Whanganui's surrounding landscape is nothing short of spectacular. Photo / NZME
The Whanganui region has an abundance of beautiful places and things to do.
Chronicle reporter Fin Ocheduszko-Brown, who has just moved to the region from Christchurch, finds 10 places to visit this summer.
1hr 27m from Whanganui city centre
The Old Coach Rd bike ride is a perfect activity for those with or without children.
The historical trail runs through stunning scenery and has information signs about the area’s fascinating past.
Ride through the Tongariro National Park, abandoned railway tunnels, ruined viaducts and old bush camps.
The ride takes an estimated 2-4 hours and is mainly a flat surface, making it accessible for young children.
29m from Whanganui city centre
A personal favourite of mine so far, the Ototoka Beach is a stunning, semi-secluded location 29 minutes from Whanganui’s city centre.
Drive down the narrow, winding gravel road until you see the beautiful blue ocean.
Take a short, steep walk down the trail next to the carpark, pose with the gorgeously, ever-flowing waterfall and make your way on to the coarse sand.
Again, a perfect and easy place to take children and make a day of it.
1h from Whanganui city centre
This spot is a popular place for swimming and camping during summertime.
For any keen fishermen, feel free to bring your rod and cast away too.
Make a day of this stunning area or perhaps stay the night by bringing your tent and camping on the river bed.
19m from Whanganui city centre
Just 19 minutes from Whanganui are the Paloma Gardens in Fordell.
This spot is a must-visit for its rainbow steps alone and has been rated as a Significant Garden by the New Zealand Gardens Trust.
The gardens are vast, with native plants and flowers as well as ones from the Americas, Asia and Africa.
It costs $10 per person to enter the gardens but the fee is worth it.
Spend an hour, or two, or three traversing around this slice of heaven and you won’t be disappointed.
50m from Whanganui city centre
Perhaps the most challenging thing to do on the list, the Atene Skyline track ventures through a range of different climates.
The 12.5km track is estimated to take 6-8 hours with an additional 2km walk on the road back to the starting carpark.
There is a campsite at the halfway point if trail walkers wish to break up the journey.
It travels through the historic Puketapu Hill and at some vantage points, hikers are able to see the Whanganui River, Mt Ruapehu, Mt Taranaki, the Tasman Sea and Whanganui River’s tributary valleys.
Keep an eye out on the Department of Conservation’s website for any weather warnings or track closures.
This activity requires appropriate equipment and perhaps a day after to rest but the experience is second-to-none.
1h 29m from Whanganui city centre
The township of Raetihi is a stunning experience and easy to make a day of.
Start by taking a stroll around the Barbed Wire Gallery, which displays local art, craft and upcycled furniture.
Then grab a bite to eat from a local cafe such as Coach Cafe or Angel Louise and make your way to the Dinosaur House museum which displays, well ... dinosaurs.
Perfect place to take young children or go as an adult because you’re never too old for a dinosaur museum.
Finish off the day by watching the sunset over the gorgeous Ratana Whare as pictured above.
45m from Whanganui city centre
The Waitahinga Dam Loop is another gorgeous trail on show in the Whanganui region.
Easier than the Atene Skyline track, the dam loop takes an estimated 3.5 hours to complete.
It is a moderately challenging track which often requires sturdy hiking boots.
The dam was built in 1904 and is packed with history, making the extra 10-minute descent at the peak of the loop worthwhile.
The Waitahinga trails also offer several other shorter tracks, such as the Chicken Run, Cropper’s Clearing, Rimu Walk and The Pines if parents feel their child cannot complete the loop.
57m from Whanganui city centre
Another beach to visit is 57 minutes outside of Whanganui in Patea.
The stunning bay has beautiful black sand and is a popular spot for surfing south of the river mouth.
There are also high cliffs that provide exquisite views as well as the 100-year-old wreckage of SS Waitangi.
This is yet again a place for anyone of any age and would make for an excellent day out in summer.
Be sure to try the food at the Patea Hangi Shop on your way out too.
1h 12m from Whanganui city centre
The Canopy Camping Escapes' Ridge Top Farm accommodation is a must-try if you find the time.
The spot is surrounded by the gorgeous central North Island scenery such as Mt Ruapehu and Mt Egmont and is designed to give visitors the “true Kiwi farm” experience.
Accommodating up to 10 people, it is the perfect getaway for families, couples or friends.
1h 24m from Whanganui city centre
I’ve saved the latest till last here with the new Hautapu River Parks in Taihape.
The parks opened on December 11 after years of work done by the Friends of Taihape Charitable Society, Ngāti Tamakōpiri, the Rangitīkei Environment Group and the Rangitīkei District Council.
They have restored the natural environment between Papakai Park and Memorial Park and have built a bridge called the Ōtūpae Station Swingbridge.
Take a trip up to see the sights and take in the gorgeous natural environment.