Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Chronicle Glass Studio
GALLERY
OFFLINE MAP
GOOGLE MAP
(
www.chronicleglass.co.nz
;
2 Rutland St; 9am-5pm Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm Sat & Sun)
The
pick of Whanganui's many glass studios is the Chronicle Glass Studio where you can
watch glass-blowers working, check out the gallery, take a weekend glass-blowing
course ($390) or a one-hour 'Make a Paperweight' lesson ($100), or just hang out and
warm up on a chilly afternoon.
Durie Hill Elevator
TOWER
(
www.wanganui.govt.nz
;
Anzac Pde; adult/child one-way $2/1; 8am-6pm Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm Sat
& Sun)
Across City Bridge from downtown Whanganui, this elevator was built with grand
visions for Durie Hill's residential future. A tunnel burrows 213m into the hillside, from
where a 1919 elevator rattles 65.8m to the top. At the summit you can climb the 176
GOOGLE MAP
and scan the horizon
for Mt Taranaki and Mt Ruapehu.
Putiki Church
CHURCH
(20 Anaua St; per person $2, plus deposit $20; services 9am Sun)
Across the City Bridge
from town and 1km towards the sea is the Putiki Church (aka St Paul's Memorial
Church). It's unremarkable externally but, just like the faithful pew-fillers, it's what's in-
side that counts: the interior is magnificent, completely covered in Maori carvings and
tukutuku
(woven panels). Show up for Sunday service, or borrow a key from the i-SITE.
Kai Iwi Beach
BEACH
Kai Iwi Beach is a wild ocean frontier, strewn with black sand and masses of broken
driftwood. To get here follow Great North Rd 4km north of town, then turn left onto
Rapanui Rd and head seawards for 10km.
Splash Centre
SWIMMING
(
www.splashcentre.co.nz
; Springvale Park, London St; adult/child $4.50/3, waterslide $3;
6am-8pm Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm Sat & Sun)
If the sea is angry, try the Splash Centre for a safe
swim.
Tours
Whanganui National Park has canoe, kayak and jetboat tours on the Whanganui River.
