Introduction

If you want to be one with nature, if you feel you would like to get out and have some excitement and fun then Wanganui should be the next destination. The region Wanganui originally got its name from the famous Wanganui River. The region is situated on the west coast of the Northern Islands, the Palmerston North city which is famous for fielding lies towards the east of Wanganui region the area is well known for its rich heritage and culture which adds to the beauty of the region. Apart from it being known for its unique Maori culture the Wanganui National park and its adventurous rivers brings about the feeling of freshness and we can also say variety is the spice of Wanganui.

Accommodation

The city offers a wide range of places to select from for its tourists, just to make one feel at home the tourists have a choice from Holiday homes, resorts, holiday park, Five star hotels, retreats, luxury home stays, exciting outdoor camps etc.
The Anndion Lodge in Wanganui is situated on the magnificent Wanganui River. The lodge offers its tourists the beautiful view of the Wanganui River. You could book various rooms like a superior twin room, the Queen or king room, double or single room or even a family room. The facilities like the outdoor spa, swimming pool or just relax under an umbrella and watch the breath taking beauty all around you. To unwind all your strain and tiredness the Sauna therapy offered by the lodge is where you should be at the end of a long day. The BBQ Courtyard along with a large dinning area which can accommodate a large number of guests at one time. After such a warm welcome to all its tourists it would surely leave everlasting memories.

Outdoor Activities

If you are looking out for a more outdoor and adventurous stay at Wanganui then the Castlecliff Seaside Holiday Park is your pick. All accommodations are offered to fit each ones wallet, if you’re lucky you could also get an outdoor tent to live in. The park is only 7km away from the main Wanganui centre, however the beach is well known for activities like swimming, fishing, jet boat trips and many other activities but for the safety of their tourists high alert security is always on the guard.
Adventure and excitement at Wanganui
Various activities take place at Wanganui, getting the tourists out of their shell to experience thrill, excitement and basically to have a blast. Horse Ridding and treks, hunting and shooting, rafting, river adventures etc.
Ridding through the valleys on horse back is one of the activities where you could get to choose the horse you would like to gallop along on and get the gentle touch of wind blowing; get to view the sunset and not to miss out on the beauty of life. The horses are well trained for various activities and well equipped saddles are also provided for the riders.
If the horses scare you, just take a ride through the waters of the great Wanganui River, you could either take a jet boat, tramping journeys, paddle boats, motor boats, kayaking etc. Wanganui offers its tourists various accommodations for outdoor activities the Wades Landing Outdoors are based at the beautiful Wanganui National Park, if you want to be by yourself and avoid the guide they would also provide paddling equipments, a guide booklet, and paddling instructions. For a more historic and scenic tour you could visit Wanganui River Adventures which would take you to the historic Bridge to Nowhere. They would have daily trips by jet boats or canoe hire is also available.

Bon Appetite

The best way to keep the tourists happy is through their stomach and no one can do it better than Wanganui. Various restaurants offer different styles of delicacies, like the 3Amigos on 13 Victoria Ave offers the best Mexican food with style and flair. If you are looking out for a place by the waters then the Legends is the right place to be with fine dining catering to all taste buds. The Legends are open all seven days of the week.
Apart from an entire meal if the tourists just need to hang around for a grub then Wanganui also has Burger king, hot cheesy pizzas at Pizza Hut, crispy chicken at KFC or the all time favorite McDonald’s. If you feel that the sun is getting too hot you could stop by for a drink at the Red Eye Café which is very famous and you could also find their hoardings all over, the oggies café at Wilson Street is famous for its chillers and indoor-outdoor seating arrangement to relax and sip on your drink.

Attractions

Well known for its Maori culture and historical beauty, the magnificent waters, high mountains and deep green valleys, art and museums, and the Wanganui National Park all bring out the richness of the place.
The Wanganui Regional Museum filled with ancient historical treasures marks the remain of old culture which actually takes us back into the history of this region telling us stories about treasures collected. This being one of the oldest museums, it also holds records of the unique Maori heritage.
Another attraction to the city is a vintage bridge known as “The Bridge to Nowhere” , the bridge is named so because all the rivers and water systems tend to lead to this bridge. It is a very funny story by the old that if you get lost in the city all you have to do is jump in a river and it shall bring you to the bridge to nowhere.
There are a few sanctuaries as well which are very famous for their rich natural life and people seem to enjoy the most in them a few famous ones are, Wanganui Bird Sanctuary and Bushy Parks. You can enjoy the natural beauty at very minimal costs and all safety measures are taken so that you can enjoy your tour. Since these parks comprise of many birds and animals they are built on the outskirts of the city so that there is no problem for both the animals as well as the humans.

Featured Sites: