Genevieve's Guidebook
Sightseeing
Experience the black sand beaches that the West Coast is infamous for!
Walk for miles along the shoreline, take a dip in the salty ocean, or watch a sunset over the Tasman Sea.
Ideal spot for families with safe swimming areas and playground complete with flying fox.
Facilities include toilets, changing rooms, cold showers and wood burning BBQs.
Gates close at dusk.
15 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Kai Iwi Beach
Experience the black sand beaches that the West Coast is infamous for!
Walk for miles along the shoreline, take a dip in the salty ocean, or watch a sunset over the Tasman Sea.
Ideal spot for families with safe swimming areas and playground complete with flying fox.
Facilities include toilets, changing rooms, cold showers and wood burning BBQs.
Gates close at dusk.
A local wildlife reserve located a stone's throw from your stay. Encounter native birds and the odd stray hen on the 1.6km nature walk around the lake.
Lake Westmere
A local wildlife reserve located a stone's throw from your stay. Encounter native birds and the odd stray hen on the 1.6km nature walk around the lake.
Durie Hill Elevator & Elevator Tower
2 Anzac ParadeThe National Centre for glass art is located at the heart of old Whanganui. In the open access studio you have the opportunity to see firsthand many of the country’s leading glass artists at work. Beginners glassblowing workshops are offered throughout the year.
18 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
New Zealand Glassworks
2 Rutland StThe National Centre for glass art is located at the heart of old Whanganui. In the open access studio you have the opportunity to see firsthand many of the country’s leading glass artists at work. Beginners glassblowing workshops are offered throughout the year.
Windermere Berry Farms
313 State Hwy 3The Bason Botanical Gardens have a variety of gardens to stroll around, as well as open spaces for picnics.
Free gas BBQs are available for use.
12 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Bason Botanic Gardens
552 Rapanui RdThe Bason Botanical Gardens have a variety of gardens to stroll around, as well as open spaces for picnics.
Free gas BBQs are available for use.
Voted New Zealand's most beautiful street in 2020, this historic precinct is a must see. You'll also catch a glimpse of Whanganui Walls which are dotted across the city centre.
Ridgway Street
Ridgway StreetVoted New Zealand's most beautiful street in 2020, this historic precinct is a must see. You'll also catch a glimpse of Whanganui Walls which are dotted across the city centre.
Food scene
These weekly Saturday markets (8:30am-1pm) are a hot spot with visitors and locals! With over a hundred stalls, it’s the perfect place to grab a coffee and a bite to eat, restock the fridge and pickup some locally crafted gifts - from wooden crafts, to pottery and candles.
Personal favourites are Bestowed Kai’s gourmet porridge, SourBros’ sourdough bread, Cinnamonui’s sweet scrolls and the macaron stall.
We recommend bringing cash or withdrawing onsite as not all stalls offer EFTPOS
18 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Whanganui River Traders Market
7 Taupo QuayThese weekly Saturday markets (8:30am-1pm) are a hot spot with visitors and locals! With over a hundred stalls, it’s the perfect place to grab a coffee and a bite to eat, restock the fridge and pickup some locally crafted gifts - from wooden crafts, to pottery and candles.
Personal favourites are Bestowed Kai’s gourmet porridge, SourBros’ sourdough bread, Cinnamonui’s sweet scrolls and the macaron stall.
We recommend bringing cash or withdrawing onsite as not all stalls offer EFTPOS
Maria Lane Eatery & Bar
98 Victoria Ave
Article Café & Vintage/Retro/Arts Store
20 Drews Ave
The Citadel Cafe
12 Rangiora St