Creativity, innovative spirit, cultural integrity and strength of artistic tradition have secured Whanganui’s recognition as a UNESCO City of Design, and its place in the international Creative Cities Network.

Whanganui is a UNESCO City of Design and this designation is evident throughout the city’s arts offerings. Photography, mosaics, jewellery, paintings, pastel, pottery, re-invented art, sculptures, fashion, textiles, glass, performing artists and musicians are to be found everywhere.

Marae, homesteads, memorials and civic buildings provide a strong sense of place and identity and the concentration of significant heritage buildings found in Whanganui is rare in New Zealand. This UNESCO City of Design boasts centuries of creativity.

Whanganui has an abundance of outdoor areas and facilities for all kinds of activities. Our beaches have plenty of room to play on land and in the sea and are favourite places for families, fishing, beachcombers and wide open walks.

A visit to the Whanganui River and the road that winds alongside it into the heart of the Whanganui National Park is a special journey with great scenery, beautiful marae and historical places of interest.