Located on the West Coast of New Zealand’s North Island and home to approximately 43,000 people, Whanganui is only a two and a half hour drive north from New Zealand’s capital city Wellington, an hour and a half from Mount Ruapehu and Mount Tongariro or an hour’s flight from Auckland.
The city embraces the banks of the historically significant Te Awa o Whanganui – the Whanganui River. Once known as the Rhine of New Zealand and the country’s longest navigable river it has shaped the history and culture of the city and its people. Take in a panoramic view from the Memorial Tower on Durie Hill with a vista that encompasses Ruapehu and Mount Taranaki and you will experience just a slice of Whanganui scenic beauty. Our abundance of walkways and cycle-ways, parks and scenic reserves offer our visitors activities from ambles to tramping, bush clad to sweeping vistas, both breath-taking and inspiring. Visit Bushy Park a 100 hectare predator-free native bird sanctuary and you will experience the sights and sounds of bellbirds, kereru, North Island robin, saddlebacks, and hihi. In Whanganui we look to our past, we explore life’s details and we reach for the stars - what better place to have your next conference or event to create a mindset for a brighter future.
Professional venues, unique locations and cost effective options mean Whanganui is a strong option for your next conference or meeting. Our venues can cater for small business meetings to large scale conferences and events for up to 1200 people. As a place immersed in history, a number of our venues are in heritage buildings lending an atmosphere and cultural aspect like no other.
Experienced in hosting visitors from all over the world, accommodation options are plentiful. Charming motels and hotels, B&B’s and shared accommodation alternatives can be arranged to suit the specific needs of any event. Personal assistance and Whanganui’s legendary manaakitanga (hospitality) will ensure an excellent stay.
Whanganui has a significant number of heritage buildings – a wander through our central business district is a delight and as Whanganui is home to New Zealand’s largest arts and heritage community the town centre houses a large number of eclectic and delightful galleries of an international standard, including the renowned Sarjeant Gallery – Te Whare O Rehua. If you wish to explore your own talents, art workshops and glass-blowing experiences can be arranged. Experiencing the river is a happy coincidence of a visit to our city. Relaxed cafes and dining near its banks, exploring the colourful River Traders and Farmers Market on a Saturday, taking a trip on its waters with the Waimarie our historic Paddle steamer or choosing a more individual experience by canoeing a stretch of the river from the rural surrounds to the banks of old town.