Whanganui Information Centre

For the visitor the river town of Whanganui has a genteel feel. Its heyday was in the past and its early twentieth century liveliness is echoed in its restored central area which has some fine late Victorian and Edwardian facades. A contrasting mid-twentieth century structure is the modernist War Memorial Hall of 1958. The Sarjeant Art Gallery occupies a prominent position in nearby Queens Park. Cook's Garden Sports stadium, where Peter Snell broke the world mile record in 1962 is also close to the town centre. Whanganui is burgeoning as an art centre including a gallery and work space for glass artists.

At the Visitor Centre in Taupo Quay, you can get advice on the canoe journeys on the Whanganui River and get Department Of Conservation Huts and Great Walk Passes. The canoe journeys start well up river from here at Taumaranui, Ohinepane, Whakahoro and Pipiriki and are offered by a number of operators.