THE WARD OBSERVATORY - Whanganui
Housing a 24 cm telescope, the Ward Observatory houses the largest unmodified refractor telescope in use in New Zealand. Named after Joseph Thomas Ward (1862-1927), the telescope was built in 1901 and is administered by the Wanganui Astronomical Society.
Location: Cooks Gardens, Whanganui, access from St Hill Street.
Hours: Friday evenings 8.00pm (winter) - 8.30pm (summer) or by arrangement with the Astronomical Society.
Web: http://www.historic.org.nz/TheRegister/RegisterSearch/RegisterResults.aspx?Rid=170
BEACHES & SURFING
There are a few beaches to enjoy in the Wanganui region which are popular with families and surfers alike, below are just a few:
Castlecliff Beach: Located just out of Wanganui this beach is a black sand beach, is relatively safe for swimming in certain spots and is monitored by lifeguards.
Kai Iwi Beach/Mowhanau Beach: is a popular and attractive beach, located just 14 km's out of Wanganui on Rapanui Road here you'll find A children's playground, BBQ areas, toilets and changing rooms.
Peka Peka Beach: A surfing beach, Peka Peka has fairly exposed beach breaks that have pretty consistent surf. It tends to receive a mix of groundswells and wind-swells and offer both left and right hand waves. Best around high tide. Rarely crowded.
TONGORIRO NATIONAL PARK
- Central Plateau
Tongoriro National Park was established in 1887 and was the first national park in New Zealand and the fourth in the world. The National Park recognises its Maori cultural and spiritual associations as well as it volcanic features and as such is recognised as a duel World Heritage area.
The park is a place to explore and reminisce over. Whether your enjoying the forest, lakes and desert plateau or the various mountains with its many walks from crater to crater, Tongoriro National Park offers wonder, and amazing views.
Location: Central Plateau. SH 4 from Whanganui about 100km's.
Hours: 24
Price: free - rates may apply with mountain services and tour operators.
THE RIVER TRADERS MARKET - Whanganui
Every Saturday morning a piece of early Whanganui history is re-enacted as locals set up stalls alongside the downtown reaches of the Whanganui River ready to trade.
Known as one of the best markets in New Zealand, more than one hundred stalls gather to showcase a diverse range of products for purchase.
The market received its name from historic records marking it a busy riverside trading site for local Maori for which the early settlers named it" Market Place".
Location: Moutoa Quay, Whanganui
Hours: Saturdays 9am to 1pm
WHANGANUI RIVER - Whanganui
The Whanganui river has strong significance for the local maori and is rooted deep in their heritage.
Having its origin at Mount Tongariro, the river spans a distance of 290km and is the countries third largest river and the longest navigable river in New Zealand.
There are many water sport activities available to enjoy on the river, from canoeing to white water rafting.
please visit the local information centre for more information.
BASON BOTANIC GARDENS - Whanganui
Divided in to six main areas, the Bason Botanic Gardens offer uniquely designed architectural conservatories, lookouts, BBQs, walls and Buildings that compliment the garden foliage. Here you'll enjoy pines and palms, aloes, tulips and orchids to name a few while sitting in the tranquil settings of the Bason Botanic Gardens.
Location: 552 Rapanui Road, situated approximately 10 kms northwest of Wanganui City.
Opening Hours: open daily from 8.00am – dusk.
The Conservatory Complex is open daily from 9.00am – 4.30pm.
Price: Free
Photo courtesy of Bason Botanical Gardens
SARGEANT GALLERY - Whanganui
The Sarjeant Gallery is a facilitated vision of Henry Sarjeant for a culturally invigorating art museum and collection; an institution of national significance for the 20th and 21st century. The gallery consists of a wide variety of exhibitions which, if your an art enthusiast, you will find enjoyable.
Housed in a piece of art itself, The Sarjeant Gallery’s design was settled through a competitive process in 1915. Enjoy strolling the gallery, taking in the creative perspective of many an artist, and the neo-classical form of the gallery. There are always a wide variety of exhibitions on show.
Location: Queens Park, Whanganui
Hours of operation; 10am to 4.30pm 7 days.
