Visit Whanganui with Mighway

Virginia Lake Reserve

Take a 25 minute woodland walk around the lake, spy Peter Pan’s statue and enjoy the birdlife, both on and around the water. The Winter Gardens is an all‑year‑round attraction with colourful displays whatever the season or weather. Adjoining is the Art Garden combining sculpture and garden art. Visit in the evening and see the historic Higginbottom Fountain lit up at night. Add in a children’s playground and a free bird aviary and this makes Virginia Lake one of the best attractions of things to do in Whanganui!

Mable, The Number 12 Tram

In 2014, after many years of volunteer hard work, “Mable”, the No. 12 vintage electric tram celebrated her first public outing on the riverbank of Whanganui.

The tram was built by Boon and Co in Christchurch around 1911 and began operating here on the 26th of November in 1912.

Until the 1950’s Whanganui’s tram network carried passengers between the outer suburbs, the beach and the CBD. Opened in 1908, Wanganui was the first provincial town to have a tramway and twelve trams were commissioned by the then Mayor Mackay. “Mable” is believed to have operated mainly between Victoria Avenue in the centre of the town and the coastal suburb of Castlecliff.

Today you can see her housed in the bright red tram shed, gifted to the city by David Harre in the 1990’s from its previous relocation in Auckland.

Since then, the Tramways Trust and Wanganui District Council have worked together to get the tram operating again. The overhead electrical system and donated parts were installed by volunteers and the contributions of the Tramways Trust’s partners – the Wellington Tramways Museum and MOTAT in Auckland. At the opening ceremony in 2014, Paulene Emerson was asked to cut the ribbon, in honour of her late husband Martin, who was one of the driving forces behind having the tram restored, even travelling to Australia for parts.

Now it is not unusual to see couples enjoy the tram as a backdrop for their wedding photos. The tram posts along the river post are square as were original tram poles. Beautifully lit up at night by blue LED light strips this system contributes to the enchantment of the Whanganui River night scene.

Public rides are available on set days and children over the age of 75 years can ride for free! The Museum also contains the Tingey Wagon, built about 1900, specifically for the transportation of crates of glass from the Whanganui Wharf to the Tingey Glass premises in Victoria Avenue.

Paddlesteamer Waimarie

She arrived in Whanganui in 1899 and has been fully restored to her original condition. Moored on the banks of the river near the Waimarie Centre, we celebrate the riverboat era of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Looking for a bit of history on your list of things to do in Whanganui – then enjoy stepping back in time and take a leisurely cruise on the mighty Whanganui River!

The Splash Centre Wanganui

The Splash Centre complex includes something for all the family, from lane swimming to a lazy river, spa pools, learners’ and toddlers’ pools-and two giant hydro-slides!

Facilities include changing and shower rooms, toilets, viewing areas with seating, and a shop, supervision of swimmers, swimming and instructional opportunities such as learn to swim, aerobics etc, swimming aids such as boards, floats, lane markers etc. and hot showers.

Tailor made activities to suit all age groups. Enquire about our Aquajet Swim School today which provide Learn to Swim lessons that are structured and motivating. Looking for holiday activities for your children? This is the place to come and cool off on a sunny day!