Whanganui Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
city in New Zealand's North Island
About Whanganui
The nameWhanganuicomes from the Maori wordswhanga, for a bay or harbour, andnuimeaning big or large. However, when the early colonists heard the placename said in the local Maori accent with a softly spokenwhthat sounded more like awosound, rather than the classical Maorifhsound, they spelled the placename asWanganuirather thanWhanganui. Now, either spelling is officially acceptable, and the trend is towards usingWhanganui. Additionally, the Whanganui River is also legally a person, which interests tourists when visiting. Founded in 1840 and named Petre until 1852, Whanganui is one of the oldest European settlements in New Zealand. Tourist and visitor information is available from:
Top Attractions in Whanganui
Explore the best things to see and do in Whanganui:
- ★Bason Botanic Gardens
- ★Durie Hill Elevator
- ★Heritage Walks
- ★Sarjeant Gallery
- ★Various art exhibitions
- ★Waimarie
- ★Waimarie Museum
- ★Wanganui Collegiate School
Where to Eat in Whanganui
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Jabee Kebabs
- 🍴Japanese Kitchen WA
- 🍴Kebabholik
- 🍴Kristy's Cafe
- 🍴Red Eye Cafe
- 🍴Rutland Arms Inn
Where to Stay in Whanganui
- 🏨151 on London
- 🏨Anndion Lodge
- 🏨Aotea Motor Lodge
- 🏨Arles
- 🏨Astral Motel and Apartments
- 🏨B-K’s Magnolia Motor Lodge
Whanganui Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 10 sections including: