My Home Town Whanganui Guide
The first thing most people notice about Whanganui is how beautiful it is. The legendary Whanganui River, Te Awa Tupua, confirmed by an act of parliament as a living entity, runs through the district and city. Well-persevered heritage buildings line the streets, and the untamed, west coast beaches are the perfect place to watch a sunset. You can’t imagine a more stunning backdrop, which is one of the reasons Whanganui was named New Zealand’s Most Beautiful City in 2019.
Whanganui’s beauty isn’t just skin deep, and this place only grows more special with time spent here. There are excellent cafés, boutique shops and galleries, and award-winning gardens. Browse the fresh food and creative crafts at the riverside market, enjoy the thriving arts scene, take an authentic riverboat ride on the Paddle Steamer Waimarie or MV Wairua or experience an overnight canoe journey with experienced local Cultural Navigators.
* Awarded at the Beautiful Awards hosted by Keep New Zealand Beautiful
