A wonderfully quiet place, Whanganui’s charm is in the pretty streets where there’s no rush to find a park or feel frazzled by traffic. There’s no need to drive far here anyway, so join the locals sipping coffee on street corners, and find some of the most acclaimed art in the country at the numerous galleries.

The neatest things to see, eat and do.
A creative way of thinking comes second nature to a town with such a high number of artists, so sit back, relax, take off your watch and take your time enjoying this little slice of river side paradise.
Morning
There’s no use exploring on an empty stomach, so first things first, make your way into town to remedy that.
Midday
Not that you’re getting sick of the city centre, but there’s just more to experience a little further afield you see. Make the most of midday and head out to Castlecliff for further great food and art.
Afternoon
A slower paced time of day, it’s lucky we’ve got activities to keep you moving. When you feel like all you’ve done is eat all day then you’ll be pleased to hear there’s plenty of wandering in this afternoon plan.
Evening
It may be a fairly peaceful town by day, but come evening time there’s no shortage of people who love a good gig where the music is loud and bass is a’thumping. Stay up past bedtime and have a jig instead.
Staying for the weekend?
If you’re a clever cookie and you’ve timed it right, then a weekend in Whanganui is well worth staying for. Some town gems only open doors at the end of the week, so if you’re wanting to experience it all, we suggest you stick around.
12 hours Whanganui
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1
Mischief on Guyton
96 Guyton Street
Cafes, Eat & Drink
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2
Space Studio & Gallery
18 Street Hill Street
Culture
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3
Quayside Antiques
64A Taupo Quay
Home, Shops
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4
Quartz Museum of Studio Ceramics
8 Bates Street
Theatre & Performance, Culture
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5
Lunch at The Citadel
14 Rangiora Street, Castlecliff
Cafes, Eat & Drink
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6
Vostinar Gallery
7 Rangiora Street, Castlecliff
Culture
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7
Bason Botanic Gardens
Castlecliff
Activities, Stay & Explore
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8
New Zealand Glass Works
2 Rutland Street
Culture
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9
Sarjeant Gallery
38 Taupo Quay
Culture
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10
Lucky Bar and Kitchen
53 Wilson Street, Central
Bars, Eat & Drink
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11
River Traders Farmers Market
Whanganui
Markets, Stay & Explore
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12
Article
Level 1, Old Chronicle, 21 Drews Avenue
Cafes, Eat & Drink