Price; free.
Photo courtesy of Sarjeant Gallery
OPOTAKA HISTORIC PLACE
- State HW 47, between Turangi and National Park
The Opotaka settlement was one of a series of similar villages that sat on the lake edge of Rotoaira, the historic site is mostly known as the place where Te Rauparaha composed the haka Ka Mate, the war dance which was adopted by the national rugby team.
Location: Te Ponanga Saddle Road (State Highway 47) Between Turangi and National Park, watch for signpost from State Highway 47.
Price: free
Hours: 24
Web: http://www.historicplaces.org.nz/placestovisit/central-bayofplenty
Photo courtesy of c0l0gne1
VIRGINIA LAKE SCENIC RESERVE
- Whanganui
One of Whanganui's top scenic attractions, Virginia Lake is home to a picturesque lake, alive with birds and mature trees.
Stroll through the aviary, sit on the art deco facade or enjoy the lights on the fountain and surrounding trees whilst visiting the reserve at night.
Location: St Johns Hill, Wanganui
Price: free
Hours: 24
Web: http://www.wanganui.govt.nz/news/commslink/issue189.asp
Photo courtesy of Thomas Rutter
WHANGANUI REGIONAL MUSEUM
-Whanganui
The Whanganui Regional Museum is an independent museum, which owns its collection.
You'll find here a collection of Whanganui's heritage and international exhibitions which create vibrancy within the museum.
Here you'll find local maori artifacts dating back to before the european occupation.
Location: Watt Street, Queens Park Wanganui
Price: free, exhibits may charge.
Hours: 10am till 4.30pm
DURIE HILL ELEVATOR & MEMORIAL TOWER
- Whanganui
Located opposite the Whanganui City Bridge, You'll find the historic Durie Hill Elevator. It is the only earthbound elevator in New Zealand, built in 1919, and one of only two in the world. There is a pedestrian tunnel which leads 205 metres in to the hill to the elevator which rises to a height of 66 metres. There are two view points located at the top of the Memorial Tower which boasts a height of 33.5 metres, the orange tower above the elevator's machinery room and one on the nearby Memorial Tower.
It offers wonderful views of the city, Mt's Taranaki, Ruapehu and the Tasman Sea.
Location: Opposite the Whanganui Bridge, Whanganui
Price: free
Hours: Mon-Fri 7.30am - 6pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun & Pub Holidays 10am-5pm
Photo courtesy of www.viewnewzealand.com
Known as the "River City", Whanganui in New Zealand's north Island - the regions largest city - lies at the mouth of the Whanganui river.
Whanganui is known for its large collection of heritage buildings which are protected and preserved as evidence of the region’s Māori and European cultural history.
Local Māori built fishing villages and permanent pa sites along the banks of the Whanganui River in ancient times initiating it as an important trade and travel route.
The river still plays an important part in the lives of locals, with a Māori proverb, Ko au te awa, ko te awa ko au - or ‘I am the river, the river is me’ - summing up the spiritual connection Māori have with their environment.
For the independent traveller/ canoeist, Tieke marae is a popular overnight stop. This old Māori pa has been revived as a meeting place which provides accommodation for travellers.
In the tradition of the Māori, visitors receive a powhiri (traditional welcome) when entering when locals are present. Koriniti marae also accommodates large groups for visits and overnight stays, and enables visitors to participate in kapa haka (Māori performing arts), weaving and a hangi (Māori earth oven feast).
Adventure and outdoor activities include a famous jet boat ride which goes to the 'Bridge to Nowhere'. The bridge, constructed in the 1930s to provide access to Mangapurua valley farms, is the last remnant of settlement. A vintage paddle steamer also allows visitors to experience a leisurely form of travel once common in the region along the Whanganui river.
For those who like to walk amidst nature, Whanganui offers some great short or multi-day walking / hiking tracks enabling you to experience the regions beauty.
"Adventure and outdoor activities include a famous jet boat ride which goes to the 'Bridge to Nowhere'."
Whanganui Sights
Whanganui, Hawera, Hunterville, Ohakune, Kakariki, Ohakea, Waitotara, Taihape, Waiouru.
