Explore Whanganui for Unique Art and More

Explore Whanganui

Explore Whanganui and you won’t be disappointed. Often smaller places get a bad rap as seemingly there’s nothing to do. After spending time in a place you realise that it’s often not the case.  I feel like I have only scratched the surface of things to see and do as I explore Whanganui. From galleries, heritage buildings, street art and more there is lots to see and do in Whanganui.

Whanganui is located at the mouth of the Whanganui River in the Manawatu-Whanganui region. It is on the western side of the North Island of New Zealand and is boarded by Castlecliff Beach. Make sure to check out the videos below that give an overview of what I saw in Whanganui.

 

Durie Hill

Durie Hill Elevator is New Zealand’s only public transport elevator and is used daily by residents and tourists. You can pay to take a trip up and down the elevator but if you want to learn more there are guided tours of the tunnel and elevator available.  As you enter the tunnel you might notice the lights, lighting the way as you enter. For more information about hours and fares, pop over to the Elevator Website

Up top you can visit the elevator tower which overlooks Whanganui. You will also find the Durie Hill Memorial Tower which you can walk up. The tower commemorates those who died in WW1 from Whanganui and the surrounding district.

Galleries

The Boring Art Gallery

When you explore Whanganui there are a number of galleries one of which is called The Boring Art Gallery. Of course it isn’t really boring as its filled with lots of art including upcycled and more.  You will find the gallery at 19 Taupo Quay, part of the Whanganui Arts – The Centre.

 

Te Whare O Rehua Sarjeant Gallery

This gallery houses a collection of international and local art. Its free to visit, has a gift shop and a cafe. It reopened November 2024 after being closed for 10 years for redevelopment. The original neo-classical style gallery was finished in 1919 with the funds given by Henry Sargeant. It has a distinctive dome and is constructed from Oamaru stone .

The redevelopment included a new wing named Te Pātaka o Tā Te Atawhai Archie John Taiaroa. With the new and old joined by an atrium acting as a new entrance way and a carved totara waka walk bridge. To read more about the gallery, its history, exhibitions and visitor information have a read of their website.

Artworks from some of the Exhibitions

 

New Zealand Glassworks – Te Whare Tūhua O Te Ao (NZG)

NZG is located on Rutland Street and is the national centre for glass in NZ. Open seven days a week, you can visit and watch glass artists at work view items for sale in the gallery or attend a workshop. Further details about NZG can be found at  NZ Glassworks website

 

Tarapuruhi Bushy Park Forest Sanctuary & Historic Homestead

If you appreciate our birdsong, the native NZ bush including walking amongst giant Rata make sure to visit the forest sanctuary. The sanctury consists of 89 hectares of land and is approximately a 25 minute drive from Whanganui. It has mainly been untouched, i.e no no logging or burning and is a diverse and rare example of North Island temperate lowland forest.

Over 160 species of plants have been recorded There is a visitor centre and a number of walking tracks which total around 3 hours if you did them all.  Birds that you may see or hear include bellbirds, kererū, north island robin, tīeke (saddlebacks), hihi, moreporks. The falcon, fantail, grey warbler, mallard, pukeko, silvereye, kingfishers, and white-faced heron (Forest & Bird)

Visit the website to find out more about the entry fee, visitor hours and more.

Bushy Park Homestead

The homestead dates back to 1906. It is now a private residence with a 5 bedroom B&B homestay and function venue. They do offer other accommodation options as well. I had afternoon tea at the homestead and took the opportunity to have a look through the rooms.

Heritage Buildings

If you appreciate heritage buildings, Whanganui has quite a few.  You will find a Self-Guided walking tour here including other things to see or do in the area. Perhaps take a ride on Mabel, the Number 12 Tram, or Neville’s 1954 ex-London double-decker bus and take a cruise on the PS Waimarie, NZ’s only coal fired paddle steamer.

 

Other historic buildings include Victoria Court, The Hallenstein’s building (now Andersons) Cinema 3, and The Whanganui Chronicle building. It was interesting to visit the Chronicle building now compared to when I visited as a primary school student. The paper was still being printed and old metal type was still in use.

 

 

Street Art

For those who appreciate other forms of art, in the city centre you might notice a number of pieces of street art painted on various walls. This map shows where all the murals are located. See the playlist below for a video of some of the art.

 

Coastal Art Trail

You may notice a few pieces of public art as you wander around Whanganui. For more information and where to find other sculptures, check out this link on The Coastal Arts Trail

If you happen to visit Rotokawau Virginia Lake, you will see The Higginbottom Fountain.  Other things of interest are walking trails, the winter gardens, a cafe and aviary. There are also a couple of statues, one of Peter Pan and one of Tainui. Legend has it that the lake was formed from Tainuis tears on the loss of her lover Turere.

Opshopping

Are you an avid treasure hunter? While you explore Whanganui, include some secondhand shopping. Whanganui has a number of secondhand shop and opshops which you can read about here. There are a couple of markets and a fair mentioned too.

 

Explore Whanganui Final Word

Will you explore Whanganui or have you already? If I’ve missed something that you think is worth a visit let me know in the comments. Happy exploring.

 

Explore Whanganui Videos