Whanganui (also spelled Wanganui) is a small city in the lower North Island of New Zealand. It’s set close to the mouth of the mighty Whanganui River, New Zealand’s longest navigable river. Whanganui offers a number of interesting cultural attractions, it’s close to some good outdoor adventure spots, and you can catch wonderful mountain views from high up in the city.
The city that’s now known as Whanganui was a major Māori settlement in pre-colonial times. European settlement here began after 1831, and it was an important base during the New Zealand Wars of the 1840s to 1870s. So, although Whanganui is a small provincial city these days, it has a rich history.
Highlights include the Whanganui Regional Museum, the Sarjeant Gallery, and St. Paul’s Memorial Church, with its beautiful Māori decorations. Mount Taranaki and Mount Ruapehu can be seen from high vantage points, such as the quirky War Memorial Tower at Durie Hill. Most visitors to Whanganui stay for a short time while passing through on the way to or from Wellington or Taranaki/New Plymouth, or en route to hikes in the area.
In Te Reo Māori, "wh" is pronounced roughly like an "f." So, Whanganui is correctly pronounced more like "Fanganui." Some New Zealanders also pronounce "wh" as a "w," but this is incorrect and considered old fashioned.
Travelers with kids shouldn’t miss Kowhai Park, with amazing colorful climbing equipment and a water maze.
For a relaxed sightseeing trip, hop aboard the 19th-century paddle steamer Waimarie.
The Whanganui Journey hike is part of Te Araroa, a network of trekking trails that spans the length of New Zealand.
Whanganui is about 125 miles (200 kilometers) north of Wellington, and 46 miles (75 kilometers) northwest of Palmerston North. It’s located at the intersection of State Highways 3 and 4. The best way of getting there is by private car or InterCity bus, which runs through Whanganui on its way to/from Wellington.
Like most of New Zealand, Whanganui is at its best outside the winter months, which tend to be wet, although not extremely cold. The Whanganui River Traders Market is held every Saturday morning, and is a nice place to buy food and local crafts.
The Whanganui River starts at Mount Tongariro, in the central North Island, and winds its way southwest to Whanganui. An awesome adventure for active travelers is to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of the best day hikes in the country. Hike amid conical mountains, brightly colored sulfur lakes, and a barren moonlike landscape.