Whanganui National Park
The river meandering through the National Park; Whanganui River is the main attraction. The river starts at Mount Tongariro (centre of the northern island) and empties after more than 300 kilometers in the Tasman Sea. The park has a rugged setting of dense forest. Furthermore abandoned farm settlements and Maori historic sights will be seen when exploring this remote area. The park is accessible by road or via the river.
Outdoor
Canoeing and kayaking
The river is quite calm and therefore for a wide public accessible by canoe or kayak. While canoeing or kayaking on this river you will witness some amazing nature and lots of History; you will feel it when paddling around. You can rent one of attend a tour.
There is also a canoe trip which belongs to the list of nine Great Walks (look at Tramping) in New Zealand. This Great Walk is not a walk but a canoe trip. This canoe trip will provide you splendid nature and History. When wanting to attend this Great Walk, or actually canoe trip you can visit a nearby DOC.
Jetboating
Jetboating on Whanganui River is a very popular thing to do. You will see many beautiful places and stunning nature along the river.
Scenic driving route
Taking the Wanganui River Road is a very nice thing to do. You will find lost of historically interesting places; from old early settlers villages to Maori villages. Furthermore the nature you pass is beautiful.
Tramping
There are some excellent tramping opportunities in this wild and remote area rich of History. Matemateaonga Track is a very beautiful one. It is a four day track considered as easy to moderate to undertake. The best time to walk this track is from October till May. You will wander along remote and isolated wilderness, which ends with a spectacular jetboat ride on the Whanganui River. Of course there are many more opportunities like a track to the Bridge to Nowhere or the Mangapurua Track. For more information please ask a DOC in the area.
Culture and Entertainment
Cultural buildings and places
Maori Villages
There are many Maori villages along or near the river. Some of these villages are: Atene and Ranana. These nice and interesting villages are most of the time not opened for public.
Pipiriki
This used to be a bustling European settlers place in older times. You can still find lots of that History in Pipiriki; for example Pipiriki House, Colonial House and MV Onagarue.