WHANGANUI HERITAGE FESTIVAL
Heritage Festival - Introduction
Welcome to the Whanganui Heritage Festival 2024!
Experience the magic of Whanganui as we celebrate a century of cityhood! From October 19 to October 28, join us for a ten-day extravaganza commemorating 100 years since Whanganui was declared a city. Whanganui was granted city status in 1924, making it the first new city in New Zealand in fifty years.
Organised by the Whanganui District Council and the Whanganui Regional Heritage Trust, this milestone event offers a rich tapestry of community-led activities that highlight our extraordinary architecture, vibrant arts scene, and rich sporting and natural heritage.
Festival Highlights:
- ‘Our Stories’ Exhibition: Held at the iconic Whanganui War Memorial Centre, this exhibition will feature captivating narratives from Whanganui’s past and present. Discover the triumphs of sports stars, the melodies of musicians, the impactful endeavours of community organisations, and the personal stories of individuals who have shaped our city.
- Spectacular Street Parade: Witness the heart of Whanganui come alive with a dazzling parade that showcases the diversity and creativity of our community. This event promises to be a visual feast, celebrating our shared histories and vibrant culture.
As a UNESCO City of Design, Whanganui’s unique identity is reflected in its heritage buildings and artistic spirit. Our festival is a perfect opportunity to connect with our rich history and celebrate the talented and diverse people who make Whanganui special.
Stay Connected:
Don't miss out on this incredible celebration of Whanganui's heritage. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more exciting updates as we reveal the full lineup of events and activities. Join us in honouring the people and stories that define our city.
Explore, celebrate, and connect at the Whanganui Heritage Festival 2024!
Visit Whanganui anytime for a genuine heritage experience:
Whanganui won New Zealand’s Most Beautiful City Award in 2019 and 2020 and is now a UNESCO City of Design. Come and experiece our beautiful heritage city and find out why. We’d suggest you check out the Visit Whanganui website for more information or visit the I-Site in Taupo Quay on arrival: www.visitwhanganui.nz
These are our favourites but there is something for everyone in Whanganui. Its easy to walk around the town center and see a wide variety of sites without getting in your car.
Walkable Sites
- Every Saturday: Rivertraders Market. 9am-1pm. Taupo Quay near the I-Site. Great food, coffee, produce and arts and crafts. A great way to start your weekend.
- Durie Hill Elevator and Lookout - the Elevator is $2pp one way or you can walk up the steps. This is a number 1 stop for visitors.
- Quartz Ceramics Museum - NZ's only ceramic museum.
- Sarjeant Art Gallery on Taupo Quay and the Whanganui Regional Museum off Watt Street.
- Victoria Avenue boutique shops and cafes during the day and fairy lights at night - the Old Firestation Le Station boutique on Guyton St is also worth a visit.
- NZ Glassworks plus Brown & Co- hot glass blowing and first class fabulous glass art at these two sites on Drews Avenue.
- Taupo Quay Walk & bike path alongside the riverfront
Town Centre Short Walking Tour
- Drews Avenue precinct. Leave the car behind at Taupo Quay and stroll up Drews Avenue. Cafes, bars, fabulous glass galleries and quirky shops can be found along Drews Avenue.
- Continue up the hill to Pukenamu Queens Park for great views. The renown Sarjeant Gallery is under restoration, but visit the public library, Alexander Heritage Library and a must see is the Whanganui Regional Museum.
- Continue up to Guyton Street, and visit Paiges Book Gallery. Stroll down to Victoria Avenue. Turn right for faster food outlets, or left for the bulk of the shopping and eats district. At Taupo Quay turn left and visit the Sarjeant Gallery before heading back to your car. Or pop over to St Hill Street: and walk past the gorgeous Whanganui Opera House, then onto Cooks Garden - famous for Peter Snell's world record 4 minute mile.
- Waimarie Riverboat Center on Taupo Quay is not only beautiful but has a great little museum.
- Waimarie paddle steamer and Wairua river boat are usually in operation. Take a ride on this boats from yesteryear.
Food and Cafes
- Whanganui has a wide range of great cafes. You just can't go wrong.
Art Galleries
- Whanganui has the renown Sarjeant Art Gallery, temporary located on Taupo Quay, but also numerous quality and quirky private galleries. Get your guide at the I-Site.
Music
- First Friday of every month: Whanganui Musicians Club, from 7.30pm. Savage Club Hall. Great music, bring your own food and drinks. $15pp see: whanganuimusiciansclub.co.nz
5-20 Minute Drives
- Rangioria Street: fabulous cafe and beach in the suburb of Castlecliff - 10 minute drive.
- Paloma Gardens - private succulant and bamboo garden - 15 minute drive - $10 entry pp - well worth the drive.
- Bushy Park heritage home and native reserve- cafe on site and fabulous bush walks. 20 min drive. Entry is free.
- St Pauls Maori Church Putiki - Category 1 Site. Talk to the Isite for access. short drive
- Virginia Lake - Beautiful walk around the lake and gardens. Cafe of site. 5 minute drive
- Bason Botanic Gardens - walk or drive around these beautiful gardens, play a ball game, throw a frizbee or have a bbq.10 minute drive.
Biking
- Route stretches along the banks of the Whanganui River up to the small village of Upokongaro via the new suspension bridge and down to the North Mole river mouth entrance.
- Visit the pub or café at Upokongaro – you deserve it.
