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The official gateway to Wanganui with visitor information, activities and events, accommodation and dining, along with touring maps and routes.

Read all about local news in Wanganui’s local newspaper.

Based in the historic Old Town, this collective of glassblowers occupies part of a 1912 building, once home to the city's daily newspaper, the oldest still in print. The public is welcomed to view the glassblowing process in the former press pit then browse the stunning handcrafted glass on display in the mezzanine retail gallery.
A highlight of any trip to Wanganui is a visit to Chronicle Glass Studio, in the heart of the historic Old Town. Chronicle Glass is a working/teaching studio, where the visitor can view the glass blowing process, and see glass artists in action. They also have a studio shop where you can view, and purchase, the stunning pieces on display.

This Museum and Tram Shed features some of Wanganui's intriguing tram history. Climb aboard the No.12 tram (currently being restored) which carried locals about town early in the 20th Century.

The Royal Wanganui Opera House is another of Wanganui's landmark cultural icons, and is the sole surviving building of its type in the Southern Hemisphere. It is still a fully functioning theatre, while it also retains New Zealand Historic Places Trust Category 1 classification.
Built in 1899 to commemorate the reign of Queen Victoria, the Opera House's excellent acoustics have been consistently recognised by international artists. It is an important reminder of a distinctive era of theatrical entertainment, and as such well worth a visit and appreciative yodel to test those outstanding acoustics or attend a touring performance.

Visitors can drive or walk around the gardens, enjoy the lake and birdlife as well as the botanic features. In a rural setting 11km from town, the park is open (with free entry), daily from 8.00am till dusk. Picnic areas with free gas-fired barbecues are sheltered with extensive plantings of native and exotic trees. The formal area has three conservatories (open 9am till 4.30pm) and is rated of regional significance by the New Zealand Gardens Trust.

Departing from Pipiriki, jetboat 30km into the wilderness region of the Whanganui National Park. Travel through fern-clad gorges and visit historic sites and on to the Mangapurua Landing. Enjoy a 40-minute walk through native bush to the famous Bridge to Nowhere, have lunch and hear tales of the area and the pioneering families who tried to tame this rugged land. Options include canoeing, mountainbiking or overnight at the Lodge!

For a truly unique maritime heritage experience, take a cruise aboard New Zealand's last paddlesteamer, the PS 'Waimarie' (est 1900), voted Wanganui's No 1 visitor attraction. Summer timetable: daily sailings at 1.30pm (2 hours duration). The 'Waimarie' travels 13km up the Whanganui River to Upokongaro, then returns to the Whanganui Riverboat Centre & Museum

Beyond the City Bridge, Durie Hill's pedestrian tunnel leads to the historic Elevator, New Zealand's only public underground elevator.

Built in 1919, the elevator's top platform and the adjacent Memorial Tower, 33.5m tall, offer excellent views of the city, Tasman Sea, Ruapehu and Taranaki mountains.

The Whanganui Regional Museum founded in 1892, has extensive collections of natural and human history with a regional emphasis. It houses objects of national and international significance. The emphasis of the collection is primarily Whanganui. There are also significant collections from elsewhere, for example, a large Pacific Island collection and ceramics from Asia and Cyprus.

" It is my desire that works of art shall be purchased or acquired on account of their intrinsic value as work of high art only and not because they are specimens of local or colonial art so that the said gallery shall be furnished with works of the highest art in all branches as a means of inspiration for ourselves and those who come after us."

Henry Sarjeant (1830-1912) immigrated to New Zealand from England about 1860 and settled in the Wanganui Region. After his death, Henry's wife Ellen consolidated her husband's interest in the arts which had been
generously provided for in his Will.  This document also outlined his intention for quality.

This regular Saturday market (9 am – 1 pm) is located on the bank of the Whanganui River where, historically, Maori traded their produce. Today shoppers can buy colourful art, and craft, fresh garden plants and products, mouthwatering home baking and preserves, flavour-filled organic fruit and vegetables, and a range of other goods.

Qualmark 4 1/2 Star ASURE Cooks Gardens Motor Lodge offers high quality motel accommodation amid well kept gardens. The location is superb and equally ideal for our tourist, sporting or business visitors. ASURE Cooks Gardens Motor Lodge is conveniently located, we are.....* 200m from the Cooks Gardens Sporting Complex (Westpac Trust Stadium) and Velodrome * 200m from the Tourist Information Office * 300m from the Wanganui Racecourse & Greyhound track * 400m from the downtown city centre * 600m from the Whanganui River * 600m from the RSA * 700m from the Wanganui Opera House & War Memorial Hall * 1km from Collegiate College & UCOL * 5km from the Wanganui Airport

Kingsgate Hotel The Avenue Wanganui is located on the main road into Wanganui just a 10 minute walk from the central business district, arts and cultural centre, sports venues, Whanganui river and Virginia Lake. Set in large grounds with beautiful gardens, an outdoor swimming pool and barbeque area. The hotel is the largest accommodation venue in Wanganui and has 63 rooms including studios, an executive suite with spa bath & lounge and family units complete with cooking facilities.  

Welcome to   Whanganui River Top 10 Holiday Park, on the banks of the mighty and mysterious Whanganui River.  Whether you need motel accommodation, backpackers accommodation, a spot to pitch your tent or a site for your caravan, we've got all of them!   Our park is centrally and perfectly situated as an overnight spot to or from the Interisland ferry or a relaxing day's drive from Taupo, Rotorua, Waitomo, Hamilton, Napier or New Plymouth.  If you are going to ski this season, we are only a 90 minute drive from the Turoa ski field at Ohakune. Whakapapa is only a 20 minute drive from Turoa.  Enjoy the snow on the mountain, but stay in Wanganui where our weather is a lot milder!

Bushy Park in Wanganui, NZ offers the visitor a unique experience. Our 240 acres of virgin rain forest is crossed by a network of forest paths allowing you to stroll in peace before returning to the elegant homestead where you can enjoy al fresco dining on the verandah or a cafe treat in our dining room.

A special place for the discerning business and leisure traveller.  Beautifully furnished, spotlessly clean, fully equipped and comfortable rooms.  Great personal service, 4-star+ rating, LCD widescreen TVs.  Superb central location, close to many local amenities, within walking distance of restaurants and shops.  Work friendly with well lit table/desk with internet access point.  All rooms are ground level with parking adjacent.