Whanganui River & Heritage Homes

Itinerary

DAY ONE                                                                  D  

We start our journey through New Zealand's North Island with a morning tea stop along the way. From there, we will make our way around the shores of Lake Taupo to Turangi. Fishing is the local obsession, and this town sits on the banks of the Tongariro River, which is world-famous for its rainbow trout. Today we'll enjoy lunch at one of the local cafes of your choice. After lunch, we will continue our way to Whanganui where we will be staying for most of our time away. Whanganui City is a charming and culturally rich destination that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, art, history, and outdoor activities. Once we arrive, there will be enough time to freshen up before we head out for dinner at one of the local restaurants.

DAY TWO                                                                 B, L, D  

For our tour of Whanganui, we will be looking at some of the iconic and historic homes of the region with our local tour guide John Vickers. John is a fifth-generation New Zealander with a lifetime interest in New Zealand Heritage. The homesteads are from the 1870-1915 period and are fine examples of their type nestled in beautiful settings. We will enjoy a catered lunch along the way. This will be an informative and inspiring day out.

DAY THREE                                                            B, L, D 

This morning, we will take a scenic tour to the River Mouth, and from there, we will make our way to the Waimarie Centre. Mid-morning, we will be cruising the Whanganui River in the faithfully restored heritage vessel, the Waimarie Paddle Steamer. The Waimarie Paddle Steamer was salvaged from the bottom of the Whanganui River, where she sat for around 50 years. She was then restored to her former glory and re-launched in 2000, making her New Zealand's only authentic coal-fired paddle steamer in operation. We will enjoy lunch on board and, after this, we will make our way back to the thriving metropolis of Whanganui. Upon our arrival back, there will be an opportunity to visit the Sarjeant Art Gallery or look around shops. After this, we'll take our time to view Pretty Virginia Park and the Durie Hill Tower & Elevator and then head back to our hotel.

DAY FOUR                                                             B,MT, L, D  

As we embark on the Whanganui River Road Tour, we set off on a journey of discovery, adventure, and natural beauty. We will enjoy a morning tea along the way, and then visit several fascinating stops, including Aramoana, Koriniti, and the Kawana Flour Mill. At each stop, we will be mesmerized by the stunning landscapes and learn about the rich Maori history and traditions of the region. Our tour will also include a lunch stop at Jerusalem, where we will enjoy a break for a bite to eat. As the day draws to a close, we make our way to Ohakune, a charming alpine village situated at the foot of the majestic Mount Ruapehu. Our accommodation for the night will be the Powderhorn Ohakune, a perfect blend of comfort, style, and relaxation. For dinner, we head to the onsite restaurant, where we can reflect on the experiences of the day.

DAY FIVE                                                                  B, L  

After breakfast, we will enjoy a drive up the magnificent Mount Ruapehu road to the 'Bruce' car park, situated within the UNESCO dual world heritage Tongariro National Park. Depending on whether the Skywaka has opened for the season, we will be able to ride it, but if not, we will still enjoy the mountain environment. After this, we will have lunch at the scenic Oreti Lodge, which provides panoramic views of Lake Taupo. This will be an excellent way to finish the trip on a high.