Search hotels in Whanganui

Maybe don't arrive on a Tuesday? Sadly we didn't do our homework and were unaware that the jet boat tours to the bridge to nowhere depart from closer to Taumarunui not Whanganui, and the other steam boat and paddleboat were not operating either...and the boat museum was also closed on Tuesday. Covid may also have limited the days open? The city is lovely, we had great dinners and breakfasts at the Rutland Arms recommended by the Riverview Motel which we chose as it was within a few minutes walk into town. We did a self guided walking tour of the city. The old buildings are lovely as was the pottery museum. It would be a good place to cycle next to the river and out to the heads.

I only had one night in beautiful Whanganui so will have to go back- I thought it was stunning approaching the river from SH 4, beautiful views. Spectacular architecture. Amazingly dramatic Castlecliff beach! Had dinner out there at The Citadel- lovely place, friendly staff & great food, highly recommended :)

River cruise good. Museum excellent. Enjoyed watching glassblowers at work at NZ Glassworks. Took photo of Cooks Garden athletic track even though Peter Snell created world records on grass! Very disappointed Durie Hill elevator closed for renovations.

A city large enough to offer a range of experiences but small enough to get around on foot. I appreciated the physical beauty of the Whanganui River, Virginia Lake (woodland walk, walk-through aviary, art garden and Winter Gardens) and all the heritage buildings. I really enjoyed all the cultural experiences on offer: lots of museums and artists' studios. It was cool to watch the artists at work at NZ Glassworks, for example. The huge pottery/ceramic collection at Quartz Museum was a highlight. I'd never been up the Whanganui River so a 2-hour cruise on the paddle steamer the Waimarie was cool. I loved the Funky Duck and Orange cafes - very atmospheric. I was also lucky the Ward Observatory was open on the Friday night I was there - and it was a perfect night weather-wise to look through the telescope made in 1859! In fact, much of Whanganui itself is steeped in history while managing to not feel outdated. I definitely recommend the City Walking Tour guided by local volunteers. There were some things that were closed for maintenance and others I never got time for, so I'll have to go back. This will be easy as I kind of fell in love with the city.

It was a great city to visit. We enjoyed the river cruise and also hired bikes and rode alongside the river. The people in the Information Centre were excellent and most helpful. We ate at the Rutland Arms Hotel on both nights and found the staff most engaging. The meals were excellent too and well priced.

We were there for NZ Masters Games but added some extra time. We really liked Whanganui and surrounding area. People were friendly and generally seemed more relaxed than where we live. It was easy to get around by car.