Where is Whanganui ?
Most visitors drive to Whanganui as the only flights out of Whanganui is to/ fro Auckland (3 to 4 times daily on Air Chathams).
So, if driving, there are two main routes (both beautifully scenic, but different):
Route 1: From Auckland, come via the Waitomo Caves to New Plymouth along the coast. New Plymouth is in the beautiful region of Taranaki - the location of the majestic Mt Taranaki, New Plymouth's 13km Coastal Walkway, and 52 ha Pukekura Park. Stay two or three nights in New Plymouth, and then take the 2 hour drive to us in Whanganui !!
Route 2: From Auckland, come via Rotorua (4 hrs from Whanganui), or Taupo (3 hrs). You will drive by lakes, mountains, forests, and and by the Whanganui River to get to Whanganui.
What is Whanganui Famous For ?
The Whanganui River (awa)
In 2017, a remarkable thing happened. A river in Aotearoa New Zealand was recognised as a legal person, Te Awa Tupua, to accord with the indigenous Māori understanding of the river as an ancestor, with defined values for care, use, and protection of the river stemming from te ao Māori, the Māori worldview. In fact, the Whanganui River is one of only five in the world that has received such legal recognition.
People, especially first nations group travel from all over the world to Whanganui to learn more about this.
In addition, the Whanganui river is New Zealand’s longest navigable river, and is 1 of the 11 official Great Walks of New Zealand.
The Beauty of our Town
Winner/finalists in NZ’s Most Beautiful City awards (2019, 2020, 2021)
Whanganui is New Zealand’s only UNESCO City of Design (1 of 49 globally)
Home of :
History and Culture
Numerous Art studios (Artists Open Studios Week is held in March every year)
New Zealand Glassworks – Te Whare Tūhua o Te Ao
Historical Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery
The historic Whanganui Regional Museum
The weekly River Markets
The Quartz Museum of Studio Ceramics - New Zealand's largest collection of ceramic
