Anybody passing through the north island on a campervan hire new zealand journey would be making a great mistake if they didn’t stop in Whanganui. This region boasts and abundance of natural beauty as well as dozens of activities and sights sure to please travelers of all tastes. As a matter of fact, there is so much to see and do here that it may be overwhelming for those planning a trip to the region. To help you out, read here for a list of the top things to do and places to see in this wondrous region.
Whanganui Regional Museum
The Whanganui Regional Museum is home to the Taonga Maori Collection as well as a vast array of artifacts, antiques and more allow visitors to experience the region’s cultural history and that of the Maori people. The museum attracts a wide range of international exhibits and events. The exhibits list is always changing, so make sure to check what is happening during your stay so that you can see the exhibit you will be most interested in. Not only this but the museum is absolutely free for admittance, so it will be easy on your wallet as well.
Paloma Gardens
Here you will find various exotic plants from many different regions in the world the. There are ten zones to explore, each featuring different gardens from various regions such as Africa, the Americas and Asia. There is a Desert House, a Palm Garden, a Garden of Death as well as the visitor favourite Bamboo Forest. You can easily spend hours wandering these grounds, and the gardens change by the season. Depending on when you visit, you can see a different featured plant. You can also find various events thrown at the Gardens all throughout the year.
Sarjeant Gallery
The Sarjeant Gallery is an absolute must-see, so make sure to have this one on your list. This modern art mecca plays host to an impressive range of exhibits. A round of fresh exhibits comes through each month, and many internationally renowned works come through the gallery each year. The permanent collections here are no less impressive, and overall the gallery has well over 8,000 permanent pieces. Consistently ranked as one of the top curated and well-staged galleries in New Zealand, the Sarjeant Gallery is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.
Kai Iwi Beach
Kai Iwi Beach is known as ne of the best beaches in the North. The aqua blue waters and hot white sands are the perfect picture of the New Zealand summer. There is also some amazing fishing in the region, so bring along your gear and experience it with off shore at this gorgeous beach. There are plenty of facilities at the beach which includes a kids’ playground, a range of clean restrooms, wood-burning barbecues and campgrounds. Even if you’re on your campervan hire new zealand trip during the colder months, it is still highly recommended to check out this beautiful stretch of water.
Whanganui National Park
Home to Whanganui River, Whanganui National Park has majorly diverse landscapes that many thousands of travelers have taken great joy in exploring. There are also an extensive variety of rare birds such as native pigeon, grey warbler, piwakawaka; kereru, fantail, and riroriro and many more. On Whanganui River you can experience some of the best rafting to be found in the country, not to mention some prime fishing spots. There are also a number of famous hiking trails featuring sweeping views and varied scenery, plus the opportunity to see native wildlife. The famous Bridge To Nowhere is located here, a legendary sight for hikers traveling through this much-loved National Park.
Whanganui River
Canoeing or kayaking in the Whanganui River is popular with locals and travelers alike. The Whanganui River offers the opportunity for both leisurely river rides or thrilling white water rapids. Experienced rafters can set out on their own, and there are a variety of tours on offer as well for first-timers or inexperienced rafters. Even if you don’t want to get in the water, just hanging out on the water’s edge and enjoying the sights is incredibly enjoyable as well. Easily one of the largest and most beautiful rivers in NZ, the Whanganui River is an absolute must if you’re traveling through the region.
The Whanganui region is easily one of the most popular regions on the north island for travelers, so you will most definitely want to visit here if you’re in the area. From cultural activities to outdoor adventure, this region really has it all for anyone on a campervan hire new zealand journey. You will certainly never run out of things to do or sights to see in this beautiful and rugged stretch of New Zealand coast.
