Explore our Outdoors

Whanganui rewards those who take the time to venture outside of the city. With options to travel by foot, bike or canoe, there’s a perfect journey for every adventurer.

For the bucket list ….

People in two canoes paddling down the Whanganui River

Whanganui River Journey

The Whanganui Journey is one of New Zealand’s nine Great Walks, though there’s not much walking involved: you’ll be paddling your way 145km down the Whanganui River.

Read our guide on the Whanganui River Journey.

Find out more about the Whanganui River Journey

Te Araroa Trail

Te Araroa is New Zealand’s Trail, a 3000km route stretching from Cape Reinga to Bluff. The Whanganui portion of the trail takes walkers on a trek through the Whanganui National Park to the Whanganui River, then down the Awa by canoe, followed by a walk or cycle down the Whanganui River Road to the city.

Find out more about the Te Araroa Trail

Original Mail Tour

Life, people and discoveries of the River Road. Join Tracy who grew up on the Whanganui River, for a relaxing day delivering mail along the Whanganui River Road, Enjoy and immerse yourself with scenic river surrounds, hear local stories, visit historical places such as Jerusalem Convent stopping for morning tea, collected from your accommodation, sit back relax and enjoy a unique and intimate day on our original mail tour.

Find out more about the Mail Tour and other Whanganui Tours

 

For getting there fast…

Jetboat to the Bridge to Nowhere

Why go slow? Early settlers had to take their time, but we can get to the heart of the Whanganui National Park at exhilarating speed thanks to several jet boat operators based on the Whanganui River Road. From the landing, it’s a short walk to the famous Bridge to Nowhere – opened in 1936 for a doomed settlement of returned WW1 servicemen (the story is as drama-filled as it sounds. You’ll hear all about it on your tour).

Check out Whanganui River Adventures

Find out about the Bridge to Nowhere Lodge

Visit the Whanganui Scenic Jet site

For the cyclists…

Two mountain bikers taking a break and enjoying the view of the Whanganui River valley

Mountains to Sea

Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono is one of the longest and most diverse cycle trails in New Zealand. The full trail takes three to five days to complete and stretches from the mountains of Tongariro National Park to Castlecliff Beach in Whanganui.

Find out more about Mountains to Sea

Download the Mountains to Sea guide

The Whanganui River Road

Cycling the River Road from Pīpīriki to Whanganui takes about 7.5 hours, depending on your choice of stops. The route takes you past important cultural and historical sites, including marae/Māori meeting houses, villages, the Kawana Flour Mill as well as natural features like Omorehu Waterfall and the Oyster Cliffs

Walking and Cycling

There are so many great opportunities for exploring the Whanganui district on foot or by bicycle.

And for the trekkers…

Waitahinga Trails

The Waitahinga Trails are shaded by native forest canopy and feature picnic areas and lookouts along the way. On a clear day, there are great views of Taranaki and Mt Ruapehu. The emerald Waitahinga Dam, built in 1904, is a worthwhile destination.

Find out more about the Waitahinga Trails

Atene Skyline Walk

About a 40-minute drive from town, this 6 to 8 hour round trip takes in some steep climbs, with views of the Whanganui National Park as a reward. Don’t have a full day to spare? You can visit the lookout point with a two-hour round-trip.

Find out more about the Atene Skyline

Mangapurua/Kaiwhakauka Tracks

The only way to these 35.5- and 40-kilometre tramping tracks or Grade-3 and 4 cycle trails (part of the Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail). These tracks take 2 – 3 days to walk or 1 day to cycle.

Find out more about Mangapurua/Kaiwhakauka Tracks

Matemateāonga Track

Hike deep into the wilderness of the Whanganui National Park. This 3-5 day tramp follows an abandoned roading project between Taranaki and the Whanganui River. Be sure to pre-arrange transport by jetboat or canoe for the river end of the track.

Find out more about the Matemateāonga Track

Where to stay in Whanganui

For a quick overview of what’s available and to book online, use our Booking.com accommodation widget.

For expert local advice or further help on your stay, contact our Whanganui isite visitor centre or browse our guides on Where to stay.

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