Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the town and the national park. It can assist you with transport, the options for which are the
same as for New Plymouth.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Whanganui
06 / POP 39,700
Halfway between Wellington and New Plymouth, Whanganui is a raggedy historic town on
the banks of the Whanganui River.
4
Sleeping & Eating
Whatever you're craving for dinner can be found on, or near, Victoria Ave.
HOSTEL$
Anndion Lodge
( 0800 343 056, 343 3593;
www.anndionlodge.co.nz;
143 Anzac Pde; s/d/f/ste from $75/88/105/
130; )
Hell-bent on constantly improving and expanding their fabulous hyper-hostel,
hosts Ann and Dion go to enormous lengths to make things homey: stereo systems, big TVs,
spa, swimming pool, barbecue area, restaurant, bar, courtesy van etc.
HOSTEL$
Tamara Backpackers Lodge
( 347 6300;
www.tamaralodge.com;
24 Somme Pde; dm $31, s from $54, d & tw with/without bath-
room $86/72; )
This photogenic, mazelike two-storey heritage house has a wide balcony,
lofty ceilings, kitchen, TV lounge, free bikes and a leafy, hammock-hung back garden. Ask
for one of the beaut doubles overlooking the river.
Whanganui River Top 10 Holiday Park
( 0800 272 664, 343 8402;
www.wrivertop10.co.nz;
460 Somme Pde; campsites/cabins/units from
$21/72/135; )
Sitting on the Whanganui's west bank 6km north of Dublin Bridge,
this place has prodigious facilities spread around the grassy riverbank.
HOLIDAY PARK$
Cracked Pepper
(21 Victoria Ave; mains $5-18; 7am-4.30pm; )
At Whanganui's best cafe, spot-on staff serve
great coffee and food, including plenty of vegetarian options. The 1890s building is a
beauty.
CAFE$
CAFE, BAR$$$
Stellar
