11th-20th October
Royal Whanganui Opera House

We invite you to join us in celebrating 150 years of Musical Theatre in Whanganui. Amdram (New Zealand’s oldest musical theatre) is proud to present Oliver the Musical. Consider yourself at home with Lionel Bart’s classic musical based on the Charles Dickens novel, Oliver Twist.

Tickets: Door sales, Royal Whanganui Opera House Box Office and Website.
$25 Child/Student - $39.50 Adult - $35 Senior.
Contact: amdramwhanganui.co.nz

Wednesday to Sunday 10am-3pm
Bushy Park Homestead

Bushy Park Homestead will be open from 10.00am until 3.00pm serving Morning and Afternoon Teas and High Teas every Wednesday through to Sunday.

Tickets: Book your table and pay on arrival. Walk-ins are welcome.
Devonshire Tea $15. Afternoon Tea $25. High Tea $40
Contact: www.bushypark.nz. For phone sales: 06 3429879

19th-28th October
Throughout Whanganui

How much do you really know about the city where you live? Every community is special and has a story to tell. This scavenger hunt takes you on a journey through historical sites of interest and iconic locations to discover our heritage and experience the magic of Whanganui. The list of clues can be found on our website or Facebook, or the Royal Opera House Box Offi ce,

War Memorial Centre, Isite and Council Building customer service.
Tickets: Free entry

19th October 7pm-8:30pm
Central Whanganui

A walk around sites of mysterious happenings in early Whanganui
Tickets: Donation - email or phone - registration required.
Contact: jasmin@whanganuilibrary.com or 06 349 3201 ask for Jasmin

19th October 2.30pm-5pm
Commercial Hotel, 2 Bell Street

Enjoy a walk around Whanganui Central City and learn about the history behind its development. Hear how Whanganui led the country in tourism, engineering and cultural heritage.

Tickets: I-Site $15 per person per walk- phone sales 06-349 0508 Whanganui isite
Contact: https://whanganuiwalkingtours.co.nz

19th October, 11am-12pm
St Paul’s in the city

Come and hear about the plans to future proof and strengthen a 111-year-old brick and Oamaru stone church to serve the city another century.

Tickets: Entry free but koha welcome

19th-28th October 10am-11.45am
Whanganui Isite

Join us for a guided walk through Whanganui and uncover the rich history that shaped this remarkable place. Learn about the role Whanganui played in leading tourism, innovative engineering, and preserving cultural heritage in New Zealand.

Tickets purchased at I-Site 15.00 per person per walk- phone sales 06-349 0508 Whanganui I-Site.

19th-28th October

Taking a stroll through the CBD? Keep your eye out for the Centennial Window Displays throughout town. But make sure you look for the odd item out. A list of the participating stores can be found on our website or on our Facebook.

Tickets: Free entry

19th-28th October

Keep an eye out for these delightful hidden treasures throughout Whanganui! To celebrate our centenary event, we’ve scattered beautifully painted rocks all around the city. Feel free to rehide or rehome these unique creations. Don’t forget to snap a photo and share it with Whanganui Rocks on Facebook!

Tickets: Free entry

19th & 20th October 10am-2pm
3 Pickwick Road - the Red Shed

Ed Boyd’s collection of cars and memorabilia in a setting of ‘Old Whanganui’ photos.

Tickets: Door sales - Gold coin donation to Grassroots Rescue Helicopter
Contact: hinemoa@haprint.com

20th October
151 Taupo Quay

Join Steam Incorporated on this special excursion train between Whanganui & Kai Iwi. Behind a combination of steam & diesel motive power, explore the famed stretch of track north of Whanganui! Experience the 1 in 35 climb up Westmere bank - the country’s steepest hill for a train!

Book online at www.steaminc.org.nz/ book-train-trip/the-kai-iwi-trekker/ or call 0800 783 264

20th October, 7pm-8:30pm
Ladies’ Rest Building, 75 St Hill Street

A good old-fashioned sing-along to celebrate music through the last century with musical maestro Lizze de Vegt. All welcome!

Tickets: $15. RSVP via email to: LoveSingingNZ@gmail.com or RSVP via 022 644 9020
Contact: https://www.facebook.com/womensnetworkwhanganui or https://www.facebook.com/LoveSingingNZ

21st-30th October

Introducing our exciting colouring competition, beautifully designed by Tina Drayton! We have categories for three diff erent age groups: 7 and under, 8-15, and 16 and over, with each group featuring images inspired by the rich history of Whanganui. You can easily download these images from our website or pick them up at the Whanganui War Memorial Centre, I-SITE, and Royal Opera House Box Offi ce. Don’t miss your chance to showcase your creativity and win fantastic prizes!

