Bodies of Water
Best Things to Do in Whanganui for Couples
THE 10 BEST Couples' Activities & Things to Do in Whanganui
Best Things to Do in Whanganui for Couples
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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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- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
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What travellers are saying
- Perry BSydney, Australia2,582 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.
- 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. - 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. - 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.
- 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.
- John WJindabyne, Australia577 contributionsRiverboat travel is a relaxing way to go, but even more so to the soothing chuff chuff of a steam engine. It is a tribute to the hard work by so many people that this wreck, salvaged from the river mud, is now a working paddle steamer once again. The trip, for an hour upstream, only ventures briefly into the hills, so the scenery is not spectacular. Most of the voyage is through the outskirts of Whanganui and then between willow-lined banks. Bird life - there are mallard everywhere, a few gulls and shags, plus I saw a spoonbill and several harriers. The loudspeaker commentary is informative, and infrequent enough not to be an intrusion. The crew are willing to answer questions, and curious visitors are welcomed in the engine room. It can be cold on the upper foredeck, it's more sheltered behind the wheel house. I was impressed by the docking at the end of the trip, it seemed a demanding procedure, but the steersman dismissed it as routine.Written 8 May 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- gregwgtnzWellington, New Zealand25 contributionsThe gentle boat trip to Mosquito Point aboard the motor vessel Wairua provided an excellent way to experience the river. Sam the affable skipper was a veritable mine of local history, enlightening information and amusing anecdotes. Highly recommended.Written 12 November 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Cathie6 contributionsDeifintely a ‘Unique’ trip. As a group of friends we had a lot of fun however they forgot to bring tents and mattresses for our first night. This could have been disastrous as it was raining and the hut was full. Luckily the hut warden and another couple of people conjured up a few tents, but with little to sleep on and squashed in there was not much sleep. Next morning the river was in flood so we definitely appreciated having guides on the river. The food was good. The canoes were pretty battered by the end of the season and in need of a few repairs… which apparently gets done in the off season.Written 21 April 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Irving Family3 contributionsWhat lovely lovely people. We came off the river wet, cold & tired to lovely rooms, a hot shower and a cold beer.
These guys could not have done more for us & we had a great stay.
Highly recommended.Written 17 April 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.