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.

30/07/2025

Yum. A cheeky date night, a sneaky marg, and some seriously good tacos — thanks to for capturing the energy at La Quattro. 🙌

We love seeing locals and visitors sharing their favourite Whanganui eats. Whether you’re after fried chicken, fresh guac, or a plate of prawns, there’s no shortage of flavour around here.

Keep the recommendations coming. 😉

This weekend, Steelform Whanganui go head-to-head with The Classics at Cooks Gardens. Kick-off is 2.35pm this Saturday. ...
22/07/2025

This weekend, Steelform Whanganui go head-to-head with The Classics at Cooks Gardens. Kick-off is 2.35pm this Saturday. 🏉🏉🏉

Support the home team and be there for what’s set to be a great afternoon of rugby.

Get your tickets from :
https://premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.aspx?sh=CLASSICS25

Ask ChatGPT

Coffee + beach walks + river markets + sun shining = Just another great day in Whanganui 🌞📸:
18/07/2025

Coffee + beach walks + river markets + sun shining = Just another great day in Whanganui 🌞

📸:

On now at Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery — the 2025 Pattillo Whanganui Arts Review.This one’s always a crowd favourit...
15/07/2025

On now at Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery — the 2025 Pattillo Whanganui Arts Review.

This one’s always a crowd favourite, with a huge mix of work on show. You’ve got until the end of the month to pop in and cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award — voting closes 31 July. 🎨
📸: Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery

13/07/2025

Big rugby energy incoming! The countdown is on for Steelform Whanganui vs The Classics, happening right here at Cooks Gardens on Saturday 26 July — kick-off at 2.35pm.

Whether you're backing the locals or just keen to see some of the game's greats in action, this is a match you won’t want to miss.

🎟️ Grab your tickets from and get amongst it. Link in comments.

Can’t make it? Catch it live on TVNZ1 from 2.30pm.

Video via and 🙌

Virginia Lake is a favourite for all ages—and it’s easy to see why.From morning walks and weekend picnics to feeding the...
03/07/2025

Virginia Lake is a favourite for all ages—and it’s easy to see why.

From morning walks and weekend picnics to feeding the ducks and exploring the Winter Gardens, there’s something here for everyone. Whether you’re visiting with family, catching up with a friend, or just looking for a peaceful solo stroll, Virginia Lake is one of those timeless Whanganui spots that never gets old.

📸:

29/06/2025

Yellow House Café is a favourite for many in Whanganui—you always feel at home when you pop in for a cuppa.

And it got us thinking... we’ve got some great places to cosy up in this winter.

Looking for more warm spots this season? These are a few favourites from visitors—add them to your winter lunch list:
Parnells Cafe
Mud Ducks
Mischief Cafe
The Villa Cafe
Mint Cafe & Bar

Tag your go-to spot for a winter lunch—we’d love to know what you recommend to your visitors. ❤️

Thanks to for sharing this reel with us!

An iconic little stop along State Highway 4 ☕Eightyeightputiki is one of those spots you just know to pull over for — go...
25/06/2025

An iconic little stop along State Highway 4 ☕

Eightyeightputiki is one of those spots you just know to pull over for — good chats, good coffee, and the kind of local charm you don’t forget.

If you’ve got visitors passing through Whanganui, where do you tell them to stop? We’d love to hear your must-visit spots on the road in or out of town.

📍88 Putiki, Whanganui

22/06/2025

A forest sanctuary less than 30 minutes from the city—faster than your morning commute in the big smoke. 😉🌿

Bushy Park Tarapuruhi is the perfect spot for forest walks, listening to the beautiful native birds, and soaking up the beauty of nature.

Whanganui is made for exploring on wheels. 🚴‍♀️The Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono Cycle Trail runs right through our ...
21/06/2025

Whanganui is made for exploring on wheels. 🚴‍♀️

The Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono Cycle Trail runs right through our region, offering one of the most scenic and memorable rides in the country.

From rolling hills to riverside roads, it's no surprise Whanganui is a favourite stop for cyclists looking for a trail with a bit of everything.

📍 Mountains to Sea Trail
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Puanga is here, and there’s so much happening around the city this weekend to celebrate. ✨Here are just a few of the eve...
18/06/2025

Puanga is here, and there’s so much happening around the city this weekend to celebrate. ✨

Here are just a few of the events taking place across Whanganui:

🌌 Puanga Karakia at Pūtiki Wharanui
Start the weekend with a dawn ceremony on Friday (5:45am), welcoming the Māori new year. Bring a blanket or chair to stay cosy.
📍 Pūtiki Wharanui Marae
👉 Planning to attend? Please register here so organisers can get a sense of numbers: https://forms.gle/yxeBeZYVtS6KHknLA

🎨 Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery presents the exhibition Kanapa ki Runga – Kanapa ki Raro: the stars above, the shimmering waters below. Alongside the exhibition, enjoy a range of events including children’s activities, artist talks, and a stone carving workshop.
📍 Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery

🧡 Puanga Pakihi Māori Showcase
Celebrate Māori entrepreneurship and browse a range of stalls, from kai and crafts to services and small business showcases brought to you by Thrive Whanganui and Te Manu Atatū - Whanganui Māori Business Network
🕘 Saturday 21 June, 9am–1pm
📍 The Backhouse, 12-14 Drews Ave

And that’s just a few of the events! For a full programme, visit www.puanga.org.nz/events

Find out what local events are planned for this year's Puanga celebrations in the Whanganui, Ruapehu and Rangitikei regions. Add our events to your Google or iCal calendar at the click of a button. Come celebrate with us.

17/06/2025

Big thanks to for capturing that iconic view from the top of Durie Hill! 🌄

Whanganui is full of breathtaking views.

Here are just a few photo-worthy spots to explore next time you're out and about:
📍 Top of Durie Hill
📍 Paloma Gardens
📍 One of our many beaches (Kai Iwi, Castlecliff, South Beach...)
📍 Bushy Park Tarapuruhi
📍 Rotokawau Virginia Lake throughout the day
📍 The viewpoint along the Whanganui River Road
📍 Pukenamu Queen’s Park
📍 Kowhai Park’s tree-lined entrance in winter
📍 The bridges at golden hour
📍 Street art tucked around the city centre

Where’s your favourite view in Whanganui? Tag us next time you find it. 📸

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31 Taupo Quay
Whanganui
4500

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Whanganui, New Zealand

Whanganui (sometimes spelt Wanganui) is a place steeped in history, art and culture. Big enough to draw crowds and small enough to be intimate.We are surrounded by mountains, Mount Taranaki, Mount Ruapehu and Mount Tongariro, a beautiful natural landscape, dramatic west coast beaches and unspoilt native bush for tramping and wilderness trips. Our vibrant community prides itself on its parks and reserves, cycle and walk ways and an abundance of creativity. Don’t be surprised to find an immediate sense of connection, an unexpected little slice of heaven, and real New Zealand authenticity. Enjoy our manaakitanga – our legendary hospitality. We look forward to welcoming you to our part of the world. Come and learn more. Kō au te Āwa, kō te Āwa kō au. I am the river, the river is me.