Top 100 local tips, secrets and hidden gems in Whanganui.
Local Tip #20
Hire a canoe and go on an epic guided river journey
Experience
Canoeing on the River
Local Tip #8
Try the burgers & hand-cut chips in the outside garden
Eat & Drink
The Citadel
Local Tip #31
Grab some fish & chips and catch the sunset
See & Do
Kai Iwi Beach
Local Tip #23
Take a ride back in time in the famous 1919 public transport elevator
See & Do
Durie Hill Elevator
Local Tip #38
Experience an urban outdoor sculpture and street art walk
See & Do
Drews Ave Sculptures and Art
Local Tip #19
Wake up early and wander down to the Saturday markets
See & Do
Whanganui River Markets
Local Tip #29
Walk or bike across this iconic bridge in the National Park
Experience
Bridge to Nowhere (Walk + Bike)
Local Tip #11
Cruise back in time on a coal-fired Paddle Steamer
Experience
Paddle Steamer Waimarie
Local Tip #6
Grab breakfast next to the river in a favourite local hotspot
Eat & Drink
Mud Ducks
Local Tip #41
Immerse yourself in history at this beautiful Victorian theatre
See & Do
Whanganui Opera House
Local Tip #2
Try one of Frank’s cocktails by NZ’s award winning mixologist
Eat & Drink
Frank Bar + Eatery
Local Tip #35
Marvel at the well-preserved heritage buildings and spot the funky street art
See & Do
Whanganui City Centre
Local Tip #30
Gaze at the dramatic cliff, black sand and wicked waves
See & Do
Castlecliff Beach
Local Tip #24
Fall in love with La Station’s dreamy home decor
Experience
La Station
Local Tip #58
Book in early to treat yourself to a natural bespoke facial
Experience
The Slow
Local Tip #15
Jump on a jet boat tour and cruise up the river
Experience
Bridge to Nowhere Jet Boat Tour
Local Tip #5
Grab a fresh salad and handmade treats at a local hotspot
Eat & Drink
Honest Kitchen
Local Tip #3
Have shuffleboard battles between epic live music sets
Eat & Drink
Porridge Watson
Local Tip #4
Order a few small plates and try the Laneway martini
Eat & Drink
Maria Lane Eatery
Local Tip #9
Grab your favourite French pastry for a perfect morning
Eat & Drink
The Burrow
Local Tip #65
Snap up a jar of the famous Organic Hazelnut Butter
Eat & Drink
Bestowed Kai
Local Tip #22
Spot rare native birds and giant centuries-old trees
See & Do
Bushy Park Tarapuruhi Sanctuary
Local Tip #12
Take in four centuries worth of NZ and European art
See & Do
Sarjeant Art Gallery (on the Quay)
Local Tip #67
Journey through bluffs and native forest on ‘North Island’s best’ track
Experience
Mountains to Sea - Mangapurua Track
Local Tip #18
See amazing art by local talent in this historic building
See & Do
Space Studio & Gallery
Local Tip #21
Pick up some fresh local honey from this Artisan producer
See & Do
Canaan Honey House
Local Tip #42
Dive into Māori history with iconic Lindauer portraits
See & Do
Whanganui Regional Museum
Local Tip #26
Climb to the top for unmissable views of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Taranaki
See & Do
Durie Hill Memorial Tower
Local Tip #43
Cable car across the river and be immersed in native bush
Experience
The Flying Fox
Local Tip #47
Pick your own fresh berries and enjoy an ice-cream
See & Do
Windermere Berry Farm
Local Tip #68
Check out the street art, food trucks and play a game of pool
See & Do
Maria Place Pop-Up
Local Tip #10
Grab a cosy window booth and sample the gin menu
Eat & Drink
Rutland Arms Inn
Local Tip #32
Early morning strolls around an oasis close to the city
See & Do
Rotokawau Virginia Lake
Local Tip #27
See the mirrored marble sculpture reflecting the sky
See & Do
Whanganui Boardwalk
Local Tip #14
Check out over 1000 studio ceramic works unique to NZ
See & Do
Quartz, Museum of Studio Ceramics
Local Tip #62
Browse the array of books at the locals’ favourite gallery
See & Do
Paige’s Book Gallery
Local Tip #97
Pick a track and challenge the trails
Experience
That Place
Local Tip #44
Stay riverside in a unique tiny house
Experience
Iona Tiny House
Local Tip #16
Unwind and stay at a unique and secluded lodge
Experience
Bridge to Nowhere Lodge
Local Tip #1
Grab the perfect coffee in a gorgeous vintage cup
Experience
Article Cafe
Local Tip #66
Play a round of golf surrounded by picturesque pōhutukawa
Experience
Whanganui Golf Club
Local Tip #78
Book an action-packed guided hunting trip
Experience
Fairmead Hunting Lodge
Local Tip #77
Escape for a few days and tramp deep into the wilderness
See & Do
Matemateaonga Track
Local Tip #86
Check out ceramacist Ivan Vostinar’s epic sculptures
See & Do
Vostinar Gallery
Local Tip #70
Get an aerial view of Whanganui’s beautiful scenery
Experience
Mid-West Helicopters
Local Tip #7
Enjoy an organic coffee in the courtyard under mosaic
Eat & Drink
Mischief Cafe
Local Tip #37
Count the giant penguins parading in formation
See & Do
Penguin Mural by Amok Island
Local Tip #88
See one of the world’s most impressive modernist buildings
See & Do
Whanganui War Memorial Centre
Local Tip #75
See the intricate display of artefacts from the last century
