Discover Whanganui

Discover Whanganui Welcome to Discover Whanganui, your ultimate guide to exploring our region. The Whanganui District is situated on the West Coast of New Zealand’s North Island.

Whanganui is a place that gives visitors an opportunity to become immersed in authentic heritage in a generous riverside setting, bustling with activity. There is something here for everyone from arts and culture to sport and recreation or enjoying the scenery and natural attractions. We are surrounded by a natural landscape with dramatic west coast beaches, unspoilt native bush for tramping and w

ilderness trips and the longest navigable river in New Zealand. At the mouth of the Whanganui River lies the town of Wanganui or Whanganui (whichever you prefer) a place called home by approximately 48,000 people.

06/08/2026

The Festival of Design Aotearoa 2026 new website has officially launched! Visit www.festivalofdesign.co.nz to ✅ Browse the programme 🎟️ Book tickets 📬 Sign up for festival updates.

As October gets closer, we’re excited to share what's planned across the 10 day festival: inspiring speakers, exhibitions, workshops, talks and experiences celebrating the many ways design shapes our lives.

Explore our first events and presenters with more announcements coming soon. Whether you're a designer, architect, maker, educator, student, creative, business owner or simply curious about how the world around you is designed, we’d love you to join us for ticketed and free events.

Share this post with anyone who'd enjoy being part of Aotearoa New Zealand’s newest celebration of design.

Festival of Design Aotearoa
Celebrating how design shapes life in New Zealand
Whanganui and Palmerston North | 16-25 October 2026

Whanganui District Council Discover Whanganui Palmerston North City Council Palmy & Manawatū

Got your four-legged mate with you?Whanganui is full of spots where tails wag a little harder.Here are a few pup-approve...
28/07/2026

Got your four-legged mate with you?
Whanganui is full of spots where tails wag a little harder.

Here are a few pup-approved favourites:

📍 Little Curious
📍 Citadel Cafe
📍 Whanganui River Markets
📍 The riverside walkway – because a wander around the bridges and along the river is basically dog bliss.

What have we missed?

16/07/2026

Whanganui knows how to do a reset right.
Slow mornings, riverside walks, and a new way to unwind.
This weekend, give yourself permission to switch off.
📍

Ngā mihi o Puanga. Wishing you and your loved ones a meaningful year ahead.📍Whanganui River📸Sophi Roar
09/07/2026

Ngā mihi o Puanga.
Wishing you and your loved ones a meaningful year ahead.

📍Whanganui River
📸Sophi Roar

Is there anything more iconic than fish and chips at the beach?📍Kai Iwi Beach, Whanganui
02/07/2026

Is there anything more iconic than fish and chips at the beach?

📍Kai Iwi Beach, Whanganui

The awa ❤
28/06/2026

The awa ❤

24/06/2026

Whanganui weekends. Done right.

Behind the scenes at New Zealand Glassworks Step quietly up to the mezzanine and you might catch the moment something sh...
22/06/2026

Behind the scenes at New Zealand Glassworks

Step quietly up to the mezzanine and you might catch the moment something shifts from molten to form.

For those keen to get closer, there are hands-on workshops too, a chance to feel the heat and try it for yourself.

Two July nights in Whanganui.The award-winning Whanganui War Memorial Centre opens the doors of its Concert Chamber next...
21/06/2026

Two July nights in Whanganui.

The award-winning Whanganui War Memorial Centre opens the doors of its Concert Chamber next month, an intimate venue with standout acoustics in the heart of the city.

On Friday 10 July, Finn Andrews of The Veils brings his Fragile World Aotearoa Tour 2026 to Whanganui for one of just four solo dates nationwide.

Then on Sunday 19 July, Delaney Davidson arrives with his Baby Heavyweight Album Release Tour, bringing one of Aotearoa’s most distinctive live shows to the same stage.

If you’re coming from out of town, make a weekend of it. A winter gig in the Concert Chamber, a good dinner nearby, and time the next day to wander Whanganui at your own pace.

For tickets check out https://www.banishedmusic.com/tours-tickets

Whanganui Venues & Events

Heading to Whanganui this weekend? We’ve rounded up a few places to start.1. Take your time to indulge in some vintage s...
17/06/2026

Heading to Whanganui this weekend? We’ve rounded up a few places to start.

1. Take your time to indulge in some vintage shopping (and epic coffee) at Article
2. Uncover a hidden coffee spot (because one coffee is never enough) at Ngaporo Coffee Bar
3. Sample food fresh from the region at the Whanganui River Markets
4. Stop in at a working glass studio (get closer with a hands-on workshop) at New Zealand Glassworks
5. After dark head to The Distillery Whanganui for cocktails, mocktails or whatever takes your fancy.

We are spoilt for choice here. What would you add to the list?

Address

31 Taupo Quay
Whanganui
4500

Telephone

+64800926426

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Discover Whanganui posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Discover Whanganui:

Shortcuts

Share

Category