Next stop on my road trip was Whanganui

2 hours from New Plymouth or 2.5 hours from Wellington is this beautiful vibrant colourful city, with stunning Victorian buildings and a river running through it.

From the moment I arrived in this city I could feel a really nice vibe. The people were lovely and down to earth and the City Centre colourful. The Victorian buildings are well preserved, felt very much a UK town, having lived there for 2 years loved that look and feeling.

5 Points of Interest i enjoyed

1. Winter Gardens botanical gardens

These lovely colourful gardens are a real treat.. Very pretty and they have a lovely indoor garden also which had a Christmas theme at the time I visited so beautiful, with Pointsettas and bright colourful flowers and Christmas statues recommended if you want a nice stroll in the sunshine, around Victoria lake, has a lovely fountain in the middle of it.

2. War memorial tower located on the hillside on the other side of Whanganui river such beautiful views from up there. Loved the tower unfortunately due to covid restrictions couldn't climb up it but nice for a photo.

3. Quartz museum of studio ceramics located in the city. I quite like creative sculptures and these were amazing. Rick himself was there so down to earth and friendly made me feel very welcome in his studio.

Unique to Aoteroa New Zealand, Quartz, Museum of Studio Ceramics is the only dedicated museum for studio ceramics in this country and is the largest and most diverse public ceramic display. The Museum was opened in November 2015 by Rick Rudd, a renowned studio potter, because he saw an absence of permanent collections on show in the major galleries and museums in Aotearoa New Zealand. Quartz was initially established to house his substantial collection. This collection comprised approximately one hundred works by New Zealand potters (the movers and shakers of their time), from the early 20th century to works of contemporary makers.

4. Whanganui Museum

Loacted in the heart of the city just above the shopping centre.

The Maori exhibition is fantastic showcasing some great Maori war canoes and history of their people.

The time period pieces were great also showing Whanganui through the Victorian times through to this generation.

Well recommended if your into museums

5. Whanganui shopping centre

The town has all the shopping you require, from boutique shops to department stores you can find most things here. Was really impressed with the city centre very tidy pretty area. I can see why Whanganui has won most beautiful city for 2 years.

Places to Dine

Rutland arms inn - located on Ridgway street - this quaint inn has delicious meals I had a chicken salad delicious, apparently the bangers and mash come highly recommended also.

Mud Ducks Cafe

Located near the Whanganui river this cool cafe has delicious coffee and yummy treats. Stopped here was very busy staff were very friendly well recommended

Brickhouse Restaurant

Located opposite the opera house a very nice hearty meal. Had a porterhouse steak with chips and salad delicious.. well worth a meal here and the price was reasonable also.

Whanganui has captured a piece of my heart.. I can definitely see why this city was named most beautiful city loved every moment of my stay here. Would definitely recommend a trip here.

Charz 2021