Wanganui City

Wanganui city is one of the oldest cities in New Zealand. It is located on the West Coast of the North Island at the mouth of the Whanganui River. The city is approximately mid-way between Wellington and New Plymouth, 455 kilometres from Auckland and 193 kilometres from Wellington.

The city has been revitalised by the restoration of its heritage streets and buildings. The central city shopping area is lined with gas-lights, wrought iron garden seats, palm trees and wide paved footpaths which create the beauty of Wanganui’s main street. Cafes, bars, speciality shops, and an art deco cinema all add to the city’s attraction.

Wanganui’s economy is predominantly rural based with strong support coming from forestry, meat-processing and a number of entrepreneurial small manufacturing ventures.

The city is within easy distance of New Zealand’s famed North Island ski fields. Mt Ruapehu in the Tongariro National Park is the North Island’s highest peak and principal skiing ground. In addition to winter sport, Tongariro National Park offers exhilarating scenery and a variety of walks and tramps that pass through constantly changing surrounds.

The Whanganui River sweeps through the valley over which the city is spread and is the longest navigable waterway in the North Island. The river provides facilities for rowing, sailing, canoeing, water skiing and windsurfing. Organised jet boat trips, canoeing expeditions and riverboat excursions are available.

The nearby beaches provide excellent opportunities for surfing, windsurfing, surfcasting and swimming. The city also boasts excellent sporting facilities and has an international reputation as being one of the finest sports training regions in the world.

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