Things to Do This Weekend in Whanganui

Everything to see and do in Whanganui.

Your weekly guide to the best things to do this weekend in Whanganui: what’s on, where to go and where to eat. A mixed, showery one weather-wise, with a blend of indoor picks and outdoor spots for when it clears. Here’s the plan for Friday 24 to Sunday 26 July.

Updated live from the forecast. Pop back closer to the weekend for the sharpest read.

This weekend’s weather

FriShowers13°10° 92%
SatShowers10° 92%
SunLight drizzle 45%
Weather data: Open-Meteo

What’s on this weekend

ALLWKND
He Ao Āpōpō, He Ao Tea: Māori FuturesArts
Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant GalleryA new exhibition exploring Māori futures, on now at the Sarjeant until 25 October.
ALLWKND
Kirsty Lillico: Heavy FallsArts
Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant GalleryKirsty Lillico's exhibition Heavy Falls runs at the Sarjeant until 25 October.
ALLWKND
Edith Collier: Local LandscapesArts
Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant GalleryLocal landscapes by celebrated Whanganui painter Edith Collier, on ongoing display in the gallery.
ALLWKND
Winter Scarves by Frances RichmondArts
Katie Brown & CoA pop-up craft exhibition of winter scarves by Frances Richmond, running from 17 July.
FRI24
Oscar Dowling – Album Release TourMusic
Porridge WatsonAuckland alt-country artist Oscar Dowling tours his new album In a Kingswood on St. Benedict's Street, doors 8:00pm (R18).
SAT25
Halfway to Christmas – Irish GigMusic
1 Taylor St, Durie HillAn afternoon of Irish music marking the halfway point to Christmas, kicking off at 4:30pm.
SAT25
Whanganui River Traders MarketMarkets
Taupo QuayThe weekly riverside market returns with more than 100 stalls of local produce, street food, art and crafts, 8:30am–1pm.

See everything on in Whanganui →

Things to do this weekend

Weather-matched things to do this weekend in Whanganui: a mixed one, so it’s indoor picks for the showers and outdoor spots for when it clears.

Walk

Te Araroa Whanganui: Canoe the Great Walk Section

Hike the breathtaking sections of Te Araroa Trail, where diverse landscapes and rich Māori heritage await—discover the best spots to explore next.

Read the guide →
Park

Waitōtara Conservation Area Whanganui: Remote Tramping and Huts

You'll discover breathtaking landscapes and vibrant ecosystems in Waitotara Forest, but what hidden treasures await in this untouched wilderness?

Read the guide →
Park

Splash Centre Whanganui: Pools, Slides and Fitness

Keep fit and have fun at Whanganui's Splash Centre, where endless aquatic adventures await—discover what makes it the ultimate family destination!

Read the guide →
Western And

Mowhanau Whanganui: Coastal Settlement at Kai Iwi Beach

You'll discover a coastal paradise at Mowhanau Suburb, where golden sands and thrilling activities await—what hidden gems will you uncover next?

Read the guide →
Museum

Whanganui Regional Museum: Taonga Māori, Moa & Local History

Unravel the captivating tales of Whanganui's past at the Regional Museum, where hidden treasures and rich heritage await your discovery.

Read the guide →
Library

Paige’s Book Gallery Whanganui: Independent Bookshop on Guyton Street

Open the door to Paige's Book Gallery, where literary wonders and community events await you in Whanganui—discover what treasures lie within!

Read the guide →
Arts

Royal Whanganui Opera House: New Zealand’s Last Victorian Theatre

Be captivated by the Royal Whanganui Opera House, a historic gem that promises a vibrant experience—discover the secrets it holds within its grand walls.

Read the guide →
Art Gallery

Quartz Museum of Studio Ceramics Whanganui: Free Entry to NZ’s Only Dedicated Ceramics Museum

Keen to discover the captivating world of ceramics? The Quartz Museum of Studio Ceramics in Whanganui offers an inspiring journey through artistic creativity.

Read the guide →

Sunrise and sunset this weekend

Skies are hit and miss this weekend, so it’s not the weekend for chasing sunrises or sunsets. We’ll point you to Whanganui’s best spots when the skies clear.

Keep exploring Whanganui

Two more ways to make the most of your time in Whanganui. Tap through below.

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do this weekend in Whanganui?

This weekend in Whanganui you can pick from weather-matched things to do, the events on this weekend, and the best spots to eat, all rounded up on this page and updated live from the forecast.

What’s on this weekend in Whanganui?

The “What’s on this weekend” section above lists this weekend’s events in Whanganui, concerts, markets, theatre and more, each with its date and venue.

What can I do this weekend in Whanganui if it’s raining?

On wet weekends we lean the picks towards indoor options in Whanganui such as museums, galleries and covered attractions. The weather block at the top shows the weekend forecast so you can plan around it.

Are there markets this weekend in Whanganui?

Any markets running this weekend in Whanganui show up in the events section above, tagged so they’re easy to find alongside the weekend’s other happenings.

Are there free things to do this weekend in Whanganui?

Often, yes. Many of Whanganui’s museums, galleries, parks and markets are free to enter, and the free picks are highlighted in each weekend’s round-up.

What can families do this weekend in Whanganui?

For families this weekend, look to Whanganui’s playgrounds, beaches and daytime community events, and the weekend picks call out the family-friendly options.

How often is the Whanganui weekend guide updated?

Every Friday morning. We rebuild the guide each week for the coming Friday to Sunday, with the latest events, weather-matched things to do, and current picks for eating out.