Whanganui: Glass art, river history and culture

Whanganui brings together Taonga Māori, art, river history and nature experiences. Highlights range from a significant museum collection and contemporary glass art to a historic elevator, walks and the Saturday market.

Museums, glass art and city history

At the Whanganui Regional Museum, the Taonga Māori collection includes remarkable creations by the Tūpuna of Whanganui Tangata Whenua. A one-hour museum tour highlights the internationally renowned Taonga collection. It is available by arrangement during opening hours and costs NZ$20 per person. This offers a way to combine a museum visit with a focused insight into this collection.

Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery offers several points of interest: its collection includes more than 8,300 artworks spanning 400 years, and there are ongoing exhibitions and events. Other places recall specific chapters of the city’s history. The Kemp Monument in Moutoa Gardens commemorates the Muaupoko leader Te Rangihiwinui, also known as Taitako and later as Te Keepa or Major Kemp. In Cooks Gardens, the former Fire Watchtower is a rare remnant of the fire protection system and volunteer fire brigade of the late 19th century, as well as a significant feature of the memorial and civic precinct.

New Zealand Glassworks – Te Whare Tūhua o Te Ao combines a publicly accessible studio for glass artists with a contemporary glass art gallery and workshops for all experience levels. It is the national centre for glass in the Wanganui District; its offerings also include interactive and educational exhibitions, demonstrations and events. The workshops and events on offer, as well as opening hours, may change. Check the latest visitor information before your visit.

Another trace of the river’s history is the paddle steamer Waimarie: it was recovered from the depths of the Whanganui River and restored to its former condition. The ship’s story adds a tangible piece of river heritage to the museum and art experiences.

Durie Hill and nature experiences

The Durie Hill Elevator is New Zealand’s only public passenger elevator and is used daily by locals and visitors. A 213-metre pedestrian tunnel leads to the elevator; the 66-metre lift connects central Whanganui with Durie Hill. The Durie Hill Elevator Shaft and Tunnel is listed as a Category 1 Historic Place. As operational details may change, it is advisable to check the latest operating information before your visit.

On Durie Hill, the viewing platform of the Durie Hill War Memorial Tower offers panoramic views of the city, the Whanganui River and the port. For a different landscape experience, Rotokawau Virginia Lake Reserve offers a 25-minute forest walk, birdwatching opportunities and an aviary. Near Whanganui, Bason Botanic Gardens features one of New Zealand’s most extensive public orchid collections and unique greenhouse architecture.

Saturday market and regional discoveries

Whanganui River Markets take place weekly on Saturdays and feature more than 100 stalls. Local food producers, art and traditional crafts, plants and street food are among the offerings. If you’re looking for a different focus for a day of your trip than museums and architecture, the markets offer an overview of these varied local products and creations.

More landscapes and routes in the Wanganui District

In the Wanganui District, the Waitahinga Trails are a network of walking tracks in the decommissioned Whanganui Water Catchment Reserve. There are picnic areas and viewpoints, and the tracks are described as suitable 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. Check for possible seasonal closures before travelling.

Bushy Park Tarapuruhi in the Wanganui District also offers a distinctive nature experience: the area includes lush lowland forest and is home to rare native birds such as North Island robin, Saddlebacks and Hihi. Visits are free and possible during daylight hours; check the latest visitor conditions in advance.

For a multi-day river journey, the full Whanganui Journey is available in the Wanganui District: the 145-kilometre canoe trip runs from Taumarunui to Pipiriki and takes an average of five days. It ends in the village of Pipiriki. The Upokongaro to Tasman Sea section of the Mountains to Sea Trail follows the lower Whanganui River through Whanganui and on to the Tasman Sea. Check the latest trail status before cycling.

The time required varies considerably between these options: the forest walk at Rotokawau Virginia Lake Reserve takes 25 minutes, while the full Whanganui Journey takes an average of five days. This lets you weigh up a short walk against a multi-day river experience when planning your trip.

For the broader travel overview: Wanganui District.