Wanganui 'Tourist Route'

We have compiled this tourist information to help you explore and enjoy the wide range of interesting places and activities that Wanganui have to offer.  Tourists are often very surprised when we tell them what they can see and do around Wanganui. 

This "Tourist Route" makes it easy to follow a circular route around the area.  Time taken depends on the time spent at each place, but the route can be done in about 4 - 6 hours (excluding paddle steamer).  Ideally you need a full day to do it at a relaxing pace - and the next day to finish your shopping!

If you need any more information, please call in at reception where brochures are available and where our friendly staff will gladly assist you.  The Tourist Route is also on display in our dining room with brochures and comprehensive information on all the tourist attractions.

1. Start at Whanganui River Top 10 Holiday Park

2. Turn right at the end of our driveway, travel 5 km up Papaiti Road to the Swing at Mosquito Point.  No entry fee, always open.  The swing is excellent fun for young and old.

3. Travel back towards town, turn right up Roberts Avenue and travel 1,8 km to the View Point for lovely views of the river and city.

4. Back to Somme Parade, turn right up Brunswick Road and enjoy the scenic 22 km drive to Bushy Park.  Enjoy walks, the forest reserve, visit the lovely historic homestead and have something to eat or drink at the licenced restaurant. *Discount to Top 10 Club Card members*

5. From Bushy Park, travel 8 km to SH 3, turn left and after 6,9 km you will find Windermere on the right for fresh strawberries, raspberries and fruit wines. *Discount to Top 10 Club Card members*

6. From Windermere, travel 3,4 km along SH3 and turn right on Rapanui Road.  After 700 m you will find Westmere Reserve on the right.  Enjoy a short or longer walk and bird viewing.

7. Carry on along Rapanui Road for 5 km to find Bason Botanic Gardens on the right. 

8. Travel 3 km further along Rapanui Road, turn left to Kai Iwi Beach, an attractive swimming beach with children's playground and wood-burning BBQ's for a family picnic.

9. Travel back towards Wanganui on SH3, visit the Car Museum (open weekends only) on the left, on the corner of Pickwick Road and SH3.

10. Take SH3 again, turn right up Montgomery Road, travel 1,2km and turn right again into Mosston Road to find Canaan Honey House opposite Mosston School. (Closed weekends)  Be sweet for the rest of your holiday!  *Discount to Top 10 Club Card members*

11. Go back to SH3, turn right to find Virginia Lake scenic reserve on the left.

12. Wanganui's Winter Gardens and Open Flight Aviary are situated on the same reserve.  Relax at Lakeview Cafe & Bar, they also offer discount to Top 10 Club Card members.

Victoria Avenue is recognized as one of NZ's most attractive main streets.

13. Queen's Park accommodates the  Regional Museum and Sarjeant Art Gallery.

14. Across the river at the end of the city bridge are the Durie Hill Tunnel & Elevator and also the Memorial Tower on the summit of Durie Hill. 

15. The Wanganui Riverboat Centre is the booking office for the PS Waimarie, NZ's only coal-fired paddle steamer (volunteer stokers are welcome!). It is located on Taupo Quay.  *Discount to Top 10 Club Card members*

16. Visit Motoa Gardens across the road from the Riverboat Centre.

17. Take the City Bridge or Dublin Street Bridge across the river to visit Kowhai Park and Riverland Family Park for the kids to have hours of fun.

18. Follow Anzac Parade for 4,7 km from the Dublin Street bridge north, turn right and travel 2.1 km along Kaimatira Road to enjoy a 10 - 15 minute bush walk at Gordon's Forest Reserve.

19.  Relax at Whanganui River Top 10 Holiday Park!

Shorter/Faster Alternatives 

Travelling to Wellington:
Follow numbers 1, 3, 4, 5, (6 & 7), 10, 11, 12 & 13. 

Travelling to New Plymouth:
Follow numbers 1, 3, 16, 13, 12, 10, 11, (6 & 7), 5, (4).

Travelling North on SH4:

Follow numbers 1, 3, 4, 5, (6 & 7), 10, 11, 12, 15, 13, 16, 17