Join the MV Wairua for a brand-new cruise downstream to the historic port of Castlecliff. Sail by the wharves of yesteryear, learn about the shipwrecks and challenges of early coastal navigation. Take in the sea air and see how our historic port is looking to the future. 90 minute scenic cruise. Live commentary. Toilet on board. Food and drink is not included. Passengers may bring food and drink on board (no alcohol). This trip is not suitable for dogs. Bookings should be made on the MV
Wairua website.

Globe-trotting Whanganui teacher Pam Phease who spoke last year on life in Oman also spent two years living in Malaysia, working with experienced Malaysia primary and secondary government school English teachers. She travelled extensively throughout Malaysia and had lots of interesting experiences and will share highlights and insights in an illustrated talk.

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No booking necessary although numbers are limited to 200. Wheelchair access. 

Join Pou Tiaki/ Collections and Curatorial Lead, Trish Nugent-Lyne,
at Te Puni Tiaki Taonga
o Whanganui / Whanganui
Regional Museum for a behind-
the-scenes tour.

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To sign up, email info@wrm.org.nz or call 06 349 1110.

Join Kaihāpai Taonga/ Curator of Social and Natural History, Maeve Egan, and Kaihāpai Taonga Māori/ Curator, Taonga Māori, Eruera Rerekura, at Te Puni Tiaki Taonga o Whanganui / Whanganui Regional Museum,for a behind-
the-scenes tour.

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To sign up, email info@wrm.org.nz or call the museum, 06 349 1110.

Whanganui’s Phil Thomsen,
also known nationally as Phil the Practical Gardener,  has been involved in gardening and horticulture all his life. He has written three gardening books and has his own YouTube channel. As someone with a passion for helping people to improve their gardening practices, he’s used to giving advice. See what’s going on in his garden at his home at 4 Taranaki Street, St John’s Hill. 

Join Kaihāpai Korero/ Curator, Images and Manuscripts, Sandi Black, at Te Puni Tiaki Taonga o Whanganui/ Whanganui Regional Museum for a vibrant and surprising journey through the ways locals have celebrated summer over time. From river picnics and beach holidays to iconic summer fashions and community festivals, you will witness the stories, photos, and objects that shaped our warmest memories.

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To sign up, email info@wrm.org.nz or call the museum, 06 349 1110. 

Visit RNZAF Ohakea and the Ohakea War Memorial Hall Aviation Centre. The Biggin Hill facility at RNZAF Ohakea displays airworthy examples of iconic WW2 combat aircraft and other military aircraft on static display. Displays of model aircraft, wall panels depicting aircraft information and memorabilia relating to
New Zealander Al Deere who commanded the Biggin Hill Wing in 1943 are on show. Access to RNZAF Ohakea requires security clearances and photo ID (NZ Drivers Licence or NZ Passport only) is required for all persons over 16 years. These are the only acceptable form of ID.

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After the visit to Biggin Hill we go to Viv’s Kitchen at Sanson for lunch (own cost). We then visit the Ohakea War Memorial Hall Aircraft at Speedy Road. The centre has a large collection of RNZAF and general aircraft information displays and memorabilia with knowledgeable volunteers on hand. The display takes you on a journey through the decades of war and aviation’s role within war. Entry is by koha.

Sturdy footwear, warm clothing & rain gear. BYO lunch, snacks & drinks.

The Patea Historic Society will take us to Otoia and Whakapaiho pa sites which are located not far from each other in the Kakaramea region, beside the Patea River. Attacked in May 1865 by Major Von Tempsky and his Bush Rangers only a few months after the battle of Te Ngaio in March 1865. The ancient fortress of Otautu can also be seen across the river. Afternoon tea at Kakaramea Hall. Another great day hosted
by the society.

Visit in the early evening the exotic Fordell garden of Clive and Nicki Higgie which is landscaped with plants from all over the world. Paloma has been awarded “Garden of National Significance” by the NZ Gardens Trust and the  plants, sculptures and terrain make this outing a real treat. A bonus is Moto 71 which displays "The Art of the Motorcycle", celebrated with a collection of classic motorbikes.

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The are short walks so sturdy footwear is recommended, along with rainwear just incase. Bring your own picnic meal plus hot
or cold drinks.

Whanganui historian Scott Flutey recently spent eight weeks in Eastern and Central Europe, exploring heritage sites and his own whakapapa. Scott will speak to the history, culture and politics of the region and share insights from his time working in Lithuania’s UNESCO Vilnius City of Literature office, and his subsequent journey across Poland, Austria, and Northern Italy.​

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No booking necessary although numbers are limited to 200. Wheelchair access. 

The popular Rangitikei Heritage Tour is back with John Vickers again leading us through two Rangitikei homesteads. They are Merchiston Rata where we will have lunch followed by Overton — two large houses. Merchiston was completed in 1908, designed by J C Madison of Christchurch, and Overton, designed by F de J Clere, in 1884. A friendly relaxed day outing in the country.

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BYO lunch, snacks and drinks. Boiling water and milk provided.

Graham and Val Hawtree’s vintage radio museum at 50 Fox Rd is back on our programme again. Over 25 years they have collected more than 500 valve and battery radios ranging in age from 1918 through to the late 1940s. Visiting here is a journey into nostalgia to a time when sitting around the radio was a great treat and pastime.

Come and join us on an adventure to capture stunning landscapes around the Whanganui Awa. You will be guided by local photographers who will give advice on how to set up your camera for the perfect shot with sunset just after 8pm. 

Mainly flat walking. Sturdy footwear and rainwear. Wanganui has many magnificent heritage  buildings and monuments. On this 2 hour walk we will learn about some of them and their history. Meet at the riverbank at the Whanganui i-SITE. The walk is easy and suitable for all ages. 

Enjoy a free tour of the newly-restored and extended Sarjeant Gallery and its exhibitions with one of its knowledgeable staff.

Our meanders begin with a visit to Awahuri Forest — Kitchener Park in Feilding, an important lowland semi-swamp podocarp forest remnant. On to the beautified parking area in the Manawatu Gorge and a look at the stylish bridge over the river before driving to Woodville and back to taste the new highway. Lunch will be at the magnificent Luttrells White Pine Gardens and Museum at Pohangina. Homeward bound we will stop at the Herb Farm Cafe with its 14 themed gardens and for an ice cream in Bulls. A full and interesting day. 

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Short walks. Sturdy footwear & rainwear. BYO lunch, snacks and drinks.

A flat walk ideal for most ages. No cost, sturdy sneakers ideal. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing. 

Meet at the Aramoho Cemetery’s main gate to walk along the riverside walkway and across the Upokongaro Bridge which takes about 45 minutes. Bring afternoon tea or buy
at the cafe.

Tucked away Whanganui East is Geoff’s Model Shop, a wonder world for modellers and hobbyists. It’s a huge resource for those who wish to scratch-build their models and those who like to build from kit sets. If your interest is train sets or kit sets for planes, boats cars, tanks etc, see what Geoff has to offer.