The Honeymoon Guide to Whanganui

© NZPocketGuide.com

Romantic Adventure Activities

From picturesque parks to breathtaking beaches, there are many stunning spaces in Whanganui to provide a romantic backdrop to your honeymoon.

Start with a stroll in one of Whanganui’s beautiful parks like Virginia Lake or the Bason Botanic Gardens. Smell the extensive array of orchids and wander around the beautiful brick conservatory at the Bason Botanic Garden. With free gas barbecue facilities and wide-open spaces, it’s the perfect place for a romantic picnic. Alternatively, Virginia Lake is closer to town and features an easy walk around the lake alive with birdlife, from pukeko to swans. It’s also where you’ll find the Whanganui Winter Gardens, as well as a cosy cafe.

Whanganui, of course, is the ideal place to experience the world’s only river that has a legal entity status! Vintage riverboat cruises are a romantic way to see the Whanganui River from the city, with the Motor Vessel Wairua. Their Hipango Park Picnic Cruise takes you to a stunning park only accessible by river complete with Maori sites of significance, bush walks, barbecues and more. Alternatively, their Upokongaro Cruise takes you up the river to a historic hotel for dinner. Cruises on the Whanganui River can also be enjoyed with Waimarie, New Zealand’s only coal-fired paddle steamer.

Stargazing is a simple yet romantic way to spend an evening together, especially in New Zealand with the Southern Hemisphere stars being so prominent. Enhance the experience with one of the Friday public viewings at the Ward Observatory. Located in Cooks Gardens, the Ward Observatory is home to a 24cm telescope where you can see the stars and Saturn on a clear night through its powerful lens.

For more inspiration for active activities, like visiting Kai Iwi or Castlecliff Beaches, cycling along the river or something else, check out the 10 Romantic Activities in Whanganui for Couples.

© NZPocketGuide.com

Romantic All-weather Activities

Whanganui has a range of indoor attractions to enjoy no matter what the weather is doing. Learn something new at the Whanganui Regional Museum, be inspired by artwork at the Sargeant Gallery, or make your own glass art at New Zealand Glassworks. We go through them all in the 10 Things to Do in Whanganui on a Rainy Day. Nevertheless, if you’re looking for something particularly romantic, then we recommend a visit to the Putiki Church.

There’s something quite endearing about wandering the intricately carved Pukiti Church, also known as St Pauls Memorial Church. The church is beautifully lit so you can admire the Maori carvings and tukutuku (wall panels) in all of their splendour. Guided tours are also available of the church, which you can book through the Whanganui i-SITE.

© Pixabay

Romantic Restaurants in Whanganui

If you find romance in the casual, rather than lavish fine dining affairs, then you’ll love what Whanganui has to offer. Whanganui’s main restaurants are an interesting mix of European, South American and Japanese cuisine, starting with Japanese meals which can be enjoyed in the attractive alfresco environment of the Japanese Kitchen WA (92 Victoria Avenue). Dishes are authentic and well-presented, but make sure you book a table at this popular spot.

We also like La Quattro (13 Victoria Avenue), a Mexican restaurant that does a colourful array of cocktails and delicious Mexican dishes ideal for sharing.

Finally, for the likes of New Zealand lamb, New Zealand green-lipped mussels and European-style food, check out places like Stellar Restaurant & Bar (2 Victoria Avenue), Rutland Arms (48-52 Ridgway Street) and Caroline’s Boatshed Bar and Eatery (181 Somme Parade).

See more dining recommendations in The Luxury Guide to Whanganui.