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| Wanganui Sights |
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Queens
Park
This attractive park area was the site of the Rutland
Stockade during the New Zealand Wars of the 1860's.
Located one block east of central Victoria Avenue, it
is the cultural heart of the city being home to the
Wanganui Regional Museum, the War Memorial Hall, the
Sarjeant Gallery, the Alexander Library and the Wanganui
District Library. |
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Sarjeant
Gallery
The beautiful white domed Sarjeant Gallery is renowned
for its architecture, use of natural light and highly
regarded for its permanent collection of over 4,000
artworks. The gallery has a full and dynamic exhibition
programme and has held a large number of exhibitions,
which have toured nationally and some that have been
shown internationally. |
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| Open:
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| Monday
to Friday: 10.30am to 4.30pm |
| Weekends and
Public Holidays: 1.00pm to 4.30pm |
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| Phone: |
06 349-0506
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Wanganui
Regional Museum
Our museum has a diverse range of exhibits of international
standing. It features displays focused on natural and
social history, centered on the renowned Te Atihaunui-a-Paparangi,
(the Maori Court) an exhibition of national significance.
Displayed here are some of the canoes treasured by the
people of our region together with supreme examples
of their artistry and technology. |
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| Open:
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| Monday
to Saturday: 10.00am to 4.30pm |
| Sundays and
Public Holidays: 1.00pm to 4.30pm |
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| Phone: |
06 345-7443 |
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Wanganui
Riverboat Centre
The centre is home to the salvaged paddle steamer 'Waimarie'.
The centre's museum offers visitors a chance to view
historic photographs and memorabilia of the riverboat
era and the Wanganui River. |
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The Paddle Steamer Waimarie worked
the Wanganui River for fifty years carrying mixed canoes,
tourists and river people on this busy river highway,
until she sand at her berth in Wanganui in 1952. In
1993 Waimarie was salvaged from the mud and moved to
the Wanganui Riverboat Centre for restoration. Restoration
of the Paddle Steamer Waimarie followed the original
design and manufacturing methods as closely as possible.
The Paddle Steamer Waimarie was the last operating paddle
steamer in New Zealand and will be the only truly historic
operational paddle steamer in the country when she begins
her new life as a cruise boat on the Wanganui River.
A trip on this heritage river boat offers a unique experience. |
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The Royal
Wanganui Opera House
Built in 1899, the Royal Opera House is a lovely old
building with a handsome colonial style facade. The
wooden building has seating for over 800 people and
is widely used for touring shows ranging from opera
to contemporary live bands. The fabulous domed ceiling
and ornate balconies bring alive the history of this
magnificent old building, which stands as a tribute
to early Wanganui architecture. |
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Durie
Hill Elevator and Memorial Tower
Located opposite the Wanganui City Bridge at the bottom
of Victoria Avenue, the Durie Hill pedestrian tunnel
takes you to the historic Elevator, built in 1919, is
the only earthbound elevator in New Zealand and one
of only two in the world. Two viewpoints are located
at the top, one from the lift's machinery room and one
from the nearby Memorial Tower. This 33.5 metre high
tower is built from fossilised shell-rock and offers
excellent panoramic views of the city, Mounts Taranaki
and Ruapehu and the Tasman Sea. |
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Alexander
Library
This historic library offers the 'Heritage Room' where
books and records of Wanganui history may be viewed.
A register of the births deaths and marriages dating
back to the 1840's is also housed at the library and
is invaluable for those people interested in tracing
their ancestry. |
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| Open: |
Monday to Friday: 1.00pm to 5.00pm |
| Phone: |
06 345-8195 |
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Ward Observatory
This unique observatory was built in 1901. The nine
and a half inch refractor is the largest telescope of
its kind still in use in New Zealand. |
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| Open: |
Most Monday nights during winter
from 8.00pm to 9.30pm or by arrangement with the
Astronomical Society |
| Phone: |
06 345-4357 |
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Moutoa
Gardens
Moutoa is the historical site where land sales were
made between local Maori chiefs and European settlers
in 1840. More recently, the gardens are known for the
83-day Maori occupation in 1995, which signaled a new
era in Maori - Pakeha relations. Corner Taupo Quay and
Market Place. |
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Bason
Botanical Gardens
In 1996 the late Mr Stanley Bason donated his farm property
to the Wanganui District Council for the creation of
a botanical reserve. Extensive plantings of native and
introduced plants, the development of a conservator,
begonia house, bush house, look-out, camellia garden,
lake and the maintenance of the original homestead garden,
all combine to make the Gardens a place of enjoyment
for visitors. |
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A delightful quiet and rural area
in which to walk and an ideal place for a picnic or
BBQ (free gas barbecues are provided). |
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The Bason Botanical Gardens are located
only a short drive from town - head northwest on State
Highway 3 (to New Plymouth) for 5km. Turn left on to
Rapanui Road and proceed for 5km to find the Gardens
located on your right. |
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| Open: |
Daily 9.30am until dusk |
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Bushy
Park Forest Reserve
Bushy Park Forest Reserve is 90 hectares of native bush
and trees, which include Tawa, Hinau, Rimu, Matai and
Miro together with Giant Rata. The prime feature of
these forest plants is 'Ratanui' - a massive tree believed
to be the largest living Northern Rata in the southern
hemisphere. The many different species of native birds
at the park are a highlight of the forest; Kereru (native
pigeon) and Tui can be seen in large numbers. Well maintained
walking tracks throughout the park enable you to view
the wealth of native flora and fauna. Three years of
intense predator control has seen a resurgence of both
the bush and the numbers of native birds and a re-introduction
of several species of endangered birds is now being
planned. |
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Bushy Park Homestead built in 1906
adjoins the Park and offers accommodation and catering.
The park is located 24km North of Wanganui. Head northwest
on State Highway 3, turn right at the small township
of Kai Iwi and follow the Bushy Park signage. |
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| Cost: |
Admission to Bushy Park is $3 for
adults and $1 for children |
| Open: |
Bushy Park Forest Reserve is open
all year round |
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Virginia
Lake
A popular scenic attraction for visitors to the city.
Virginia Lake has many features that make this lovely
reserve well worth visiting. Highlights include The
Winter Gardens, aviary, and the coin operated Higgenbottom
Fountain, which at night provides a brilliant display
of colour. From January 2000 the reserve will also include
a stunning lighting display by night. There is a lovely
25 minute woodland walk around the lake edge, which
features the statue of Tainui the weeping maiden, historic
band rotunda and ducks to feed. |
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Virginia Lake is situated on Great
North Road, St Johns Hill. |
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| For more information about what Wanganui
has to offer you check out our Wanganui
Attractions page. |
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