Top Things to Do in Whanganui - Whanganui Attractions
Things to Do in Whanganui
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Awards
Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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62 places sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
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Bodies of Water
Tranquil lakeside walk complemented by vibrant winter gardens, a charming bird aviary, and cultural sculptures. Enjoy a leisurely stroll and wildlife interaction.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historical lift and tunnel lead to panoramic city and river views from a memorial tower, complete with a spiral staircase and cultural carvings.
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Parks • Playgrounds
Visitor Centres
Informative visitor centre with a historical walking tour, nestled by the river adjacent to a main shopping street. Includes a café and free wifi.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historic Sites • Observation Decks & Towers
Hiking Trails
Open now
Piers & Boardwalks • Scenic Walking Areas
What travellers are saying
- Sightseer12523152205New Plymouth, New Zealand1 contributionI can't rate the Quartz Museum of Studio Ceramics highly enough - it's just absolutely amazing!! Really enjoyed my time visiting this extensive collection and talking to Rick Rudd about it.Written 18 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Perry BSydney, Australia2,578 contributionsWe were able to come here and transmute the sad occasion of Mum's passing into a happier feeling of serenity and eternal peace. Rotokawau, the lake which Mum loved so much, was the perfect place for the family memorial gathering. We each said a few words about her and ushered her gracefully into the Great Beyond.Written 28 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Kait58 contributionsGreat place to visit along side the memorial. Lots of places to get great views of Whanganui. We didn’t go down the elevator but affordable and fun idea. Great information to read about the history.Written 15 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Kait58 contributionsFun, old school playground. It is well spread out so lots of room. Lots of places to sit and relax. Activities for all ages and stages. Lots to look at and enjoy.Written 15 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- laraleetaylor44Taranaki Region, New Zealand2 contributionsAbsolutely beautiful, stopped at Jerusalem to view church .
Its a beautiful senic drive , at Pipirki there are facilities and a Cafe, nice will have to go again.
Part of my family History is from hereWritten 5 August 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - OhJoyManchester, UK46 contributionsA small black sand beach, with driftwood piled high at the back. Life guard is on watch during the day.
The beach is surrounded by a large, well-maintained reserve with toilets.
A childrens playground and campsite are to the left of the road.
Lovely place.Written 3 February 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - JulieFranz Josef, New Zealand55 contributionsSo helpful! This isite is warm welcoming and the people were very informative. We always look forward to talking to people and finding out about a place and have been disappointed at the demise of many of these sites. This one far exceeded our expectations. We are now armed and ready to explore Whanganui thanks so much for for kind service.Written 19 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- GillJezzAberystwyth, UK540 contributions6 of us stayed here for two nights and, personally, I could have stayed another night or two. We walked every inch of the trails in the full day we spent here and I could have done it a couple more times. The forest and the wet area were magical and the birdlife beautiful. To just sit and watch and listen for an hour or two was completely absorbing, I loved it.
The house is gorgeous with five guest bedrooms (there is bunk dormitory accommodation too) which are immaculate and the day rooms are stunning. Its great to sit out on the front deck too.
The food is good, straightforward fare all fresh and served up hot to the table. If you have dietary requirements, just let them know when you book and they will sort it. I'm not normally a dessert eater, but I loved what they prepared here...they were really special!
I didn't find it a problem but the rooms are not en suite. There are male and female bathrooms down the corridor with 2 showers and 2 w.c's in each. All immaculate of course.
I believe there are plans afoot to change this, but I would imagine that its going to be tricky in such a beautiful building which has so much character.
Treat yourself, you won't regret it.Written 18 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - JElliot32New South Wales, Australia3,962 contributionsWe had some time to kill on a wet and windy afternoon in Whanganui and found the Glassworks (with two furnaces working to warm things up) offered an excellent escape from the wild weather. There is an observation deck above the working area from where we were able to observe three glassblowers busy at work. On the same level as the observation deck was a small gallery with some of their beautiful finished works on display.Written 13 April 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- KiwiintheusLevin, New Zealand196 contributionsWhat are lovely surprise these gardens were. We drove around as we had our dog in the car and they aren't permitted. We did stop at the conservatory and had a good poke around.Written 5 May 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Emma BWhanganui, New Zealand5 contributionsThis is such a great place to visit when in Wanganui, really cool to take the kids to and have walk around the lake while there.Written 15 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- RocheMareeHawera, New Zealand552 contributionsAmazing! Started our day trip driving from Whanganui one hour up the winding, narrow River Road to Pipiriki. We passed through many beautiful small villages perched on the river bank. The photo ops are amazing and the trip a great start to the day.
We had booked a 4 hour Bridge to Nowhere trip with Whanganui River Adventures. It started with a 32km jetboat ride up the river and then a 40 min tramp in the National Park to the amazing Bridge to Nowhere.
The track was easy going and multipurpose with it also being part of the Te Araroa (Cape Reinga to Bluff) Cycleway.
The bush and the river valley is pristine, beautiful and ancient. All bought fantastically alive with the knowledge of our local tour guide whose family has lived on the river and farmed the land in the Park for 6 generations.
An amazing day in an amazing place!Written 22 January 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Kait58 contributionsA must do in Whanganui. The memorial has great views from the bottom and top! If you are keen to go up the stairs it is worth it and if not keen on heights still worth a visit. Lovely green space. Lots of parking.Written 15 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Kait58 contributionsGreat museum to spend an hour or two. Covers a lot of local history and people. Interesting Natural History area. Lots to read and look at. Kids activity room and games which is great.Written 16 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Fiona EColchester, UK169 contributionsThis is an amazing garden full of plants from all around the globe. Be warned the terrain is challenging so not suitable for those less steady on their feet. It is amazing that it is maintained by 1 man, the owner whose passion for plants is mainly for non flowering trees such as washingtonias conifers and cycads. Just an honesty box, and a hand drawn map that you can photograph at the entrance and basic toilet facilities… this garden is not open in order to make a profit but purely due to the owners generosity in sharing his creation with others. Perhaps would not be appreciated by non plants people. My only frustration was that the trees in the arboretum were often impossible to get close up to due to the terrain, and when I did manage to I could not find any labels.Written 22 January 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above hotel descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in one of these AI-generated descriptions is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
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