| We encourage you to explore the city by foot. Experience the heritage buildings first hand or take a leisurely stroll alongside the river. Here are some itineraries
Wanganui City and the Whanganui Region abound in Maori and European history, and culture often expressed artistically. This suggested arts, culture & heritage tour highlights these which can be readily walked as all listings are in close proximity.
- Whanganui Riverboat Centre. Enjoy history of the riverboat era on the Whanganui River.
- Number 12 Wanganui Tram. 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 over 110-year-old working theatre offers a glimpse into 19th century ideals.
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From i-SITE Wanganui Visitor Centre, collect an Old Town Heritage brochure, a Central City Brochure or, from Mainstreet Wanganui, a Brass Rubbings Trail brochure then take your leisure to view many of Wanganui’s historic sites.
Wanganui’s natural beauty provides the backdrop for pleasant walking. Choose from a selection of urban, rural and wilderness paths to suit your interests and fitness levels.
Consider the following:
- Along the Riverbank. Enjoy the splendours of the Whanganui River via its banks and bridges.
- Bason Botanic Gardens. With spacious gardens, lake and birdlife the gardens offer a peaceful setting for a leisurely walk.
- Bushy Park. Several well-maintained walks lead through this 90 hectare predator-free native forest.
- Gordon Park Reserve. A lowland kahikatea forest remnant with boardwalk.
- Central City Heritage Walk. View some of Wanganui’s well-preserved historic buildings, beginning in Victoria Avenue and with 38 stops.
- Castlecliff Beach. Time out on the sand or the dunes, or hike 2-3 hours at low tide to Kai Iwi beach
- Kai Iwi Beach. Kick off your shoes and enjoy a leisurely stroll along this stunning black sand beach.
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- Virginia Lake. A city oasis with delightful displays in the Winter Gardens, and night-time tree and fountain illuminations. 25-minute woodland walk around the lake.
- Westmere Lake Wildlife Reserve. Possesses a variety of waterfowl & other bird life. 40 minute walk.
- 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. A brochure (available from the i-SITE) provides information on many significant people and events in Wanganui’s history.
- 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.
- Atene Skyline Track/ Atene Skyline Viewpoint. Stunning views inside the
Whanganui National Park 1 hour or day-long walk.
- Coastal Walk. At low tide, the coast offers several leisurely 2 – 3 hour walks.
- Westmere Walkway. A selection of rural walkways over farmland and Matipo Park.
- Ototoko Beach/Maxwell. Go past a small waterfall on the path to the beach. Coaches travelling along the beach ascended at Ototoka and inland to Maxwell, a settlement with a tiny church, a War Memorial and a working art studio.
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Matemateaonga Track. 3-4 day tramp between Whanganui River to Strathmore (East of Stratford). Arrange river transport at Whanganui River end of track.
Mangapurua/ Kaiwhakauka. Track 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.
Wanganui West Heritage Trail. This starts and finishes at Virginia Lake, and 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 points of interest in 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.
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