Whanganui River & Heritage Homes

Itinerary

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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 on our way to Whanganui where we will be staying for the majority 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 here we make our way to the Riverboat Centre and Museum which offers a fascinating glimpse into Whanganui's rich river heritage, where you can discover a working paddlewheel, historic riverboat artefacts, interactive exhibits, and stories that bring to life the vital role the Whanganui River played in the region's transport, commerce, and early settlement. We enjoy a relaxing visit to Bushy Park Tarapuruhi Homestead and Sanctuary, where leaseholder Mr Dale Pullen will welcome the group with a brief but fascinating introduction to the history of the homestead and this remarkable native wildlife sanctuary. Afterwards, explore the beautifully restored homestead before enjoying a delicious hot buffet lunch. Following lunch, you'll have free time to discover the tranquil gardens and grounds at your own pace. Take the easy, Twin Ponga Loop Track, where you may spot the rare hihi (stitchbird), stroll to the magnificent 1,000-year-old northern rātā, or visit the historic stables, information centre and small museum. This peaceful afternoon offers a wonderful blend of heritage, nature and relaxation. Upon our arrival back in Whanganui there will be the option to visit the Sarjeant Art Gallery, look around shops, view Pretty Virginia Park or the Durie Hill Tower & Elevator.

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 up 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.