There’s always something on in Whanganui. Our annual events celebrate what makes Whanganui unique, from our rich heritage to our vibrant arts scene to our great sporting achievements. We also have plenty of smaller, niche events on every week, thanks to our vibrant and active community. Check out the listings below.
Vintage Weekend Whanganui
If you’re a vintage enthusiast or just yearn for yesteryear you must come to the Vintage Weekend, Whanganui’s premiere heritage event. Spread over four days, during Wellington Anniversary Weekend in January, we guarantee you will be transported to a bygone era! Music abounds at the Caboodle. Dress-ups, markets, bands, food and wine – it’s a few days of old-time fun and tomfoolery for all! One of the top events in Whanganui.
Whanganui Artists Open Studios
In late March, visit over 60 studios and galleries and over 150 artists studios with outstanding examples in glass, furniture, printmaking, ceramic, jewellery and painting. The trail points you towards local artists and studios nestled along the banks of the serene Whanganui river, or hidden in the hills in a huge old brick kiln. Great art, great prices and great experiences – the best showcase of many art events in Whanganui!
Whanganui Cricket Festival
Established over 10 years ago, the Wanganui Cricket Festival runs for three weeks in January for Years 5 to 10 with each age groups competing for a four-day period. The event also includes the NZ National Girls Cricket Tournament and competition is of the highest calibre. With traditionally spectacular weather in January, the games are held at Victoria Park, Whanganui’s premiere cricket ground. A great time to support your budding cricketer and combine a family holiday!
Masters Games Whanganui
Centered at the Games Village in The War Memorial Centre, this nine-day event comprises more than 55 different sports and 2,400 individual events as well as nightly entertainment. Alternating between Whanganui and Dunedin each year and with offerings for ages 20 and up, the NZ Masters Games attracts competitors not only from all over New Zealand, but also from more than 20 countries internationally. A great time and great place!
V8 thunder at Shelter View Jet Sprints Park in Whanganui!
The fourth round of the NZ Jet Sprint Championships with up to forty boats speeding and slamming around a purpose-built course within a natural amphitheater ensuring you don’t miss out on any of the action! Adrenalin pumping and thrilling! Make sure you don’t miss this March 21st event – the last round in the series! One of several great motorsport events in Whanganui!
The Vintage Social
Porridge Watson
Last year's epic first night party for Bayleys Whanganui Vintage Weekend is back for 2021! Come dressed in an outfit from your favourite era to dance to the best vintage sounds from all eras at Whanganui’s home of ...
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The Amazing Dinosaur Discovery
Springvale Park
The Amazing Dinosaur Discovery is a 2 hour interactive dinosaur walk through that brings prehistoric times alive again! Come and explore the prehistoric ages and discover over 30 lifelike dinosaurs. You don't want ...
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UnderCover
Shotz Bar and Gaming Lounge
UnderCover play 80s Rock, Pop, New Wave, 90s and 00 bangers. And Shotz Bar knows how to party. Its free entry all night long, so bring your friends, bring a rockin attitude and come party with us on Whanganui's most ...
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Jazz Cruise
Waimarie Centre
Book early to secure your place for this unique opportunity to get on board the Paddle Steamer Waimarie and listen to the highly regarded Andrew London Trio play their jazz tunes. Complimentary glass of bubbles, ...
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Bayleys Whanganui Vintage Weekend
Whanganui
In Whanganui, we begin every year with a big, loud, colourful party! While enjoying an eclectic range of vintage and celebration-themed events, we rejoice in how lucky we are to live in this humming place filled with ...
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Cruising at 11
Waimarie Centre
Enjoy river travel as it used to be as you listen to stories, take in the beautiful scenery, send a message with the homing pigeons and visit the engine room during this unique and authentic cruise aboard our Paddle ...
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DC-3 Scenic Flights at Whanganui Vintage Weekend 2021
Whanganui Airport Terminal
Air Chathams fabulous 1945 Douglas DC-3, is coming back to Whanganui for Vintage Weekend 2021! She will be returning in the original NAC (National Airways Corporation) livery having undergone a restoration in ...
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A very Vintage Jazz and Blues Night
Porridge Watson
A very vintage jazz and blues night - with live music from Lauren Armstrong and friends. We are delighted to announce Lauren Armstrong is joining the Vintage Festival 2021 to perform a very special night of jazz and ...
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Doffing Dinner - Mainstreet Caboodle
Majestic Square
Doffing one's hat as a cultural expression of recognition, respect, gratitude, or simple salutation and acknowledgement between two persons. Don your hat - Come & take a special guided tour through the historic town ...
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Mainstreet Caboodle
Whanganui
Caboodle is the biggest day of the Vintage Weekend Festivities. Caboodle takes over the town centre for over 14 hours in the town centre – encompassing entertainment, food, fashion, flea market and cars all in a ...
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Vintage Cruise
Waimarie Centre
Join us on a vintage themed cruise falling on the same weekend as Whanganui’s famous Vintage Weekend - Passengers are encouraged to dress vintage style. Fully licensed galley with hot and cold refreshments - Eftpos ...
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Arts and Crafts Movement Walking Ramble
Whanganui
Offered again by popular demand. Covering several blocks on foot, see key inner-city places which made Whanganui a centre of Arts and Crafts Movement design. Refreshments provided. Hosted by Whanganui District ...
Read moreCemetery Circuit Street Races
Of international fame and run for the first time in 1951, this event captures the hearts and minds of motorcycle enthusiasts everywhere! Formula 1, BEARS, classics and side cars, international and national legends, this street circuit is one mile long with eight corners, two railway crossings, an over-bridge and blind S’s beside the old Whanganui cemetery. If you have just a sniff of petrolhead in you, you won’t want to miss this. Held every year on Boxing Day (26th December) – one of the top events in Whanganui.
FLIGHTS TO WHANGANUI
The Whanganui Airport offers quick and easy daily flights to Auckland with Air Chathams
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