-2020/
Aotearoa's biggest motorcycle series is back for 2024! ๐ฅณ Pick up your early bird tickets for Whanganui's famous Cemetery Circuit from the isite or purchase them online via the link below.
https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2024/dec/suzuki-series-cemetery-circuit
The further up the awa you go the more it feels like the landscape wraps around you. It's big and striking and so unforgettable. ๐คฉ
It's home! ๐๐๐
I am the River The River is Me
Mฤori tribal leader Ned Tapa takes a group of friends and family on a canoe trip down the Whanganui River in Aotearoa/New Zealand.
Playing from this Thursday. Tickets on sale now! Head to www.embassy3.co.nz to book online.
Winter views across the awa. ๐ Whanganui looks stunning no matter the season!
Local tip: Explore Whanganui's iconic River Road in winter to discover magical views usually hidden by trees and their leaves. ๐
Scenes from canoeing the Whanganui River. ๐ถ There's no better place to find peace and calm as the gentle current guides you down the awa. ๐
A must visit while in Whanganui, Saint Joseph's Church in Jerusalem (Hiruharama) is an awe inspiring example of the intertwining of two worlds. The Sisters of Compassion came to Jerusalem in the early 1880's and quickly became kaitiaki (guardians) of the local grounds after establishing a convent for schooling. Though it wasn't the first church here, in 1893 this historic building was constructed. It's situated in the most stunning and peaceful environment hosting a special opportunity for reflection.
Imagine having access to beaches, mountains, and a river at your doorstep. โฐ๏ธ No imagination required here in Whanganui. ๐ค
Whatever the weather the Winter Gardens at Rotokawau Virgina Lake is an amazing spot to go with the little ones!
Be sure to mark it in your calendar! ๐๏ธ Another fantastic Outfit of The Month from Whanganui Regional Museum is happening next week Friday 2 August at 12:15pm.
Outfit of the Month series at Whanganui Regional Museum.
Constructed for the Mountains to Sea trail, the sharp and modern architecture of Upokongaro bridge looks stunning amongst the green. ๐ต Can you spot the tiny cyclists crossing it? ๐
Something very special is coming to Bushy Park Tarapuruhi. ๐ถ The New Zealand String Quartet is bringing their sold out show, Sounds of the Sanctuary, to Whanganui. Inspired and celebrating the beauty of nature, this show is bound to be an unforgettable experience.
The Homestead is closed for day-visitors Monday 22nd to Saturday 27th 10am (Due to staff's winter ailments and such!)
All outdoor activities are still open, and we are still taking email bookings for Sounds of the Sanctuary music evรจnt 22nd September....
If you love music then Vinyl Room is a must visit while you are in Whanganui. ๐ถ Situated in the heart of our CBD, Vinyl Room provides a perfect mix of the latest and greatest music served up through good ol' analogue vinyl and tape, plus CDs and more! You're bound to find something to take home and keep as a memento of your time here.
๐ Find Vinyl Room at 56 Victoria Avenue open between Wednesday to Saturday.
On top of their incredibly popular paperweight workshop, the latest experience on offer at New Zealand Glassworks gives you the opportunity to create your very own glass tumbler! ๐ Get in quick, the workshops are booking out fast!
https://bit.ly/3W1lC10
Tomorrow Space Studio & Gallery reopens its doors, and boy are there some beautiful exhibitions in store for Whanganui! ๐คฉ Ursula Macfarlane's Quirks and Charming Strangeness will be on display in Gallery 1. Automatism artist, Glen Hutchins, will be featuring in Gallery 2 with From Scratch. And, Sweet & Salty by watercolour artist, Marcus Tesar, will be in the Pop-up Gallery. ๐ Be sure to set some time aside to visit Space and discover the art on show. All exhibitions open tomorrow, July 17th, at 5:30pm and will run until the 27th of July.
Don't miss out on the one and only Fortune exhibition at Whanganui Regional Museum! ๐งถ The final day is this Sunday. ๐ฅ
๐
Last chance to view! ๐
Don't miss the amazing โFortuneโ exhibition, finishing this week! This unique display features a stunning yum cha feast crafted from wool, showcasing the creativity of talented artist, Bev Moon. ๐ฅ๐งถ
From dumplings to wontons, every piece is a woollen masterpiece you must see to believe. ๐ตโจ
Bring your friends and family to experience this one-of-a-kind exhibit before it's gone! ๐จ๐ฝโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ๐ฝ
Open daily 10am-4.30pm. Last day to view: Sunday 14th July. Admission is free.
