Whanganui

Things to do in Whanganui

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Top 10 attractions in Whanganui

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Virginia Lake Reserve

Virginia Lake Reserve

3.1
Whanganui · 2.2 km from downtown
Kowhai Park Family Playground

Kowhai Park Family Playground

3
Whanganui · 1 km from downtown
Winter Gardens

Winter Gardens

2.8
Whanganui · 2.2 km from downtown
Whale Watch Kaikoura
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in New Zealand

Whale Watch Kaikoura

9.4
4.6/5
206 reviews
Get up close and personal with the world's largest toothed predator - the giant sperm whale - for a thrilling experience. If you're lucky, you'll have the chance to see rare dusky dolphins, Hector's dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and other animals during the voyage. Visitors will take a professional Cruise deep into the Pacific Ocean to get up close and personal with large marine mammals such as humpback whales and killer whales, and experience the grandeur and mystery of marine life. The Cruise is equipped with professional Guide to provide visitors with detailed introductions to the habits and ecological environment of marine life, and enhance their awareness of marine protection. In addition, the Cruise also provides a comfortable viewing platform and rest area to ensure that every visitor can enjoy an unforgettable sea trip.New Zealand · Kaikoura
Durie Hill Elevator

Durie Hill Elevator

2.8
Whanganui · 1.1 km from downtown
Bason Botanic Gardens

Bason Botanic Gardens

2.7
Westmere · 9.7 km from Whanganui
Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours
2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours

9
4.7/5
907 reviews
Join us and experience the real Middle-earth™ at the Hobbiton Movie Set, where, in the heart of the Waikato region, you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire™, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies.Fall in love with the Alexander family sheep farm, just as acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson did, as you journey on a short bus ride through the unequivocal beauty of the land, with the mighty Kaimai Ranges towering in the distance. Your guide will escort you on a shared walking tour around the movie set, showcasing the intricate details, pointing out the most famous locations and explaining how movie magic was made here. △ Immerse yourself in the fairy tale town of The Hobbit △ Ejoy the fenced garden and the mirror lake △ Admire New Zealand's stunning sceneryNew Zealand · Matamata
Whanganui River TOP 10 Holiday Park

Whanganui River TOP 10 Holiday Park

2.7
Whanganui · 5.2 km from downtown
War Memorial Tower

War Memorial Tower

2.7
Whanganui · 1.4 km from downtown
Whanganui Regional Museum

Whanganui Regional Museum

2.6
4.5/5
2 reviews
Whanganui · 414m from downtown

Experiences you can't miss in Whanganui

Featured Day tours in Whanganui

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Tongariro Alpine Crossing Shuttle – Park & Ride Ketetahi
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4.8/5
· 112 reviews
Duration: 8 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for today
97.3% of travelers recommend
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromOMR 13.300OMR 14.01
Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Hike Trail Roundtrip Shuttle
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4.7/5
· 87 reviews
Free cancellation
Book now for today
95.4% of travelers recommend
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromOMR 15.570OMR 16.39
Tongariro Alpine Half Day Guided Group Walk
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4.8/5
· 14 reviews
Duration: 4 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromOMR 72.870OMR 76.71
Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Round-Trip Shuttle Service
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4.7/5
· 29 reviews
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromOMR 18.680OMR 19.67
Tongariro Crossing one-way shuttles: private secure carpark
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Duration: 30 mins
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromOMR 14.370OMR 15.13
Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Return shuttle from Ohakune
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5.0/5
· 3 reviews
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromOMR 22.830OMR 24.04
Taumarunui: Railcart and Jetboat Adventure with lunch
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4.5/5
· 4 reviews
Duration: 4–7 hrs
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromOMR 102.080OMR 107.46
Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Premium Guided Hike
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4.4/5
· 5 reviews
Duration: 9 hrs
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromOMR 93.680OMR 98.62

Free things to do in Whanganui

What travellers say about Whanganui

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cup***eiOctober 6, 2026
5.0
We chose the whale-watching boat at 1:15 PM and were very lucky today, seeing three humpback whales, as well as dolphins, seals, and more. Highly recommended.

Whale Watch Kaikoura

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_FB***17October 15, 2026
4.0
Hobbiton was an amazing experience with beautiful scenery, charming surroundings and incredible attention to detail. The entire place was well maintained, and walking through the village felt like stepping into a magical world. The lush green hills, iconic hobbit holes and picturesque landscapes made the visit truly memorable.What I appreciated most was how accommodating and considerate the staff were towards my friend with OKU (disability) needs. Their willingness to assist and ensure my friend could enjoy the experience made a real difference. It was wonderful to see a popular tourist attraction making an effort to be inclusive and welcoming to visitors with different needs.The surroundings were absolutely stunning, and there were plenty of opportunities to take beautiful photos and appreciate the unique atmosphere of the village. Every corner had something interesting to discover, and the scenery made the entire visit enjoyable .

Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours

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derricFebruary 2, 2020
5.0
The Wanganui area is located in the southwest of New Zealand's North Island. It used to be a bustling wharf. After the opening of the steamship, it was once very busy and became a commercial hub. Now that the wharf has declined, the glass manufacturing industry has replaced the wharf industry, and the original wharf has been converted into a glass workshop. The scenery of the Wanganui River is very beautiful. There is the Wanganui Highway next to it, which is also a very famous scenic highway in New Zealand. The road is not very long and can be completed in about an hour. However, the grass on the road is too tall, so you have to stop the car and see the river view from the side. The most common way to play is boating, which is also the first boat route on a river in the seven major hiking routes in New Zealand.

Whanganui Regional Museum

Popular cities near Whanganui

Frequently asked questions

What are the recommended tours and excursions in Whanganui?

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Tongariro Alpine Crossing Shuttle – Park & Ride Ketetahi, Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Hike Trail Roundtrip Shuttle, and Tongariro Alpine Half Day Guided Group Walk. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of October 23, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Whanganui is around OMR 13.3 – OMR 102.08. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.