Click HERE for a map of Whanganui and
surrounding areas
Whanganui is a large town on the
south-west coast of the North Island, roughly halfway between New
Plymouth, 100 miles (160km) north-west, and Wellington, 120
miles (195km) south, and is 46 miles (74 km) north-west from
Palmerston North and 190 miles (305 km) south-west from
Rotorua. State Highways 3 and 4 run to and through the town,
making it a popular stopping place for visitors travelling up or
down the North Island.
Located at the mouth of the
180 mile (290km) long Whanganui River and its sheltered fertile
valley, the Maori name Wanganui aptly means 'big bay' or 'big
harbour'. The town name can be spelt with an 'h' or without,
though the river has officially been named Whanganui, with the
'h'.
The area has had Maori inhabitants
since the early 1820's and the European traders arrived in 1831,
followed by missionaries and settlers. The early years of
co-habitation were troubled due to land claims, and it took 8 years
before an uneasy truce was established. Today, there are
nearly 3,800 permanent residents in the town, plus a few hundred
more in surrounding small suburbs and villages.
As Whanganui is located on the
estuary of the river, the town has the advantages of the river,
valley and forested enviroment, as well as the coastal
enviroment, offering 2 different attractions to visitors and locals
alike. The river valley can be explored by boat or canoes,
with a few spots of bubbling whitewater to add a little
excitement! The forested valley, including the Whanganui
National Park, offers a number of outdoor activites, including
walking, hiking, mountain biking and guided tours around Maori
historical sites and nature trails, and there are a number of huts,
campsites and B & B's along the way to break up your trek.
Other accommodation in the area is
plentiful and varied, with a huge choice to suit every taste and
budget.
As it is a large town, there are
numerous facilities for visitors, such as shops, restaurants and
pubs, as well as other tourist attractions, such as art galleries
and museums, sporting events, several lakes, parks and gardens, and
a number of lovely beaches.
ACCOMMODATION DETAILS AND PRICES
ARE CURRENTLY BEING CREATED, IF YOU NEED DETAILS AND PRICES AT
THIS TIME PLEASE CALL OUR RESERVATIONS TEAM.