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Itineraries
Wanganui to Jerusalem
Straddling the Whanganui River, Wanganui is one of New Zealand's oldest cities. Starting life as a major port, it is now known more for its historic buildings, parks and being the southern gateway to the Whanganui National Park. Recently it has become known for its championing of the arts with an Arts Trail, which includes visiting a number of prominent New Zealand artists who have made Wanganui their home. You could easily spend a couple of days discovering all the nooks and crannies within the city, as well as the surrounding countryside and small towns.Wanganui , meaning expansive river mouth, is a place of contrasts - undulating hills, flat beaches and rich native forests. The Whanganui River winds its way down deep valleys, over smooth stones and cascading waterfalls from its source in Tongariro National Park, before reaching the sea. It is considered a spiritual place by local iwi, and those who have travelled on the river swear it is an experience they'll never forget.
- Call at the Whanganui Riverboat Restoration Centre and enjoy a river cruise on the restored paddle steamer Waimarie.
- Walk across Wanganui City Bridge to the Durie Hill pedestrian tunnel and travel 205 metres to the famous Durie Hill Elevator. Climb up the neighbouring War Memorial Tower for views over the city and region.
- Take a jetboat tour along the Whanganui River and into the national park with Bridge to Nowhere Jet Tours or "Spirit of the River Jet".
Heading north from Wanganui, you can take the Whanganui River Road. As the name suggests, the partially sealed road follows the river as it comes down from Whanganui National Park. One of the great drives of New Zealand, the road takes you through awe-inspiring scenery that makes up the park - from stunning vistas of undulating forest through to beautiful waterfalls, it is easy to see why this place was so special to its original Maori inhabitants.
There are many small settlements you will come across including Jerusalem, known in Maori as Hiruharama. Right on the outskirts of the Wanganui region, Jerusalem was a Maori fishing village, before a mission was built in 1854. Suzanne Albert founded the Sisters of Compassion order in 1892. The sisters became known for their charity and nursing work. In the late 20th century, well-known New Zealand poet James K Baxter founded a commune with some of his followers. He is buried at the local church.
66kms – 3 hours 12 minutes
Wanganui River Road Car Rental
$70 per day, this gives you the use of a Compact 4 seater car and 250 free kms to explore the wonders of the beautiful Whanganui River and then return to Wanganui via the Parapara Scenic Highway. Stop off where and when you want to investigate the places that interest you most, using the Wanganui River Road and the Parapara Scenic Highway Brochure.
If you wish to stay the night upriver your car rental for two days is a total of just $115.
Walks
Trails:
Wanganui West Heritage Trail - Starting and finishing at Virginia Lake, it includes Westmere, Brunswick, Maxwell and Mowhanau. The area is rich in history from the 1860s Land Wars to the growth which followed felling the bush to develop farms.
West Bank Whanganui Heritage Trail - This covers the city side of the Whanganui River, beginning at the river mouth and includes Castlecliff, central Wanganui and Aramoho, ending at Mosquito Point, a popular swimming hole.
East of Wanganui Trail - The rich farming district east of the Whanganui River, including Kaitoke, Fordell, Okoia and Upokongaro, features in this trail. History spans the unsettled times of the mid-1860s to the growth and later decline as once lively settlements became ghost settlements.
The 3 Valley Trail - Starting on Durie Hill, the trail features the productive and well-established farming area in the Fordell-Turakina districts. Landscape views are plentiful and the native bush reserves, ancestral Maori sites and homestead settings of the more recent European settlers offer special points of interest along the way.
City Walks
Wanganui City and the Whanganui Region abounds in Maori and European history and culture and enjoys a thriving arts community.
This suggested arts, culture and heritage tour highlights which can be readily walked as all listings are in close proximity to one another:
* Whanganui Riverboat Centre - Enjoy history of the riverboat era on the Whanganui River.
* Tram Shed - View the restored Number 12 tram of the early 1900s.
* Chronicle Glass - View working glass artists and marvel at finished masterpieces.
* Sarjeant Gallery - On the hill in Queens Park –the heart of art, culture and heritage.
* Veteran Steps - A memorial to those who died during the Land Wars.
* Whanganui Regional Museum - Essential in discovering a region known for its heritage and landscape.
* Victoria Ave - This historically restored main street reflects the city's rich history. Majestic Square - Between Victoria Ave & Watt St, where people gather to relax or be entertained.
* Rutland Arms Inn - A fascinating restoration of a heritage building, still a popular hostelry.
* Royal Wanganui Opera House - New Zealand's last Victorian Theatre - the 106-year-old working theatre offers a glimpse into 19th century ideals.
* Riverbank - Cross between two and four bridges and enjoy the splendours of the Whanganui River.
Multi-Day Walks:
* Matemateaonga Track - A 3-4 day tramp between Whanganui River to Strathmore (East of Stratford). Arrange river transport at Whanganui River end of track.
* Mangapurua/ Kaiwhakauka Track - A 3-4 day tramp between Whakahoro and the Mangapurua Landing on the Whanganui River. River transport at Whanganui River end of track must be arranged.
Medium Length Walks:
* Westmere Walkway - A selection of rural walkways over farmland and Matipo Park Reserve.
* Ototoka Beach/Maxwell - Negotiate past a small waterfall on the path to the beach. Maxwell, a settlement with a tiny church, a War Memorial and a working art studio.
Short Walks:
* Castlecliff Beach - Time out on the sand, in the dunes, or hike 2-3 hours at low tide to Kai Iwi beach
* Bason Botanic Gardens - Gardens, lakes and birdlife offer a peaceful setting for a leisurely walk. Š Bushy Park - Several walks lead through this 90 hectare predator-free native forest.
