North Island's West Coast
We’ve compiled the best of the best in North Island's West Coast - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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6 Recommendations
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1. Whanganui Regional Museum
This museum offers a superb overview of the region's history and one of the country's best collections of Māori artifacts. It contains taonga (Māori ancestral treasures) of the river people and re-creates 19th-century pioneer-town Whanganui. There's also Te Pataka Whakaahua (the Lindauer Gallery), featuring 19th-century paintings of Māori leaders by respected artist Gottfried Lindauer. Entry is free, but the museum offers guided tours for an extra charge if you want to gain more insight into the exhibits.
Watt St., Whanganui, Manawatu-Whanganui, 4540, New Zealand06-349–1110Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, guided tours NZ$10 -
2. Durie Hill Lookout
This lookout, Whanganui's most popular attraction, provides spectacular views, but reaching it—via an elevator that runs through the hill—is something else. First, you walk through a 700-foot tunnel to the elevator shaft, and the elevator concierge at the top will see you on camera and lower the elevator for you (there's a charge for the elevator each way in cash only). Alternatively, you can climb several hundred steps to the lookout, plus another 176 steps up the nearby Durie Hill Memorial Tower.
Durie Hill, Whanganui, Manawatu-Whanganui, 4500, New ZealandSight Details
Rate Includes: NZ$2 each way (cash only) -
3. New Zealand Glassworks
Whanganui is regarded as the country’s home for glass artisans; many of them exhibit internationally. This community studio is open for the public to watch some of these artists at work, join workshops (the half hour paperweight session is the most popular, but you need to check times and book in advance), and purchase their own stunning pieces from the retail gallery.
2 Rutland St., Whanganui, Manawatu-Whanganui, New Zealand06-927–6803Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
4. Virginia Lake
The formal gardens here are a delight, and a gentle 25-minute stroll leads around the lake through woodlands and gardens. Take the time to check out the winter gardens. There's also a small café here.
110 Great North Rd., Whanganui, Manawatu-Whanganui, New ZealandSight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
5. Waimarie and Riverboat Centre
The coal-fired paddle steamer, Waimarie, is one of the original riverboats that operated here. Sunk in 1954, it was salvaged from the river bed and restored in the 1990s. Throughout summer (late Oct.--early May) you can enjoy a historic, two-hour cruise, just like the old days. The Waimarie Centre displays photographs and related artifacts from the era when riverboats thrived here. Opening hours are variable at this volunteer operation; summer weekends are your best bet.
1A Taupo Quay, Whanganui, Manawatu-Whanganui, 4500, New Zealand06-347–1863Sight Details
Rate Includes: Cruise NZ$45, museum by donation, Museum closed Tues. late Oct.--early May, closed Sun., Tues., Thurs., and Sat. early May--late Oct. No cruises early May--late Oct. -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Wairua
Rescued from the muddy riverbed and restored to first-class order, the classic little riverboat Wairua now makes regular two- and three-hour passenger trips upriver. Scheduled cruises depart year-round on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday at 11 am.
1H Taupo Quay, Whanganui, Manawatu-Whanganui, 4500, New Zealand0800-924–782Sight Details
Rate Includes: NZ$35, Closed Mon., Wed, Fri.
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