The Whanganui Summer Programme for January 2024, just released, has a particular focus on attractions in the city. “We like to travel but it’s also good to showcase what we have here,” trustee David Scoullar said.
Eight events on the month-long programme are local and include a family river walk to Upokongaro, an inner-city historic walk, a Castlecliff Beach visit, Boyd’s Autobarn, Quartz Museum of Studio Ceramics, Whanganui Collegiate School Museum and historic buildings, a trivia quiz and heritage tram rides.
The 2024 programme also features six new out-of-town excursions — trips to Marton, South Taranaki, the Taranaki Maunga, Taihape and Parikino. David said many popular trips will return, such as Kauarapaoa Valley, Matiu Somes and Kapiti islands, Blue Duck Station, Waitotara Valley, