Things To Do In Whanganui

1. Walk Around Virginia Lake

There's much to do in Virginia Lake/Rotokawau to keep you occupied for a while. Hundreds of birds, statues, footbridges, native and exotic plants, pathways, water fountains, an aviary, and winter gardens! Choose from a variety of hikes around the lake and keep an eye out for pukeko, ducks, geese, swans, tui, and more!

2. Whanganui Regional Museum

This free museum houses remarkable Maori and European artifacts from Whanganui's heritage. See a replica of Whanganui's streets from hundreds of years ago, as well as enormous waka (canoes).

Outside of the major cities, the Whanganui Regional Museum is regarded as one of the best. With an ever-changing series of exhibitions and an international reputation for its Taonga Maori collection, you may dig into the lives, loves, and challenges of the people of the Whanganui region, past and present.

3. Walk Through the Durie Hill Tunnel

After crossing the river and the City Bridge, you'll find a tunnel leading to our famous subterranean public elevator, one of only two in the world, which was erected in 1919. You can ride it to the top of Durie Hill, where the Memorial Tower is located, for only $2. Climb to the top of the tower for free and enjoy spectacular views of the River City and the Tasman Sea.

Walking through this tunnel alone is worth a spot on this list of free activities in Whanganui. When traveling through the straight and white 213m (699ft) tunnel, it feels strange. You could find that you can't stop yourself from shouting for echoes!

Mt Ruapehu and Mt Taranaki can also be seen on a clear day. If you don't want to take the elevator back down, you can walk back down the 191 steps.

4. Kai Iwi Beach

This beach, which is about a 20-minute drive from the holiday resort, is great for families. It features a nice creek where the younger kids can play safely. For the more daring, there's a great playground featuring a zip-wire. It's excellent for a family day out, with wood-fired BBQs and a shower block.

Kai Iwi Beach, often referred to as Whanganui's most picturesque beach, is a must-do. Take in the beauty of the craggy coastal cliffs and the gorgeous black sands. You can also go to the nearby Castlecliff Beach at low tide.

5. Whanganui River Road

Along the Whanganui River Road, follow the famed Whanganui River upstream. The journey includes fossils, history, breathtaking views, lookouts, maraes, a waterfall, and access to Whanganui National Park.

The exquisite St Joseph's Church in Jerusalem, the Kawana Flour Mill, the Koriniti Marae, and the many overlooks where you can properly appreciate this majestic river are also worth a visit. Take a detour and trek the Atene Skyline Track for the more adventurous trampers. The round trip will take a couple hours, possibly more depending on how many viewpoints you visit.

6. Watch Glass Blowing Artists in Action

In Whanganui, art is a big deal, but glass blowing is even bigger! At New Zealand Glassworks, previously Chronicle Glass Studio, see the glassblowers at work in the hot kilns. See how they do, and maybe even do what they do! The amazing art you can witness being created is showcased nearby where you can purchase them as gifts or decorations.

7. Westmere Lake

Westmere Lake is located in Whanganui's rural area. Enjoy the tranquility of this lovely lake while surrounded by livestock, muck, and excrement - which only occurs on rare occasions. Restawhile Lookout, Top Flats and Jeanie Lynas Reid Reserve, Matipo Park Lower Route, and Matipo Park via Top Flats are among the walks available here which you can spend a day exploring with friends and family.

8. The Ward Observatory

Do you want to spend an evening stargazing? Ward Observatory, in Cooks Gardens, was built in 1901 and houses New Zealand's largest unaltered retractor telescope. Public viewings begin at 7:30 p.m. on Friday evenings, and all that is necessary is a little gold coin donation.

9. Bason Botanic Gardens

Stanley and Blanche gave the Wanganui City Council the debt-free 25-hectare farm land in 1966 for the construction of a botanical reserve. It has now grown into a regionally significant garden, with the capital works supported almost entirely through donations and bequests.

This garden surrounding the old farmhouse is a beautiful and timeless experience. The whole property acts as a magnificent memorial to those who were very special people with great love for their surroundings and had amazing generosity to enable future generations to experience this environment. It is a very relaxing activity and you are able to drive around and find the ideal place to stop and relax for as long as you want.

10. River Traders Market

Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., along the river at Moutua Quay, a historic Maori trading site and early European settlers' market, you'll discover everything from local arts and crafts to fresh local produce, vintage items, and delicious dining options. It's a local favorite and a terrific way for tourists to get a feel for the area and see why we enjoy the river so much.

From October to April, you can also watch the Waimarie Paddle Steamer embark from the Quay, which is a great way to take a step back in time. After that, take a stroll along the boardwalk with your ice cream, floater, or pasty.