Wanganui District: Glass, History and Nature

In Wanganui District, glass art and history meet forest trails and river journeys. In Whanganui, cultural discoveries take centre stage; elsewhere, trails lead through forest areas or a multi-day canoe trip goes all the way to Pipiriki. The range of experiences can help you decide what to focus on during your trip.

Glass art and history in Whanganui

New Zealand Glassworks – Te Whare Tūhua O Te Ao is the national centre for glass. Interactive, educational exhibitions, workshops, demonstrations and events offer different ways to engage with this material. As programmes and opening arrangements may change, check the latest information before your visit.

At Whanganui Regional Museum in Pukenamu Queen’s Park, the collections range from Māori taonga and moa bones to historical fashion and textiles. The Gottfried Lindauer Gallery houses paintings of Whanganui rangatira. Kawana Mill in Matahiwi tells another part of the story: it has New Zealand’s only surviving collection of 1850s milling machinery and was the longest-operating mill on the Whanganui River. The museum and mill therefore offer different historical perspectives, from collections to milling technology.

Forest trails, viewpoints and native birds

The Waitahinga Trails are a network of walking tracks in the decommissioned Whanganui Water Catchment Reserve. They include picnic areas and viewpoints, as well as tracks for different fitness levels. Most run beneath the canopy of native forest, including original forest and very old regenerating forest. Waitahinga Dam is one of the trail destinations. As seasonal closures may occur, check the current track status before setting out.

Lush lowland forest and rare native birds shape the nature experience at Bushy Park Tarapuruhi. Resident species include North Island robin, saddlebacks and hihi. The park can be visited free of charge during daylight hours; check the latest visitor information beforehand. While the Waitahinga Trails connect a range of tracks, picnic areas and viewpoints, Bushy Park’s lowland forest and birdlife are the main focus.

River journey or trail section to the Tasman Sea

The full Whanganui Journey is a 145-kilometre canoe trip from Taumarunui to Pipiriki, taking an average of five days. Pipiriki is a village in Wanganui District and the endpoint of this journey. The full Journey is therefore a multi-day undertaking, and its endpoint is relevant when planning your trip.

The Upokongaro to Tasman Sea section of the Mountains to Sea Trail offers a different perspective on the river. It follows the lower Whanganui River and passes through Whanganui on its way to the Tasman Sea. Check the current trail status before setting out. When planning, you can distinguish between the full canoe journey and this trail section, without assuming they require the same amount of time.

Market and Durie Hill Elevator

In Whanganui, the Durie Hill Elevator combines city history with a distinctive ride: built in 1919, it is New Zealand’s only public transport elevator and is used daily by locals and visitors. It is reached through a pedestrian tunnel; the ride up the hill is 66 metres long. As closures for maintenance may occur, check the latest information before visiting.

Whanganui River Markets are held weekly on Saturdays at a historic site of early Māori trade. More than 100 stalls feature local food producers and street food. If you plan to visit the market, check the latest schedule beforehand.

Which focus suits your trip?

Whanganui brings together several cultural and city visits: the glass centre, museum, market and elevator. For forest trails and native birds, the Waitahinga Trails and Bushy Park offer different nature experiences. A full canoe journey, meanwhile, takes an average of five days and ends in Pipiriki. First decide whether you want to focus on individual places or the multi-day river journey; then you can search more specifically for accommodation that suits your itinerary.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Horowhenua District, Ruapehu District, Tararua District, Rangitikei District, Palmerston North City, Manawatu District.

Back to the regional travel overview: Manawatu-Wanganui.