Predominantly rural, with a significant Maori population, the Whanganui district is often missed by tourists. The area has much to offer the visitor, with tranquil towns, beautiful black sand beaches and a major wilderness area of outstanding beauty.

Wanganui City is a quiet centre with historic buildings, parks and gardens, and many cultural attractions. Home to a vital artist’s community, it’s the glassblowing centre of the country, with over 40 glass artists practicing in the district. At the Chronicle Glass Studio you can see glassblowers at work and browse the gallery.

The Whanganui River is the outstanding attraction of the area, featuring magnificent scenery in a remote, forest-clad landscape. Often visited is the “Bridge to Nowhere”, a relic of early European settlement. At the Riverboat Centre in Wanganui you can board the PS Waimarie and travel up the river by restored 1899 paddle steamer, eat in the restaurant and even give the stokers a hand in the boiler room!

Wanganui, as a smaller centre, has the typical New Zealand country combination of takeaways, diners, pubs and some interesting restaurants and cafes. Watch out for early closing at café venues - many are only open until 5.00pm. Restaurants may have some early closing evenings.

Discover Wanganui
Website: www.wanganui.com