Welcome to Whanganui River

One of the two earthbound elevators in the world, it was built in 1916 and rises 66 meters to the top of Durie Hill where the War Memorial Tower is located. Get some great shots of the sun setting over the city, take a look at the city from above, or, on a clear day, get a nice view of Mount Taranaki! The sky is the limit!

• 42 Anzac Parade Durie Hill, Whanganui
• 0800 92 64 26

Take a walk around the lake and explore the birdlife, both on and around the water. Complemented by an aviary, an Art Garden and the Winter Gardens, Virginia Lake is an all-year-round attraction, making it one of Whanganui's most popular attractions.

• Virginia Lake Reserve, 110 Great N Rd, St Johns Hill, Whanganui
• 0800 92 64 26

Salvaged from the bottom of the Whanganui River after 50 years, the Waimarie Paddle Steamer was re-launched in 2000 and is now New Zealand’s only authentic coal-fired paddle steamer in operation. The Waimarie Paddle Steamer cruises as well as the Riverboat Museum make it an iconic symbol of the River City and a significant attraction for locals and visitors.

• Waimarie Centre, 1a Taupo Quay, Whanganui
• 0800 783 2637
• info@waimarie.co.nz

100 hectare predator-free native bird sanctuary, set amongst one of the few patches of virgin lowland forest, Bushy Park is truly a rainforest paradise. There are 3.4km of metalled or well-formed walking tracks throughout the forest providing easy all-weather access for visitors. Enjoy the company of rare native birds, the farm museum and the lovely historic homestead.

• 791 Rangitatau E Rd, Kai Iwi
• (06) 342-9879
• info@bushyparksanctuary.org.nz

Bason Botanic Gardens offers people of all ages fun, entertainment and education. Its numerous indoor and outdoor gardens, bush walks and relaxation areas with free BBQs provide year-round enjoyment.

• 552 Rapanui Rd, Castlecliff, Westmere
• wdc@whanganui.govt.nz

The Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehua Whanganui is a regional art museum with a collection of international and New Zealand art. There are more than 8,300 artworks in the gallery's collection, spanning 400 years. Initially focused on 19th and early 20th century British and European art but, given the expansive terms of the will of benefactor Henry Sarjeant, the collection now spans 16th century through to 21st century. Among the collections are historic and modern works in all media – on paper, sculptures, pottery, ceramics and glass; bronze works; video art; and paintings by contemporary artists and old masters.

• 38 Taupo Quay, Whanganui
• (64 6) 349 0506
• info@sarjeant.org.nz

During the summer you can swim, fish, laze in the sun, go for long walks and pick through the driftwood. It is a great place for a family get-away, and it also has a fantastic children’s playground. Kai Iwi Beach has it all, and has been a favourite with locals and tourists for generations!

• Moana Parade, Kai Iwi
• 0800 92 64 26

Just a 15 minute drive from our Holiday Park and you can get quality organic strawberries and raspberries at Windermere Berry Farm, well-known for its excellent wine and liqueur. Take a look at the farm store and enjoy a drink at the cafe overlooking the strawberry patch.

• 313 State Highway 3 R D 4, Westmere, Whanganui
• (06) 3458390
• enquiries@windermerefarms.co.nz

The riverside Kowhai Park has entertained and delighted children over the decades and is one of the top attractions in Whanganui! A must for families with young children and a favourite for all.

• Kowhai Park 96 Anzac Parade Whanganui East, Whanganui
• 0800 92 64 26

Located on the eastern banks of the Whanganui River next to Kowhai Park, this amusement park is the prime location for families of all ages to get out doors and have some fun. Activities include go-karts, bumper boats and mini golf.

• Anzac Parade Wanganui, Whanaganui
• 027 931 6188
• riverlandfamilypark@gmail.com

Home to a diversity of birds, Gordon Park Scenic Reserve is located only 15 minutes from our holiday park and offers a small remnant of lowland bush with a 10 to 15 minute walking track between Matai, Kahikatea, Totara, Titoki, Tawa and Kowhai trees.

• Kaimatira Road, Whanganui
• 0800 92 64 26

Want to get a true taste of Whanganui? Go for a walk along the main avenue in town, explore the historic buildings, pop into one of the chic cafes or go for a bit of retail therapy into one of the many shops along the street.

• Victoria Avenue, Whanganui
• 06 348 0157
• amanda@mainstreetwanganui.co.nz

Shopping centre with a variety of stores including The Warehouse, Bed Bath & Beyond and Countdown. After a tiring shopping session you can go for a meal at one of the restaurant in the food court.

• 100 Taupo Quay , Whanganui
• 06 348 0314

This home based Honey Shop is the outcome of 30 years beekeeping. Taste the different flavours of honey gathered from all around Whanganui district. Honey, honey and beeswax skin care creams, stationery and Buzzy Bee range for children fill our shelves. Come to taste, shop and chat!

• 176 Mosston Road , Whanganui
• (06) 345 5350

The observatory houses the largest unmodified refractor 24cm telescope in use in New Zealand. The observatory was built in 901 and is open for public viewing on Friday evenings from 8pm (winter) or by arrangement with the Astronomical Society.

• Cooks Gardens, St Hill Street, Whanganui
• 06 345 6954

Located only 20km from Whanganui at Fordell, this beautifully landscaped private garden offers an exotic collection of plants from Africa, Asia and America. The lovely picnic area with a swimming pond make Paloma Gardens a perfect place for a day trip.

• Paloma Gardens, Pohutukawa Lane, Fordell
• 06 342 7857
• paloma@paloma.co.nz

The park is made up of a series of benched single track sections winding through pine and gum trees and linked by 4WD vehicle roads. The tracks form a continuous loop of just over 6km containing a number of short climbs and descents designed to give a good workout.

• Hylton Street, Aramoho, Whanganui

As soon as the tide goes out, South Beach is a 20km stretch of sand, excellent for a day's picnic and the sound of waves. All terrain and off road tracks behind the dunes are amazing!

• South Beach, Whanganui
• 0800 92 64 26

Ashley Park is a 500 acre farm which has been developed for local and overseas tourists and is ideal for school, social groups and backpackers.

• 2924 State Highway 3, Waitotara
• 06 346 5917
• ashley_park@xtra.co.nz

A popular starting point for your kayak adventure along the Whanganui River, Mosquito Point is a favourite place to be in the summer! Located 5km up the river from our Holiday Park, we can drop you off and you can kayak back to us! There is also ample parking, a small beach, and a large swing out over river.

• 397 Papaiti Road, Papaiti, Manawatu-Whanganui

Did you know that Wanganui was the first provincial town to have a tramway? In 2014, after many years of volunteer hard work, “Mable”, the No. 12 vintage electric tram celebrated its first public outing on the riverbank of Whanganui, over a century after being built.

• 27 Taupo Quay, Whanganui
• 06 345 7034

Wanganui North Mole is a fairly exposed beach break that has pretty consistent surf and can work at any time of the year.

• Morgan Street , Wanganui-Manawatu
• 06-345 5555