Things To Do In Whanganui

Whanganui (Wanganui) was one of the first cities to be founded in New Zealand. Whanganui, meaning ?big river? comes from the great river that flows through it. The main feature of this picturesque area is the magnificent Wanganui River. Historical... Show More

Whanganui (Wanganui) was one of the first cities to be founded in New Zealand. Whanganui, meaning ?big river? comes from the great river that flows through it. The main feature of this picturesque area is the magnificent Wanganui River. Historically this was an important transport route for both Maori and European settlers. Today the area of Whanganui National Park is a fantastic tourist attraction for river adventures with jet boat trips and cruises by paddle steamer, kayaking, tramping, hunting and fishing taking you through stunning bush-clad hill country and long narrow gorges. Whanganui also features prominent heritage buildings such as the Whanganui Opera House. There is art and culture, dramatic west coast beaches and of course the stunning native bush.