In Wanganui District, glass is the starting point for an exploration. New Zealand’s national glass centre, New Zealand Glassworks – Te Whare Tūhua O Te Ao in Whanganui, offers interactive and educational exhibitions, workshops, demonstrations and events. This lets you explore the subject in different ways, from viewing to taking part in a workshop. Programmes and opening arrangements may change; check before your visit.
Culture through collections and mill history
The Whanganui Regional Museum in Pukenamu Queen’s Park offers another cultural perspective. It houses significant collections of Taonga Māori, moa bones, historic fashion and textiles. The Gottfried Lindauer Gallery also displays portraits of Whanganui rangatira. Together, the collections bring different perspectives on culture and history to one place.
In Matahiwi, Kawana Mill brings the history of milling technology into focus. It has New Zealand’s only surviving collection of milling machinery from the 1850s and was the longest-operating mill on the Whanganui River. The collection and the mill’s operating history offer two different perspectives: the preserved machinery and the mill’s long association with the river.
Forest trails and native birds
The Waitahinga Trails are a network of walking tracks in the decommissioned Whanganui Water Catchment Reserve. Picnic spots and viewpoints complement trails for different fitness levels. Most run beneath the canopy of native forest, including original forest and very old regenerating forest. Waitahinga Dam is a destination within the trail area. Check for possible seasonal closures before setting out.
Bushy Park Tarapuruhi is known for its lush lowland forest and rare native birds, including North Island robins, saddlebacks and hihi. It is free to visit during daylight hours; check the conditions before you travel. Forest and birdlife are two closely connected aspects of the nature experience here.
River journey or trail
The full Whanganui Journey is a 145-kilometre canoe trip from Taumarunui to Pipiriki and takes an average of five days. The village of Pipiriki, the journey’s endpoint, is in Wanganui District. Shorter trips are also possible on the Whanganui Journey in the wider Manawatu-Wanganui travel region. This offers different timeframes to consider: the full journey or shorter river trips.
The Upokongaro to Tasman Sea section of the Mountains to Sea Trail offers a different route perspective. It follows the lower Whanganui River, through Whanganui and on to the Tasman Sea. If you plan to cycle the trail, check its current status first.
Getting around Whanganui
Built in 1919, the Durie Hill Elevator is New Zealand’s only public transport elevator and is used daily by locals and visitors. It is reached through a pedestrian tunnel; the ride up the hill is 66 metres long. Before your visit, check whether a maintenance closure is scheduled.
The Whanganui River Markets are held weekly on Saturdays at the historic site of early Māori trade. More than 100 stalls include local food producers and street food. If you want to plan your visit around market day, check the current schedule first.
Explore more destinations
Whanganui, Rangitikei District, Ruapehu District, Palmerston North City, Horowhenua District, Tararua District, Manawatu District
For the wider travel overview: Manawatu-Wanganui.
