WANGANUI - North Island, New Zealand

Wanganui is one of the oldest cities in New Zealand, set on the banks of the Whanganui River, the longest navigable watercourse in New Zealand. It retains its old style charm and has great museums and well laid out streets.

Wanganui was the hub of commerce during the early European settlement days because of its coastal links with the ports of New Plymouth and Wellington.

There are interesting things to see and do in pretty Wanganui. You can take a ride along the river on a restored steamer. The museum is an excellent reminder of the place's history and the art gallery here is famous throughout New Zealand.

Wanganui hosts many festivals. You can also join the rural mail run where you get to see tiny settlements further upstream along Whanganui River or take a day out on a ride along the Whanganui River Road.

Wanganui City

Wanganui is an idyllic town with lot of ancient European charm in the form of revamped cobbled streets with gaslamps and Victorian and Edwardian architecture.

It was a town bursting with commercial activity in the early European settlement days because of its excellent riverway connections with Wellington and New Plymouth.

This activity has long since ceased and today it is a charming laidback town with a rich history. Wanganui was also a bone of contention for land rights with severe clashes between Maoris and European settlers in the 1830s. A compensation was paid to the Maori tribes after which the problem was resolved.

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Palmerston North

Palmerston North is the capital of the Manawatu province. It forms one of New Zealand's largest landlocked cities. Palmerston North is blessed by its geographical location at the junction of land and rail routes.

The first railway line was laid in 1886. These factors contributed to the commercial growth of this city.

The Palmerston North of today has fine civic buildings in the form of an excellent museum and gallery plus the city has a fantastic library.

Palmerston North is home to Massey University, one of the well known universities in the country. The vibrant student life that adds to the liveliness of the city.

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Taihape

Taihape is located 30 kms south of Waiouru, a pastoral town in the heart of prime farming country in the Rangitikei District, close to the Rangitikei River. Taihape provides a superb base for water rafting adventures along the Rangitikei River.

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Wanganui Transportation

Wanganui Airport is located about 5 kms southwest of the city with flights coming in from Auckland and Nelson.

Buses drop visitors off at the Wanganui Travel Centre on Ridgeway St. Buses from New Plymouth stop outside the visitor centre on Guyton St.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) office on the corner of Victoria Ave and Ingestre St has information on Whanganui National Park. Bookings can be made here for the DOC huts. There are banks and a post office in the city centre.

Wanganui Accommodation

Wanganui Activities