Whanganui combines art and collections with striking reminders of the city’s history and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. When planning your stay, consider whether you want to spend more time at museums and workshops, historic sites, or walking, birdwatching and the market.
Museums, Art and Glass
At the Whanganui Regional Museum, the Taonga Māori collection includes remarkable creations by the tūpuna of Whanganui tangata whenua. A one-hour museum tour highlights the internationally renowned taonga collection. It is available by arrangement during opening hours and costs NZ$20 per person.
Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery holds more than 8,300 works of art spanning 400 years and offers ongoing exhibitions and events. New Zealand Glassworks / Te Whare Tūhua o Te Ao offers a different focus: its facilities include a public studio for glass artists, workshops for all experience levels and a gallery of contemporary glass art. Workshop availability may vary.
Technology and City History
The Durie Hill Elevator is New Zealand’s only public passenger lift and is used daily by locals and visitors. Access is through a 213-metre pedestrian tunnel; the 66-metre lift connects Whanganui city centre with Durie Hill. The Durie Hill Elevator Shaft and Tunnel is listed as a Category 1 Historic Place. The observation platform at the Durie Hill War Memorial Tower offers panoramic views of the city, the Whanganui River and the port.
In Moutoa Gardens, the Kemp Monument commemorates the Muaupoko leader Te Rangihiwinui, also known as Taitako and later as Te Keepa or Major Kemp. In Cooks Gardens, the former Fire Watchtower is a rare relic of Whanganui’s late-19th-century fire protection system and volunteer fire brigade. It is also a significant feature of the Cooks Gardens memorial and civic precinct.
The paddle steamer Waimarie also tells a story of the Whanganui River: it was salvaged from its depths and restored to its former condition.
Walks, Gardens and Market
Rotokawau Virginia Lake Reserve offers a 25-minute woodland walk, plenty of opportunities for birdwatching and an aviary. The Bason Botanic Gardens are also near Whanganui. Highlights include one of New Zealand’s most extensive public orchid collections and unique greenhouse architecture.
To discover local food, art and crafts, set aside a Saturday for the Whanganui River Markets. The market takes place weekly and has more than 100 stalls featuring local food producers, art and traditional crafts, plants and street food.
Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests
When looking for hotels in Whanganui, it helps to decide first what you want to focus on during your stay: collections and exhibitions, historic sites or nature watching offer different experiences. The weekly market gives you a specific Saturday date to plan around; the museum tour requires an appointment, and workshop availability at New Zealand Glassworks may vary. Check dates and availability in advance if these offerings are important to your trip.
For the broader travel overview: Wanganui District.
