Whanganui National Park

Whanganui National Park is located in the Manawatū-Whanganui region on New Zealand’s North Island. Nearby towns include Whanganui, Taumarunui, and Pipiriki. Established in 1986, the park protects the Whanganui River, which has deep cultural significance to the Māori people, and has been a historic waterway for centuries. The park has various parking areas at trailheads and visitor sites, with rules for overnight parking. Wildlife includes the North Island brown kiwi, New Zealand falcon, and native bats. The park's flora features dense podocarp forests with rimu, kahikatea, and ferns. Notable landmarks include the Whanganui River itself, the Bridge to Nowhere, and ancient Māori settlement sites. Public transport options are limited, but shuttle services are available from Whanganui and Taumarunui, catering to those wanting to explore the Whanganui River and nearby hiking trails.