Hotels in Whanganui

Whanganui can be explored through a range of interests: Māori taonga and art collections, local history, birdwatching and a weekly market. If you’re looking for a hotel in Whanganui, these themes can help you plan your trip. The experiences also vary in format: alongside collections and exhibitions, there’s a museum tour by appointment and a forest walk with a stated duration.

Māori Taonga, Art and Glass

The Whanganui Regional Museum is home, among other things, to its Taonga Māori collection. It includes remarkable creations by the Tūpuna of Whanganui Tangata Whenua. A one-hour museum tour highlights the internationally renowned taonga collection. It takes place by appointment during opening hours and costs NZ$20 per person. If you’d like to include the tour in your plans, arrange your preferred time in advance.

Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery owns more than 8,300 artworks spanning 400 years and regularly presents exhibitions and events. New Zealand Glassworks / Te Whare Tūhua o Te Ao offers a different focus: a public studio for glass artists, workshops for all experience levels, and a gallery of contemporary glass art. Workshop availability may vary. A large art collection and a studio offering focused on glass therefore cater to different interests.

Technical and Urban History

The Durie Hill Elevator Shaft and Tunnel is listed as a Category 1 Historic Place in Whanganui. The Durie Hill Elevator is New Zealand’s only public passenger elevator and is used daily by locals and visitors. Access is via a 213-metre pedestrian tunnel; the 66-metre-long elevator connects Whanganui’s city centre with Durie Hill. As operating details may change, it’s a good idea to check the latest information before your visit. The viewing platform at the Durie Hill War Memorial Tower offers panoramic views of the city, the Whanganui River and the harbour.

Several historic memorial sites also give the city’s history specific names and connections. 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 city’s fire protection system and volunteer fire brigade from the late 19th century. It is also a significant feature of the memorial and civic area of Cooks Gardens. The paddle steamer Waimarie was recovered from the depths of the Whanganui River and restored to its former condition.

Green Spaces and Local Markets

The Bason Botanic Gardens are located near Whanganui. They have one of New Zealand’s most extensive public orchid collections and unique greenhouse architecture. At Rotokawau Virginia Lake Reserve, experiences include a 25-minute forest walk, a variety of birdwatching opportunities and an aviary. This provides a comparison between a walk with a stated duration and a one-hour museum tour.

The Whanganui River Markets are held every Saturday and feature more than 100 stalls. Offerings include local food producers, art and traditional crafts, plants and street food. The market complements the collections, galleries and historic sites with its own perspective on local produce and crafts.

For an overview of the wider area: Wanganui District.