Home > Destinations > New Zealand > Wanganui Region

Wanganui city and the Whanganui River are what make this region. The beautiful Whanganui River, which flows 260 kilometres from the volcanic plateau and Mount Tongariro in the north, ends its journey here.

Wanganui

The city has grown up around the river and your family can enjoy it by taking a ride on a steamboat or something a little more adventurous like a jet-boat ride.

There are a lot of things to do in Wanganui for families; the parks are great, and the river has a range of activities suiting most families' idea of fun! These include cruising, kayaking, jet boating and tramping the Whanganui River.

Yet it isn't just the river which is magical about this city. Parks like Kowhai Park are like a miniature wonderland for children and for those looking for a gentle stroll nothing beats a walk around Victoria Lake - and it's pushchair friendly.

Castlecliff Beach and Kai Iwi (Mowhanau) Beach

There are two main beaches in the area, Castlecliff Beach and Kai Iwi (Mowhanau) Beach. Castlecliff Beach is a popular swimming beach and is patrolled by lifeguards over the summer. Kai Iwi Beach is around 14km from Wanganui along Rapanui Road and has a children’s playground and barbecue areas available.