Tickets: Free entry

23rd-30th October
Whanganui War Memorial Centre

Experience the captivating tales of Whanganui, a city with over a century of rich history and vibrant culture. Dive into the extraordinary stories of our sports legends, musicians, veterans, and community groups as they take you on an exhilarating journey through time. Celebrate 100 years of Whanganui’s dynamic spirit and discover the heartbeat of our past and present like never before!

Tickets: Free entry

23rd October 1.30pm-2.30pm
Alexander Library

Embark on a captivating journey through history with Virtual Victoria Ave. The presentation takes you on a visual walk down the iconic Ave, showcasing its transformation over the decades through a curated collection of historic photographs.

Tickets: Free entry

26th October 1.30pm-4pm
Whanganui Isite

Embark on a journey through Whanganui’s artistic heart. Discover the city’s rich history and vibrant arts scene as you stroll through the central city. Learn how Whanganui became a leader in the arts and experience the creative spirit that defines this unique community.

Tickets purchased at I-Site 15.00 per person per walk- phone sales 06-349 0508 Whanganui I-Site.

25th October, 6pm-9pm
42 Anzac Parade, Whanganui or 2 Blyth Street, Durie Hill

Celebrate Whanganui’s 100 years as a city, and Durie Hill Elevator’s 105 years of operation, as we stay open late for Friday of Labour Weekend, and light up the tunnel.

Tickets: Door sales- $2 for adults, $1 for children
Contact: www.duriehillelevator.co.nz

25th October, 11am
Whanganui District Council entry foyer, 101 Guyton Street

View the many people, milestones and landscapes that shaped Whanganui’s history with a free tour of The Whanganui Story; a collection of 24 stained glass windows in the council chambers. The tour will be co-hosted by local glass artist and one-half of the creative team behind the windows, Greg Hall.

Bookings are essential to reserve a spot so please email
anique.jayasinghe@whanganui.govt.nz.
Tickets: Free entry

26th October 2024, 1pm-2pm
Victoria Avenue

Down Victoria Ave ‘Join us for an unforgettable parade that captures the essence of Whanganui’s past and present. Stick around after the parade for an afternoon brimming with entertainment, from captivating performances to delightful food stalls.

Tickets: Free entry

26th October 6pm departure
Paddle steamer Waimarie, Whanganui Riverboat Centre, 1A Taupo Quay

Shhhh don’t tell anyone… we’re hosting a speakeasy event, you know like back in the 1920’s. Join us on board the Paddle Steamer Waimarie for our fi rst-ever speakeasy event. Grab your pals, pick your favourite 1920s attire, and come enjoy some live music, Gin tasting, cocktails and the secretive atmosphere of the Whanganui River. Papaiti Gin will be on board to chat all things gin. If talking about gin and having a tipple to try isn’t your thing, not to worry we have nibbles, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages and live music to entertain you as we take a 2-hour cruise along the Awa as the sun sets. Don’t forget to dress up there is a prize for best dressed and other spot prizes. Spot prizes for best dressed!

Head to our website to grab your ticket or pop on into the Riverboat Centre.
Limited space available. $85.00
www.waimarie.co.nz

27th October at 2pm
St Andrews Church, 42 Glasgow St

Over hundreds of years Whanganui has built up a collection of hidden underground spaces. Founders Society will host historian Scott Flutey who will take us through these places on a virtual tour, shedding light on some of the stories connected to them with a focus on the nineteenth century.

Tickets: $5 door sales

27th October 1pm (2 hours)
Whanganui Collegiate School, 132 Liverpool St, College Estate

Explore 170 years of Whanganui Collegiate School with an extensive heritage campus and museum tour. Discover the preserved history & artefacts dating back to 1854.

Tickets: Registrations essential Museum@collegiate.school.nz.
Door sales and phone/email- $5 Contact: Museum@collegiate.school.nz

27th October 9.30am- 3pm
Jubilee Stadium, 228 London St

Fabulous range of vintage, retro, antiques, bottles, books, stamps, toys, vinyl, crown Lynn, art, glass, clothing, jewellery , furniture, collectables and more.

Tickets: Door entry $2

27th October 9am-1pm
Riverside of Union Boat Club, next to the Paddle Steamer Waimarie

Rigtec Billy Webb Challenge is New Zealand’s Premier Long Distance Rowing Race, commemorating William (Billy) Webb defending his World Single Sculling Title on the Whanganui River/Awa in 1908. Rowing NZ has committed to our 2024 Paris Olympic Team, competing in this event, with strong interest from international, national and local rowers. This free community event is a crowd pleaser and we are expecting to Livestream it to the community and the world, via altitudehd.nz with major trophies and cash prizes up for grabs.

Tickets: Free entry