Congratulations to Whanganui's beloved Paddle Steamer Waimarie for receiving Tripadvisorโs Travellersโ Choice Award! ๐ ๐๐ Provided for their fantastic reviews, Paddle Steamer Waimarie sits amongst the top 10% international experiences on offer through Tripadvisor.
Read more about their award here: https://bit.ly/461UX8W
Whanganui Regional Museum's school holiday programme kicked off this morning! โญ If you missed out on today's activity, don't worry, there's still lots of fun and craft to be had. Explore what's on offer and get in touch with the museum to reserve your place!
๐ช Wednesday 10 July - Make a magic wand
๐ฎ Thursday 11 July - Make a Matariki themed lantern
๐ Friday 12 July - Matariki storytime
๐งถ Tuesday 16 July - Matariki embroidery
โจ Thursday 18 July - Make a Matariki star projector
Bookings are essential and children must be accompanied by an adult.
Whanganui burgers. ๐ Let's go!
1) Mud Ducks know how to make burger. Their new pork burger features slow cooked porschetta, pickled and crispy onions, grilled pineapple, and BBQ hoisin sauce. Tell us you're not convinced!
2) You can't visit the famous Porridge Watson without snooping on Easy Tiger Whanganui and boy does it serve some tasty treats. Burgers come in fresh brioche buns. ๐ค Feeling extra hungry? Grab a side of chicken wings. That's the stuff of legends!
3) The Citadel. Need we say more on this cult favourite?
4) Burger Cartel Whanganui is another great contender. Like their burgers, the menu is strong in both size and quality. Plus, they cater to dietary requirements too! Did someone mention waffle fries? ๐
You're drooling, we're drooling, everyone is drooling. There's only one solution. Enjoy a burger from every one of these heavenly places!
Who else would you add to the list? Let us know in the comments!
Our isite sure knows how to charm the visitors! ๐
A moment for Whanganui's street art. ๐ Have you seen all these murals around town?
Walks by the awa make for precious Whanganui memories. Further up the river from our CBD is the Upokongaro Cycle Bridge. Sitting amongst serene and stunning natural landscape, the bridge provides a gateway for cyclists and pedestrians to commute from Upokongaro on one side to Papaiti on the other. From the bridge you can run or ride your bike along the awa down to the town centre or the beach. Or, if you are feeling more leisurely, Upokongaro has spoils on offer with Papaiti Gin, Riverboat Bar & Cafe, and Behind the Door on 4.
Our precious and beautiful awa is starring in a powerful documentary soon to be landing on kiwi shores. Opening the Doc Edge Festival 2024 in Christchurch, Ko au te Awa, ko te Awa ko au โ I Am The River, The River Is Me will be featuring in the festival across cinemas in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.
Tickets can be organised through the link below. And, if you don't live in in Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch share this with your friends and whanau who do so they can book their tickets!
https://docedge.nz/films/ko-au-te-awa-ko-te-awa-ko-au-i-am-the-river-the-river-is-me/
Thank you for bringing this special film to Aotearoa, Doc Edge!
The one and only tunnel to Durie Hill Elevator. ๐คฉ At 205 metres long, the walk to Durie Hill Elevator is filled with echoes bouncing off the walls. It's surreal and exciting, just like the elevator itself. Be sure to put this unforgettable experience on your Whanganui bucket list, it's a must do!
The date is set! Whanganui's iconic Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery reopens on Saturday 9 November! ๐๐๐
31 Taupo Quay
Whanganui
4500
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Once-in-a-lifetime type moments on the Whanganui River at the Mangapurua Landing. ๐ฆ
Our precious and beautiful awa is starring in a powerful documentary soon to be landing on kiwi shores. Opening the Doc Edge Festival 2024 in Christchurch, Ko au te Awa, ko te Awa ko au โ I Am The River, The River Is Me will be featuring in the festival across cinemas in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Tickets can be organised through the link below. And, if you don't live in in Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch share this with your friends and whanau who do so they can book their tickets! https://docedge.nz/films/ko-au-te-awa-ko-te-awa-ko-au-i-am-the-river-the-river-is-me/ Thank you for bringing this special film to Aotearoa, Doc Edge!
