whanganui river

A great drive. Very very rural. No coffee stops but worth the drive for the scenery, oyster cliffs etc. we wanted to have a river trip. Ut they only operate at the weekend. The Victoria garden in Wanganui was very pleasant.

We drove up the Whanganui River scenic drive as we left the town and headed for Taupo. It probably took us an extra two hours but that was only because we had to keep stopping and getting out to admire the view. Keep a sharp eye out for the ancient oyster shells embedded in the cliff face 20 feet above the road - they are amazing.

Give yourself plenty of time, pull over often, stop in at the old convent at Jerusalem, and all the small marae. When you get to the top of the road, take a dip in the river. This was one of the most magical days in New Zealand.

Whanganui River looks different all the time. It's a beautiful secret that many visitors to NZ and even NZ people miss out on seeing. Once you have seen it, especially if you go upriver, you won't forget it. If you can jetboat up and canoe down, even if you only canoe a little way. Then stay at one of the amazing places on the River on your way back to Whanganui. Recommended!

Taking the Mail Run tour was what we came to Wanganui to do. We had done it many years ago, and enjoyed it so much that we wanted to share it with a friend who was traveling with us. We were picked up by a very friendly Postal Delivery person at 7:30am and we spent the day with her as we wound our way up through the very scenic and rural area of the Wanganui River to deliver mail to all those very remote residents. The scenery is amazing! A gorgeous day!

Two hours of relaxation on an historic restored paddle steamer. Beautiful weather, and a lovely way to look at the town and surrounds in a unique way.

The Whanganui River is one of this country's treasures. It's length has not been broken by dams, even if the volume of water has been reduced because of electricity diversion (into Lake Taupo) at its headwaters. The River has amazing historical stories (Jenny Patrick's novel, Landings, is not the best written novel one might read, but it does use historical material very well. There is also a great deal of material available on the Bridge to Nowhere story--Arthur Bates's book with this title is an excellent read). The best way to travel the River is by canoe. Most operators start a little down from Taumarunui and one canoes over four or five days to Pipiriki. Other options include: hiking to the river; mountain biking into the Bridge to Nowhere; travelling sections by jet boat; and taking the paddle steamer, Waimarie, for a short trip from Whanganui. I've canoed, mountain biked, jet boated, and taken the Waimarie. I have also cycled (and previously driven) the road from Pipiriki to Whanganui. All fantastic experiences. TIPS: For accommodation, the Flying Fox Lodge near Koroniti is out of this world. Stay several nights. For biking, Mountain Bike Station in Ohakune is a magnificent operator. For canoeing, try Canoe Safaris in Ohakune; another great operator. And for a magnificent coffee amid very good art, make sure you stop at the Matahiwi Gallery on the Pipiriki to Whanganui river road. Finally, call in at the convent and church at Jerusalem.

Very close to the city and it's most pleasant to wander along beside it, as I did. Or to go on a river cruise or kayak.

Wanganui river can go from looking amazing to looking ugly and dirty. Pretty awesome how long the river actually is and where it originates from central plateau to finishing up leaving to merge with the sea.

So much to do on the wanganui river. If in town the walk around the bridges is a must do and stop for coffee at any one of the great cafes. A ride on the waimarie is also a must do. And gives history of the river. Also a keyboard ride up the farther reaches is fantastic I haven't canoe on the river but reports of people who have a excellent.

what an amazing river it is so beautiful if you can take a trip up the river as far as you can go it gets better

Thr river was very low. We visited after few weeks of no rain. The road from Pipiriki (and the Pipiriki Raetihi rd. before) is very winding and difficult to drive (esppecially if you are used to right hand driving). There was not much to see allong the road until we reached the famous viewpoints beginning about 5 km. before the junction with SH4. I think that it is better, easier and safer to take the SH4 all the way to the junction with the Whanganui River road and then drive up the road for about 5 km. and back. This is the most beautiful part of the road. The famous viewpont is about 2.5 km up the road. It is not marked. Just a small bench off the road and a very small place to park the car.

Kiwis are always talking about trips down the Whanganui River. I'd heard them but never been in the area myself. So when I was driving from Ohakune to Wellington with The Child, on a Road Trip, I thought: "Why not stay a night in Whanganui?" I'm really pleased we did. I loved the river, which is the reason the colonial town named for it, is there at all, where the river (which starts with snow melt from the volcanoes at National Park) finally tips into the sea. The river is the reason for, & the heart of the town. I understand that now. From the top of the Durie Hill Elevator Hill The Child & I saw the resurrected steamer puff smoke & toot & finally pull away from the jetty for a meander up stream & I really wished we were on it & would say to anyone, first thing in the town, go & buy your ticket - don't miss out on being on the magical river if you can help it! Everyone loves a boat trip!

An excellent cruise on the river on the Paddle Steamer, even got to stoke boiler with coal. Brilliant 2 hours.

Waimarie Coal steamboat was awesome. The staff were great with local stories and they all had great character. We drank bubbles while chugging down the river and met lovely people. I find things expensive in New Zealand but the money spend on tickets for this boat is well with it! It all goes to New Zealand heritage and makes excursions like this possible.