Nearby Activities & Attractions
Walk to the Ratanui Tree
(10 – 15 minutes, 40 min as a circular return walk)
A 1000-year-old northern rātā in Forest & Bird’s Bushy Park Tarapuruhi sanctuary is the only New Zealand tree to feature in an international writing project called 26 Trees. Known locally as Rātānui, the ancient tree inspired writer Jayne Workman to question how it has survived so long in a landscape dominated by human activities.
Image by Joe Copper
Waitahinga Trails
(12km from Bushy Park)
Waitahinga Trails is a collection of walks at the disused Whanganui Water Catchment Reserve. The walks cater to different fitness levels with picnic spots and lookouts along the way.
Most of the walking trails are under native forest canopy with a combination of original forest and very old regenerated forest. Peaceful and beautiful, the Waitahinga Dam makes for a worthwhile destination.
Please be aware that the trails are closed on Tuesdays each week and for the months of July and August.
The Wanganui Tramping Club has more information about walks in our district.
Bason Botanic Gardens
A botanic and architectural gem in a rural setting.
Relaxation, recreation and the magic of plants.
Something of interest every month of the year.
Paloma Gardens, Fordell
Explore the exotic gardens, landscaped with plants from all over the world, from the jungles of Asia to the deserts of Africa and the Americas. Paloma has been awarded “Garden of National Significance” by the New Zealand Gardens Trust since the Trust’s inception in 2004.
Sarjeant Gallery
Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery holds a collection of more than 8,000 items of national and international significance, spanning four centuries of European and New Zealand art history. With an ongoing programme of exhibitions and events, the gallery is an important community asset that can be accessed by locals and visitors alike.
Durie Hill Elevator
A unique form of public transport, serving Whanganui and Durie Hill since 1919.
Durie Hill Elevator is one of New Zealand’s longest continually operating services.
Set into the hill, a 213 metre tunnel and 66 metre public transport elevator – staffed by an operator, enable a short journey by foot or bicycle between Whanganui and Durie Hill.
Opened in 1919, the elevator spurred the development of the Durie Hill Garden Suburb.
Today, Durie Hill Elevator remains a valued means of transport, a living inspiration for how we design, build, and move around our cities, and a wonder in its own right.
NZ Glass-works
New Zealand Glassworks – Te Whare Tūhua O Te Ao (NZG), the national centre for glass. Located in Whanganui, a town with a rich history of glass which spans over 150 years, and also New Zealand’s UNESCO city of design. NZG supports a vibrant community of glass artists who showcase their heritage craft and innovative creations at our facility.
New Zealand Glassworks is the premier destination for glass lovers and enthusiasts in New Zealand. You can discover the beauty and wonder of glass through our interactive and educational exhibits, workshops, demonstrations, and events. You can also explore our online gallery and shop, where you can find stunning pieces of handmade jewellery, homewares and objects made by local and national artists.
Whanganui Saturday River-market
Visitors and locals love strolling around these busy weekend markets. The perfect place to eat, restock the fridge and pick up expertly crafted gifts.
These weekly Saturday markets are located on the historic site of early Māori trading. The Whanganui River is the backdrop to more than 100 stalls providing an array of local food producers in the Farmers Market section, alongside an eclectic mix of collectors of vintage and retro, makers of art and traditional crafts, plants, and delicious street food in the River Traders area.
Whanganui I-Site
The Whanganui isite Visitor Centre is part of New Zealand’s official nationwide Visitor Information Network.
Nestled amongst the trees along the scenic Whanganui River Walkway you will find this award winning architectural gem,which located to its new site on 31 Taupo Quay (one block to the North of the City Bridge) in November 2010. This is a perfect place to stop for the latest local events & activities or catch up with home over the free WIFI.
Whanganui Heritage Trust
As a UNESCO City of Design, Whanganui’s unique identity is reflected in its heritage buildings and artistic spirit.
A Heritage Festival is often held during October, celebrating our rich history and the talented and diverse people who make Whanganui special.