Whanganui

Whanganui

Wanganui - River City

Wanganui - Whanganui’s largest city - lies at the mouth of the Whanganui river and is known as the ‘River City’.

Wanganui has a large collection of heritage buildings that have been protected and preserved as material evidence of the region’s important Māori and European cultural history.

Whanganui’s relatively untouched natural environment is one of the main attractions for visitors. The region’s extensive rainforests provide a safe haven for some of New Zealand’s most endangered native birds including the kiwi.

Heritage

The Whanganui region has a long and interesting history linking Māori and European culture.

According to Māori legend, the great Polynesian navigator Kupe was the first to discover the Whanganui river. However it was Tamatea - captain of the Takitimu canoe - who was the first to fully explore the region. Aotea canoe descendants settled in the region soon after.

Local Māori built fishing villages and permanent pa sites (fortified villages) along the banks of the Whanganui River which became an important trade and travel route.

Today, the river still plays an important part in the lives of locals. A traditional Māori proverb, Ko au te awa, ko te awa ko au - or ‘I am the river, the river is me’ - sums up the spiritual connection Whanganui Māori have with their environment.

Māori Culture

Many old Māori legends and traditions are based on the Whanganui river, and a trip down the river is an experience of living Māori culture.

While experiencing the river’s natural beauty, canoe trips led by Māori guides take visitors to two marae (meeting houses) on the river banks where they can stay and participate in cultural traditions.

Tieke marae is a popular overnight stop for canoeists. This old Māori pa (fortified village) has been revived as a meeting place that provides accommodation for travellers. When locals are present, visitors receive a powhiri (traditional welcome) onto the land.

Koriniti marae is close to Wanganui city, on the left bank of the Whanganui river. The marae accommodates large groups for visits and overnight stays. Marae visitors receive a powhiri welcome, and participate in kapa haka (Māori performing arts), weaving and a hangi (Māori earth oven feast).

Whanganui Regional Museum in Wanganui city highlights local Māori culture and Whanganui river history, and its place in the lives of the people.

Sustainability

Efforts to protect and restore Whanganui’s natural environment and wildlife have earned the region a reputation for sustainability.

Bushy Park forest reserve - near Kai Iwi, between Wanganui and New Plymouth - is a predator-free bird sanctuary in 100ha of native forest. Maintained since the 1960s by the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society, Bushy Park is a haven for native New Zealand birds, and includes a kiwi crèche for rearing young kiwi.

Bushy Park’s track network takes visitors deep into the forest to witness New Zealand as it was before the arrival of man. Spectacular sights include Ratanui - a 500 - 1000 year-old rata tree that stands 43m tall with a 11.5m girth - is New Zealand’s largest known rata tree.

Flying Fox eco-lodge - 45 minutes from Wanganui but only accessible by river taxi or aerial cableway - offers comfortable sustainable accommodation as a base for visitors exploring the river. The two hand-built cottages with beautiful river views are surrounded by organic gardens and orchards.

Adventure / Outdoors

Guided canoe journeys are a popular Whanganui river experience. One to five-day trips cater for all skill levels. The trip down the Whanganui river is classified as a ‘Great Journey’ requiring a pass for use of facilities during the October - April season. Along the river there are Department of Conservation (DOC) huts and campsites, and privately-owned accommodation.

A famous jet boat ride goes to the 'Bridge to Nowhere'. Constructed in the 1930s to provide access to Mangapurua valley farms, the bridge is the last remnant of settlement. A vintage paddle steamer lets visitors experience a leisurely form of travel once common in the region.

Whanganui has some great short or multi-day walking / hiking tracks. The Matemateaonga track - a three to four day 42km hike - travels deep into the Whanganui national park wilderness via an old Māori trail and early dray road.

DID YOU KNOW

• Whanganui river is New Zealand’s longest navigable river.
• Whanganui refers to the river, national park and region, but there is no ‘h’ in the city of Wanganui.
• Wanganui’s Durie Hill elevator, built in 1919, is one of only two earth-bound elevators in the world.