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. We'll 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 this, we will continue our way to Whanganui where we will be staying for much 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. 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’ll 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’ll enjoy a catered lunch along the way. This will be an informative inspiring day out.

DAY THREE                                    B, L, D

This morning we'll take a scenic tour to the River Mouth from where we 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. Salvaged from the bottom of the Whanganui River where she sat for around 50 years, the Waimarie Paddle Steamer was restored to her former glory and re-launched in 2000 to make her New Zealand’s only authentic coal-fired paddle steamer in operation. We’ll 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 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 morning tea along the way, we will visit several fascinating stops, including Aramoana, Koriniti, and the Kawana Flour Mill. At each stop, we will be mesmerized by the stunning landscapes, 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 on-site 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. A ride on the Skywaka will depend on if it has opened for the season and the weather, however we will still enjoy the mountain environment. After this we will enjoy 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.