The date is set! Whanganui's iconic Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery reopens on Saturday 9 November! ๐๐๐
The powerful art by printmaker, Vanessa Wairata Edwards, is on show at Brown & Co throughout Artists Open Studios Whanganui. Blending Mฤori culture into her printmaking, Vanessa creates unforgettable art rich in meaning. Be sure to visit Brown & Co this week and see it for yourself! Check out Vanessa's Instagram and website via the links below. ๐ www.instagram.com/calmwaterspress/ www.vanessawairataedwardsart.com/
Introducing graphite artist Nat Kirk. His jaw-dropping hyperrealist drawings will be showcased at the Orphic Gallery throughout Artists Open Studios Whanganui and cannot be missed!
What a treat to have Country House Hunters back on Whanganui soil! Did Hannah and Kev find their dream home? ๐ง Watch the full episode online in the link below to find out.
The magnificence that is our Kai Iwi. Only 15 minutes drive from Whanganui CBD, this gem of a beach is a favourite for local surfers and families all year round. Have you been before?
Escape to Paloma Gardens this summer ๐ http://www.paloma.co.nz/
The Awa sustains us.
Get onboard with Whanganuiโs cruisy weekend vibes. Thanks for the journey, Paddle Steamer Waimarie โ๏ธ๐
Third time's the charm! Our third attempt is here, as the last two winners missed out on their prize. Drumroll, please... ๐ฅ๐ This winner is 4387 - Emma Parkes.
Sunset at Kai Iwi - need we say more? ๐ ๐คฉ Absolutely epic capture, @wanderingpraani_! Thank you for sharing the breathtaking beauty of Whanganui with us. We hope your trip was unforgettable, and we can't wait to welcome you back again soon. โจ๐บ ๐ธ: @wanderingpraani_
Unfortunately, our winner hasn't come forward so now it's time to draw again. This is good news for you if you entered our Discover Whanganui competition giveaway! The new winning number is 5463. Congratulations Laik Timu (winning number 5463), please DM us to collect your prize.
Take a little tour of The Collaboration Whanganui. So many pretty points to pause at... With beautiful work by local artists and creative talent galore, we love the heart in this little store. Tucked in beside La Station Design Store on Guyton St.
What a day for it ๐๐๐ Paloma Gardens is gorgeous all year round! Happy exploring our beautiful region @saltyskin. Thanks for the feature. โค๏ธ
Are you looking to plan your next unforgettable holiday? Consider exploring the Coastal Arts Trail. ๐จ This scenic journey takes you through the stunning landscapes of Taranaki, Whanganui, and Manawatลซ, where creativity thrives. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to visit over 80 galleries and uncover hidden studios in charming rural communities. The Coastal Arts Trail is an accessible self-drive journey showcasing the best art galleries, museums, and open studios along the central North Island's West Coast. It's a curated collection of creative attractions that will captivate the curious traveller in search of New Zealand's artistic wonders. Learn more about the Coastal Arts Trail here: coastalartstrail.nz
Thanks for visiting Whanganui and taking us along on this incredible adventure through your lens, @wanderingpraani_! ๐๐ผ๐ ๐ธ: @wanderingpraani_
Long weekend idea ๐ญ๐ค Hop on your bike or lace up your shoes for a refreshing journey through the lush landscapes of Papaiti and Upokongaro. Follow the 10.5km trail (one way) from the isite to the Upokongaro Cycle Bridge and indulge in the scenic beauty along the way. Fuel up with a delightful cup of coffee at Behind the Door on 4., or savour the award-winning gin at Papaiti Gin. Alternatively, simply embrace the serenity and marvel at the sights that accompany your journey. ๐ท Captured by the talented @astroll.inthepark
Sunshine + Kai Iwi = happy hearts. Come and discover our beautiful beach strolls. #kaiiwi #mowhanau #whanganui #sun&surf
Whanganui (sometimes spelt Wanganui) is a place steeped in history, art and culture. Big enough to draw crowds and small enough to be intimate.We are surrounded by mountains, Mount Taranaki, Mount Ruapehu and Mount Tongariro, a beautiful natural landscape, dramatic west coast beaches and unspoilt native bush for tramping and wilderness trips. Our vibrant community prides itself on its parks and reserves, cycle and walk ways and an abundance of creativity. Donโt be surprised to find an immediate sense of connection, an unexpected little slice of heaven, and real New Zealand authenticity. Enjoy our manaakitanga โ our legendary hospitality. We look forward to welcoming you to our part of the world. Come and learn more. Kล au te ฤwa, kล te ฤwa kล au. I am the river, the river is me.
Whanganui isite Visitor Centre
Taupo Quay
One River.... Many Journeys - Whanganui
Takarangi Street
Whanganui isite Visitor Centre
Taupo Quay
