Sizzling Wanganui summer events cater for everyone

JUST BEAUTIFUL: The waterfall at Ototoka Beach. Get your skates on, the Summer Programme is off there today.PHOTO/FILE

The 2015 Whanganui Summer Programme is now under way with the following events on this week.

For further information and to book trips, go to the Wanganui i-Site Visitors' Centre, 31 Taupo Quay, Wanganui or telephone 06 349 0508 to check if space is still available on the trip of your choice.

No bookings are necessary for guided walks and evening talks and, unless otherwise noted, all trips leave from the bus stop near the i-Site. T

o download a copy of the programme visit the events section of the website www.whanganuinz.com or email us at whanganuisummerprog@gmail.com to ask about events.

The programme is organised by the Whanganui Summer Programme Trust in partnership with a range of other organisations.

Collection Tours at the Museum

Wednesday, January 21 and Thursday, January 22

To celebrate summer Whanganui Regional Museum is offering one-hour tours of the storerooms to see the treasures that tell the story of Whanganui. There are tours throughout the Summer Programme on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Meet 1pm at Whanganui Regional Museum, Watt St.

Adult $5; Child free. Bookings essential at the i-Site.

Waiinu to Ototoka Beach Walk

Wednesday, January 21

We do the driving and cook the meal while you enjoy a late afternoon guided stroll along a section of Wanganui's coastline. The trip coincides with low tide, although we may go inland briefly at Snapper Rock. An early evening barbecue awaits us at the finish point of Ototoka. BYO afternoon tea and drinks.

Depart 3.30pm; return 9pm. Adult $17; Child $12, includes barbecue.

Green Belt Walk

Thursday 22 January

Follow little-known tracks along the face of St John's Hill from Victoria Park to Mt St Joseph on this walk led by Colin Ogle.

Hear about some notable native and exotic plants, local history and visit Mt St Joseph's wetland and plantings. Some hill walking on tracks, so wear sturdy footwear. Afternoon tea at St Joseph's for a koha. Bus back to car park.

Meet 1.30pm at Victoria Park, Parsons St, St John's Hill; return 5pm. Adult $4; Child $2. No booking necessary.

River Road to Jerusalem

Friday, January 23

Travel with us up the Whanganui River Rd, stopping at Koriniti then on to Jerusalem, our lunch stop, with its famous church and convent (a short walk uphill). We take in Kawana Mill on the way back. Pam Kitson, who spent her childhood near Ranana, shares her love and knowledge of the area. BYO food and drink for the day.

Depart 10am; return approx.5pm. Adult $20; Child $15.