While Whanganui East may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Whanganui Museum and Durie Hill Elevator.
Discover the most popular places to visit in Whanganui
Whanganui Museum
9.0/10 (85 reviews)
This museum houses one of the world's most comprehensive collections of moa bones alongside treasured MÄori artefacts. Explore the MÄori Court and Lindauer Gallery for insights into the region's cultural heritage.
Durie Hill Elevator
9.0/10 (173 reviews)
New Zealand's only public underground lift takes you through a 213-meter tunnel before ascending 66 metres to Durie Hill. Enjoy panoramic views of Whanganui and Mount Taranaki from the adjacent Memorial Tower.
Virginia Lake
9.4/10 (172 reviews)
This tranquil lake features a scenic woodland walk, vibrant Winter Gardens, and a collection of sculptures. Enjoy the illuminated Higginbottom Fountain display at dusk or watch colourful birds in the free-flight aviary.
Sarjeant Gallery
8.2/10 (69 reviews)
The Sarjeant Gallery showcases European and New Zealand artworks across four centuries. Explore historical and contemporary exhibitions in this neoclassical treasure with beautiful natural lighting.
Moutoa Gardens
8.0/10 (47 reviews)
Explore the great outdoors at Moutoa Gardens, a lovely green space in Whanganui. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.
Durie Hill Memorial Tower
8.6/10 (134 reviews)
This 1925 memorial tower honours 513 local WWI casualties with its distinctive shell rock construction. Climb 176 steps for breathtaking panoramic views of Whanganui River and distant mountains.
Whanganui Riverboat Centre and Museum
8.8/10 (69 reviews)
Step aboard New Zealand's only coal-fired paddle steamer at this riverboat museum showcasing the Whanganui's maritime heritage. Experience history during a scenic cruise on the restored P.S. Waimarie.
Watt Fountain
8.4/10 (60 reviews)
This Victorian-era fountain honours Whanganui's first mayor, William Hogg Watt, and stands as a symbol of local heritage. Admire its historic craftsmanship while exploring the surrounding district of heritage buildings.
"Very clean room although small it was comfortable. Great warm lounge with TV and the kitchen very clean and tidy, plenty of cupboard space and fridge space. A choice of bathrooms all very clean. Have no hesitation to stay here again."
"The accommodations were well-maintained and the bedding provided a comfortable experience. Regrettably, the quality of the pillows did not meet expectations. The en-suite facilities were clean, and the shower offered excellent water pressure. The staff demonstrated a high level of professionalism and provided exceptional service."
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
You'll find cheap prices on Expedia for your Whanganui break. However, a range of factors like the season, length of stay and your choice of hotel will influence how much your holiday to Whanganui costs.
What are the cheapest months to go to Whanganui?
May, July and September are great times to search for cheap Whanganui holiday packages. Choosing to travel in quieter months means you can usually find reduced prices on flights and accommodation.
How many days is enough for Whanganui?
With about 2 days, you'll have enough time to experience popular neighbourhoods such as Whanganui East and Gonville during your Whanganui holiday. Remember to also add Virginia Lake and Bason Botanic Gardens to your sightseeing list. Up for some more adventures? Consider exploring outside of Whanganui on tours and day trips.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Whanganui?
Whanganui has everything you need for an unforgettable getaway. Begin your Whanganui holiday on a high note by exploring top attractions like Virginia Lake.
How to find the best Whanganui package deals?
Landing a cheap Whanganui package deal is easy with Expedia. After you've entered your destination and preferred dates under our "Packages" tab, set your budget range, add a couple of filters and see what's available. You can customise your search by "Area," "Amenities," "Property type" and more. Sort the results by "Price: low to high" to view the most affordable Whanganui package deals. Want a simple trick to get the biggest savings? Be flexible with your departure dates and consider travelling on a weekday, when prices are generally lower.
Is it cheaper to book a Whanganui holiday as a package?
You can enjoy significant savings on your Whanganui break by booking a personalised holiday package. Click on the "Package" heading, then enter your travel dates and destination to view some great flight and hotel prices. Bundle everything into a great-value package and you can save hundreds of dollars. Consider adding a car rental and you may land a better deal.
When to book a holiday package to Whanganui?
If you've got your Whanganui holiday dates locked in, book as soon as you can to score some awesome deals. With Expedia, you can often reserve some flights up to a year in advance. Prefer spur-of-the-moment trips? Our last-minute deals are ideal for jetting off on a whim.
How to plan a trip to Whanganui?
Choose when to travel: Check your diary and get your bags packed. Your favourite time of year and the activities on offer will also help you decide when to escape to Whanganui.
Plan your budget wisely: As well as the cost of your stay, you should consider other expenses too. These include transportation, food and flights. Also, set aside a little extra for unexpected costs that may come up during your trip to Whanganui.
Determine how many days away: Start by listing all the activities and sights you'd like to experience in Whanganui. Then, estimate how long you'll need at each, including any travel time.
Combine your flights and hotel: Epic destination, check. Length of stay, check. All that's left is to choose a Whanganui holiday package that brings all your bookings together.