Things to Do in Wanganui

• Wanganui Regional Museum
  One of the country's best regional museums, with extensive Maori and wildlife collections. The museum is renowned for its Lindauer paintings and bird displays.
• Sarjeant Gallery
  Wanganui's beautiful domed gallery has naturally lit galleries displaying 19th and 20th century art.
• Paddle Steamer Waimarie
  Voted Wanganui's No 1 visitor attraction. A unique maritime heritage experience -  cruise aboard New Zealand's last paddle steamer P/S Waimarie Est 1900.
• Whanganui Riverboat Centre Museum
  Home to New Zealand's last historic paddle-steamer, and the only operational tunnel-drive vessel, MV Wairua. River tours are available aboard the Waimarie and the MV Wakapai.
• Whanganui Scenic Experience-Jet
  An unforgettable scenic jetboating experience. Fully guided tours with guides sharing the history of the river.
• Durie Hill Elevator and Memorial Tower
  This is the only earthbound elevator in New Zealand and one of only two in the world. Built in 1919, it offers fine views from the lift's machinery room and the 33.5m high Memorial Tower.
• Bason Botanical Gardens
  Extensive plantings of native and introduced plants has transformed this farmland into picturesque gardens. Features include a conservatory, begonia house, bush house, lookout, camellia garden, lake and original homestead gardens.
• Westmere Lake Reserve
  A wildlife refuge en route to the Bason Botanic Gardens featuring waterfowl and other birdlife, native plants and lakeside walks.
• Kowhai Park
  A riverside park with a 'storybook character' children's play area, miniature railway and a skateboard park.
• Virginia Lake Reserve
  A popular inner city park featuring a lake, themed gardens, an aviary and fountain.
• Putiki Church
  Also known as St Paul's, this small church boasts a beautiful interior featuring Maori carvings and tukutuku (wall panels).
• Whanganui National Park
  This 74,231ha park offers numerous hiking and river activities, including canoeing, rafting and jetboating on the Whanganui River - the longest navigable waterway in the country. The Whanganui River Journey is classified as one of New Zealand's 'Great Walks'.
• The River Traders, Wanganui's Market by the River (Saturdays only)
  This busy Saturday morning Market runs from 9am till 1pm offering locals and visitors alike an eclectic range of artists, crafts people, food producers, plant growers and general wares. Something new and imaginative each week. Join us for coffee and a truly Wanganui experience.
  Venue: Motua Quay, on the riverbank along from the PS Waimarie.
  Contact: The Rivers Traders Stall Application, ph: 06 343 9795. therivertraders@xtra.co.nz
• Monthly Market
  Ideal starting point for artists. crafts, persons, natural therapists & product consultants.
  Registration of interest to Mary ph: 06 344 8444. Free entry.
  Venue: Friends of Hillcrest Pavilion, 16 Fitzherbert Ave.