6 Best Sights in Whanganui, North Island's West Coast

This museum offers a superb overview of the region's history and one of the country's best collections of Māori artifacts. It contains taonga (Māori ancestral treasures) of the river people and re-creates 19th-century pioneer-town Whanganui. There's also Te Pataka Whakaahua (the Lindauer Gallery), featuring 19th-century paintings of Māori leaders by respected artist Gottfried Lindauer. Entry is free, but the museum offers guided tours for an extra charge if you want to gain more insight into the exhibits.

This lookout, Whanganui's most popular attraction, provides spectacular views, but reaching it—via an elevator that runs through the hill—is something else. First, you walk through a 700-foot tunnel to the elevator shaft, and the elevator concierge at the top will see you on camera and lower the elevator for you (there's a charge for the elevator each way in cash only). Alternatively, you can climb several hundred steps to the lookout, plus another 176 steps up the nearby Durie Hill Memorial Tower.

Whanganui is regarded as the country’s home for glass artisans; many of them exhibit internationally. This community studio is open for the public to watch some of these artists at work, join workshops (the half hour paperweight session is the most popular, but you need to check times and book in advance), and purchase their own stunning pieces from the retail gallery.

The formal gardens here are a delight, and a gentle 25-minute stroll leads around the lake through woodlands and gardens. Take the time to check out the winter gardens. There's also a small café here.

The coal-fired paddle steamer, Waimarie, is one of the original riverboats that operated here. Sunk in 1954, it was salvaged from the river bed and restored in the 1990s. Throughout summer (late Oct.--early May) you can enjoy a historic, two-hour cruise, just like the old days. The Waimarie Centre displays photographs and related artifacts from the era when riverboats thrived here. Opening hours are variable at this volunteer operation; summer weekends are your best bet.

Rescued from the muddy riverbed and restored to first-class order, the classic little riverboat Wairua now makes regular two- and three-hour passenger trips upriver. Scheduled cruises depart year-round on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday at 11 am.