Location
The Wanganui region is on the lower west
coast of the North Island, south of Taranaki and the Taupo/Ruapehu
regions, based around the Whanganui River.
General
Except for the rolling coastal lowlands
around Wanganui, the hinterland is very rugged and there are only two
winding roads following river valleys up to the volcanic plateau. A large
part of the hill country is included in the Whanganui National Park,
through which flows the historic Whanganui River, New Zealand's longest
navigable waterway. The river was an important means of access for
pre-European Maori, European settlers, and for intrepid tourists heading
for the central North Island.
Main Attractions/Activities
Modern-day visitors
can travel up the Whanganui River by jetboat or riverboat into the heart
of the Whanganui National Park, or canoe downstream over gentle rapids.
There are historic tribal villages along the way, where Maori welcome
visitors who want to experience their unique lifestyle and cultural
traditions. There's a wonderful scenic daily mail bus trip up the river
road to Pipiriki. Wanganui's Old Town Heritage Walk showcases a typical
colonial New Zealand town.
Don't Miss
- Wanganui Museum and Art Gallery
- Wanganui Heritage Walk
- Whanganui River trip
- Whanganui Riverboat Museum - restored old paddle steamer, Waimarie
- Durie Hill - take the tunnel and elevator to the top for commanding
views of Wanganui and surrounding countryside
- Hiking trips in the Whanganui National Park, including a trip to
"The Bridge to Nowhere"
Main Centre
- Wanganui - for nineteenth century heritage buildings, Whanganui
- River and National Park
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