Wanganui
Whanganui River has it's origin at Mt Tongariro and was till recent times the main route into New Zealand's North Island interior.
The many well preserved buildings at the centre around Victoria Avenue tell about the prosperity of the years where Wanganui was the gateway to the Hinterland. Nowadays you can browse at Victoria Avenue, a semi-pedestrianized shopping street between lots of flowers in hanging baskets.
www.wanganuinz.com
www.wanganui.org.nz
www.wanganui.govt.nz
shopping in Wanganui
War Memorial Tower
War Memorial Tower - a fine lookout with views over the city and the Whanganui River Mouth is located opposite the Wanganui City Bridge at the bottom of Victoria Avenue. A 200m pedestrian tunnel leads to an elevator built in 1919 to give easy access to Durie Hill.
Museums
Wanganui Museum
Queen's Park
Famous for it's Maori collection including Te Mata o Hoturoa, a 23m long war canoe.
Sarjeant Gallery
Queen's Park
Changing and permanent collection of British and New Zealand paintings.
Steamboat Museum
Taupo Quay
The Paddle Steamer Waimarie was built in 1900 and carried goods and passengers up and down the river. She sank 1952, was lifted in 1993 and is now fully restored. Now you can do cruises up the river.
www.wanganui.org.nz/riverboats
Parks and Gardens
Queen's Park
Within this pleasant park right at the cities centre you'll find the Memorial Hall, Wanganui Museum and the Sarjeant Gallery.
Moutoa Gardens
A garden with important history. Originally a Maori trading site for fruit and vegetables, it was the place where negotiations about landsales took place in 1840 and 1848. In 1995 it was the place where Maori supporters from all over the country protested against the governments offer to settle outstanding land claims.
Virginia lake reserve and wintergarden
Located on SH3
