WHANGANUI NATIONAL PARK - Whanganui
The heart of the Whanganui National Park, surrounded by lowland forest, rests in the surrounding middle area of the Whanganui River, New Zealand's longest navigable
river, which winds its way from the mountains to the Tasman Sea through numerous hills and valleys.
Tramping is a popular activity Within the National Park with many tracks to choose from as well as river trips available from various service providers. Maori culture is an important part of the parks experience and the area has a unique history.
Location: The central North Island with Taumarunui to the north and Whanganui to the south. The main gateways to the river are through the towns Pipiriki, Ohinepane, and Whakahoro.
Web: http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/national-parks/whanganui/
KAWANA FLOUR MILL - Matahiwi
Listed as an historic place, the Kawana Flour Mill has the only surviving set of mill machinery dating from the 1850's, and was the longest operating mill on the Whanganui river.
Location: Wanganui River Road, Matahiwi
Web: http://www.historic.org.nz/TheRegister/RegisterSearch/RegisterResults.aspx?Rid=158
Photo courtesy of Historic Places Trust
BRIDGE TO NOWHERE - Whanganui River
The Bridge to Nowhere is the symbol of an ill-fated settlement in the Mangapurua valley, known as the “valley of abandoned dreams”.
World War 1 service men were handed land upon returning from war as part of a soldier settlement scheme. The bridge was constructed as a connection to the valley for the receipt of goods and was expected to be a major thoroughfare. Due to economic hardship and bad weather the site was abandoned.
Location: Jet Boat or canoe will get you there, then a 40 min walk.
Price: free, it will cost to get there by tour operator.
Hours: 24 hours
Web: http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/historic/by-region/manawatu-whanganui/bridge-to-nowhere/history/
Photo courtesy of Crystal Diamond
ST JOSEPH'S CHURCH - Whanganui
Built in 1893, St Joseph's Church is part of the second catholic Maori mission station established in Whanganui. The first St Joseph's Church was built in 1885 by local Maori but was burnt down by an objectable Pakeha.
The church is related to the religious order "the Daughters of Our Lady of Compassion" and is listed as an historic place.
Location: Whanganui River Road, Jerusalem/Hiruharama, Whanganui
Price: Free
Hours: 10am till 4pm
Web: http://www.historic.org.nz/TheRegister/RegisterSearch/RegisterResults.aspx?Rid=161
Photo courtesy of Historic Places Trust
WHANGANUI COMMUNITY ARTS CENTRE
- Whanganui
The Whanganui Community Arts Centre exhibits a range of local art and showcases pacific style art such as ceramics, Jewellery, paintings, photography and glass.
Worth a look on that rainy day or when you have nothing else to do.
Location: 19 Taupo Quay, Whanganui
Price: free
Hours: 10am-4pm Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm Sat, 1-4pm Sun
Helpful Links
Whanganui, Hawera, Hunterville, Ohakune, Kakariki, Ohakea, Waitotara, Taihape, Waiouru.
Whanganui Sights
Photo courtesy of GNS Science - Lloyd Homer