Whanganui River road trip: 7 cultural stops guide

The 79km Whanganui River Road trip takes you down from the mountains along the valley. Travel back through 900 years of New Zealand history and explore unforgettable places along the way!

Grab your caravan and prepare yourself for dipping, winding, and swooping your way along the slow-moving river - where roads have been built on top of 700-year-old walking tracks. Here’s seven destinations you won’t want to miss on your Whanganui River road trip.

Best road trip around Whanganui River: 7 places you can’t miss

Total distance: about 162km | Recommended days: 4-7 days | Best time to do the route: between November and April | See route in Google Maps

1. Whanganui

Begin your Whanganui River road trip in none other than its namesake, Whanganui. Plenty of outdoor adventures are waiting for you, so pop on those hiking shoes and make the most of your time. Start at the Te Araroa Trail, which runs the length of New Zealand! Of course, you’ll only want to walk part of it (unless you’re planning a completely different trip).

You can then soak up some culture, with around 15 galleries that you will find around town. Whanganui is home to more than 400 artists, and there are even hands-on workshops you can join throughout the year.

Next, head to the river and jump on the Waimarie paddle steamer, which was the last coal-fired passenger steamer in New Zealand. You can take a cruise along the Te Awa o Whanganui and enjoy a bit of history. You can also take a trip to Bushy Park Wildlife Sanctuary for a spot of bird watching, with a large number of species for you to see.

2. Atene Skyline Track

The next stop is the Atene Skyline Track, which is perfect if you’re keen to experience the Whanganui National Park on an easily accessible track. This skyline Track wraps around Puketapu Hill.

Beginning at the up-river end, the track starts off steep with a climb from the River Road to 260 metres through some low line forest. The track continues for another 3km before you reach an open clearing, which is the halfway point. It’s the perfect place to stop and enjoy a picnic and a chance to recharge your batteries before you continue.

There’s plenty of views for you to enjoy along the way, which make the walk so worthwhile. Next, you will reach Taumata Trig, which is the highest point of the track, reaching 572m. The track then winds around as you descend your way back to River Road.

3. Koriniti

The Koriniti Marae is one of the best examples of marae along the Whanganui River. A marae is a fenced-in complex of carved buildings and grounds that belong to a particular tribe. In Koriniti, you will find two traditional wharenui (carved houses), one of which was moved here from a site upriver, and a small museum.

If the kaitiaki, or caretakers, happen to be around when you visit, they will gladly take you on a guided tour through the Marae and museum. While it’s free to visit, a donation is appreciated.

You don’t need long at this destination. A tour of the Marae will only take you about 30 minutes, but it does offer a great insight into New Zealand culture and history.

4. Ranana

This is another place that is well worth a visit along the Whanganui River but won’t take you much time to explore. It’s best planned as a stop-off on your way.

Ranana is one of the larger settlements that you will find along the Whanganui River Road and is home to several stunning historic buildings that are very picturesque. There’s a century-old church that was built in the 1880s for the hapu Ngati Ruaka people. It’s still in use today.

Close by you will find Moutoa Island, which is the famous site of a battle that took place in 1864. There’s also another Marae to visit during your stopover.

5. Kawana Flour Mill

The Kawana Flour Mill was built in 1854 and is the last one on the Whanganui River Road, making it well worth a stop. It’s also the only remaining 1850s mill machinery in New Zealand. There’s plenty more history for you to take in at this destination.

The Flour Mill got its name in honour of Government Grey, who originally donated the millstones to the Nga Poutama people. This Maori-owned mill survived and operated for nearly 50 years, unlike others of its kind that only lasted for brief periods. It finally closed in 1913 and was gradually dismantled over the years. In the 1970s, the mill was rebuilt and reopened to the public in 1980.

The Kawana Flour Mill now exists today as a museum, with the restored colonial cottage right next door.

6. Hiruharama (Jerusalem)

Here, you will find and experience unique tranquillity, where you can unwind and even find yourself on a spiritual journey. It’s the perfect place to completely immerse yourself in the sounds of nature to sit back and reflect on your life.

While you’re there, you can check out the century-old church and convent that dates back to the 1980s. St Joseph’s Church is known as one of New Zealand’s most beautiful churches. This place is also well-known as the location for Mother Aubert’s mission. The Sisters of Compassion have been in Jerusalem since 1883 when Suzanne Aubert established a convent school...

There’s also a stunning marae, but you can only access it with permission. Otherwise, you can still stand outside for the perfect photo opportunity.

7. Pipiriki

You can end your Whanganui River road trip in Pipiriki, where there’s plenty for you to explore. This small riverside settlement is the southern gateway to the Whanganui National Park.

Take a jet boat to the Bridge to Nowhere, located in the middle of the Whanganui National Park. The bridge looks completely out of place in the middle of the deep forest, but as you might expect, it has a rich history behind it for you to explore. It dates back to World War 1, and now offers great views of the native forest.

Hire a van for your Whanganui River road trip

After you sort out campervan hire in Wanganui, it’s time to head off on your Whanganui River road trip. Pop these seven destinations on your itinerary to make sure you see all the amazing sights along the way. Plus, we've put together a list of the top Whanganui camping grounds for you to base yourself each night!

Want some more destination inspiration? Discover the best camping grounds near Papamoa!

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