* Gordon Park Reserve - A boardwalk taking you through remnant lowland kahikatea forest.
* Kai Iwi Beach - Enjoy a leisurely stroll along this stunning black sand beach.
* Virginia Lake - A city oasis with a 25 minute woodland walk around the lake, delightful displays in the Winter Gardens and night-time tree and foundation illuminations.
* Westmere Lake Wildlife Reserve - A 40 minute walk, see a variety of waterfowl and other bird life.
* Durie Hill Tunnel, Elevator & Tower - The 205 metre long Durie Hill pedestrian tunnel leads to the historic Durie Hill Elevator. Built in 1919, it is the only earthbound elevator in New Zealand. The Memorial Tower offers excellent views of the city and district.
* Old Cemetery Heritage - Walk Heads Road Cemetery one of the oldest European cemeteries in New Zealand, the first burial recorded here was in November 1843.
* Roberts Ave Viewpoint - Offers great views of Wanganui, especially at night.
* Aramoana Lookout (Pathway to the Sea) - On the Whanganui River Road gives great views of the lower Whanganui River Valley and Mt Ruapehu.
Wanganui West Heritage Trail - Starting and finishing at Virginia Lake, it includes Westmere, Brunswick, Maxwell and Mowhanau. The area is rich in history from the 1860s Land Wars to the growth which followed felling the bush to develop farms.
West Bank Whanganui Heritage Trail - This covers the city side of the Whanganui River, beginning at the river mouth and includes Castlecliff, central Wanganui and Aramoho, ending at Mosquito Point, a popular swimming hole.
East of Wanganui Trail - The rich farming district east of the Whanganui River, including Kaitoke, Fordell, Okoia and Upokongaro, features in this trail. History spans the unsettled times of the mid-1860s to the growth and later decline as once lively settlements became ghost settlements.
The 3 Valley Trail - Starting on Durie Hill, the trail features the productive and well-established farming area in the Fordell-Turakina districts. Landscape views are plentiful and the native bush reserves, ancestral Maori sites and homestead settings of the more recent European settlers offer special points of interest along the way.
City Walks
Wanganui City and the Whanganui Region abounds in Maori and European history and culture and enjoys a thriving arts community.
This suggested arts, culture and heritage tour highlights which can be readily walked as all listings are in close proximity to one another:
* Whanganui Riverboat Centre - Enjoy history of the riverboat era on the Whanganui River.
* Tram Shed - View the restored Number 12 tram of the early 1900s.
* Chronicle Glass - View working glass artists and marvel at finished masterpieces.
* Sarjeant Gallery - On the hill in Queens Park –the heart of art, culture and heritage.
* Veteran Steps - A memorial to those who died during the Land Wars.
* Whanganui Regional Museum - Essential in discovering a region known for its heritage and landscape.
* Victoria Ave - This historically restored main street reflects the city's rich history. Majestic Square - Between Victoria Ave & Watt St, where people gather to relax or be entertained.
* Rutland Arms Inn - A fascinating restoration of a heritage building, still a popular hostelry.
* Royal Wanganui Opera House - New Zealand's last Victorian Theatre - the 106-year-old working theatre offers a glimpse into 19th century ideals.
* Riverbank - Cross between two and four bridges and enjoy the splendours of the Whanganui River.
Multi-Day Walks:
* Matemateaonga Track - A 3-4 day tramp between Whanganui River to Strathmore (East of Stratford). Arrange river transport at Whanganui River end of track.
* Mangapurua/ Kaiwhakauka Track - A 3-4 day tramp between Whakahoro and the Mangapurua Landing on the Whanganui River. River transport at Whanganui River end of track must be arranged.
Medium Length Walks:
* Westmere Walkway - A selection of rural walkways over farmland and Matipo Park Reserve.
* Ototoka Beach/Maxwell - Negotiate past a small waterfall on the path to the beach. Maxwell, a settlement with a tiny church, a War Memorial and a working art studio.
Short Walks:
* Castlecliff Beach - Time out on the sand, in the dunes, or hike 2-3 hours at low tide to Kai Iwi beach
* Bason Botanic Gardens - Gardens, lakes and birdlife offer a peaceful setting for a leisurely walk. Š Bushy Park - Several walks lead through this 90 hectare predator-free native forest.
* Gordon Park Reserve - A boardwalk taking you through remnant lowland kahikatea forest.
* Kai Iwi Beach - Enjoy a leisurely stroll along this stunning black sand beach.
* Virginia Lake - A city oasis with a 25 minute woodland walk around the lake, delightful displays in the Winter Gardens and night-time tree and foundation illuminations.
* Westmere Lake Wildlife Reserve - A 40 minute walk, see a variety of waterfowl and other bird life.
* Durie Hill Tunnel, Elevator & Tower - The 205 metre long Durie Hill pedestrian tunnel leads to the historic Durie Hill Elevator. Built in 1919, it is the only earthbound elevator in New Zealand. The Memorial Tower offers excellent views of the city and district.
* Old Cemetery Heritage - Walk Heads Road Cemetery one of the oldest European cemeteries in New Zealand, the first burial recorded here was in November 1843.
* Roberts Ave Viewpoint - Offers great views of Wanganui, especially at night.
* Aramoana Lookout (Pathway to the Sea) - On the Whanganui River Road gives great views of the lower Whanganui River Valley and Mt Ruapehu.