See & Do
Whanganui Riverboat Museum
Local Tip #51
Walk the trails to experience breath-taking views
See & Do
Waitahinga Trails
Local Tip #74
Take on a series of linked tracks for any biker’s dream
See & Do
Hylton Park
Local Tip #82
Take a trip on a restored riverboat built in 1904
Experience
Motor Vessel Wairua
Local Tip #33
Try your hand at jetty fishing with the locals
See & Do
North Mole Jetty Wharf
Local Tip #55
Gaze at beautiful views of the river valley at this best-kept secret
See & Do
Aramoana Viewpoint
Local Tip #83
Try your luck surf-casting and watch the surfers ride the waves
See & Do
South Beach
Local Tip #48
See exotic plants from jungles and deserts all over the world
See & Do
Paloma Gardens
Local Tip #76
Take a walk around this designated wildlife refuge
See & Do
Westmere Lake
Local Tip #81
Plan a weekend in this hunters’ paradise
Experience
Whanganui Safaris
Local Tip #96
See beautifully carved Māori designs and kowhaiwhai panels
See & Do
St Joseph's Church
Local Tip #69
Visit New Zealand’s top secret beach and waterfall
See & Do
Ototoka Beach
Local Tip #39
Trek your way to spectacular skyline beauty
See & Do
Atene Skyline Track & Viewpoint
Local Tip #91
Bike through winding pine forest with river, farm and lake views
Experience
Araheke Mountain Bike Park
Local Tip #54
Ride the easy riverside trail to the Tasman Sea
Experience
Upokongaro to the Tasman Sea
Local Tip #40
Go roaming with the kids and play along the way
See & Do
Play Trail Map
Local Tip #52
Bike or drive to Upokongaro and cross the amazing bridge
See & Do
Upokongaro Bridge Arch
Local Tip #17
Catch a movie in a classic Art Deco theatre
See & Do
Embassy 3 Cinemas
Local Tip #46
Step back in time and take a riverside tram ride on ‘Mable’
See & Do
Whanganui Tramway
Local Tip #93
Order a delicious steak at this cozy bistro
Eat & Drink
High-Kut Bistro
Local Tip #64
Take home some famously fresh baguettes from the River Markets
Eat & Drink
Sourbros Bakery
Local Tip #57
Enjoy the beautiful balcony view at this luxury slice of paradise
Experience
Belmond Estate
Local Tip #34
Walk along the track that is home to a fascinating array of birds
See & Do
Gordon Park Scenic Reserve
Local Tip #59
Stay close to the city and experience Whanganui on your doorstep
Experience
King's Court
Local Tip #56
Appreciate the intricate Māori carvings and the stories they tell
See & Do
St Paul's Church at Putiki
Local Tip #92
Try the popular karaage chicken and bento boxes
Eat & Drink
Japanese Kitchen
Local Tip #36
Race around the best track for little adrenaline junkies
See & Do
Springvale Pump Track
Local Tip #53
See the daffodils, exotic orchids and homestead flowers in bloom
See & Do
Bason Botanic Gardens
Local Tip #28
Set aside a few hours for this park adored by generations
See & Do
Kowhai Park
Local Tip #49
Stop in for a local craft beer and chat to the brewers
See & Do
Lads Brewing Company
Local Tip #71
Check out the epic motorbike street racing on Boxing Day
Experience
Cemetery Circuit
Local Tip #87
See the historic tower which once held Whanganui’s first telephone system
See & Do
Cooks Gardens Bell Tower
Local Tip #25
Shop local handmade ceramics you’ll fall in love with
See & Do
Light and Vessel
Local Tip #73
Gaze at the night sky through a telescope built in 1901
Experience
Ward Observatory
Local Tip #72
Have a go at go-karting, mini putt, or a bounce on the bungy trampoline
See & Do
Riverland Family Park
Local Tip #50
Shop from a range of shoes from around the globe at a local spot
See & Do
Posh Comfort
Local Tip #60
Book a fancy high tea and enjoy the quirky atmosphere
Eat & Drink
Yellow House Cafe
Local Tip #80
Relax in this bright and quirky bed and breakfast
Experience
Studio @ 91
Local Tip #99
Discover minimalist forms and thoughtful design in this concept store
See & Do
Mothwerks
Local Tip #98
Get amongst creativity at the Lights on Bikes event
Experience
Lights on Bikes
Local Tip #90
Pop your skates on and skate alongside the awa
See & Do
Riverside
Local Tip #79
Stay in a restored railway signal box with panoramic views
Experience
Signal Box
Local Tip #89
Hit the hydro-slides for a day of action packed fun
See & Do
Splash Centre
Local Tip #95
Pick up a freshly baked cinnamon scroll at the River Markets
Eat & Drink
Cinnamonui
Local Tip #94
Grab a fresh smoothie or juice made from local ingredients
Eat & Drink
Soul Food Superfood Bar
Local Tip #61
Stop in and try the Boat Shed Big Breakfast with river views
Eat & Drink
Caroline's Boatshed
Local Tip #84
Pop in to shop beautiful glass lights, artwork and sculptures
See & Do
Brown & Co
Local Tip #100
Take your pick from the cabinet and order a Havana coffee
Eat & Drink
Ambrosia Cafe
Local Tip #45
View or purchase incredible art at this creative space
See & Do
Fine Arts Whanganui Gallery
Local Tip #85
Browse for original art, prints and books
See & Do
Lockett Gallery
Local Tip #63
Grab an ice cream and go for a stroll through the Winter Gardens
Eat & Drink
Funky Duck Cafe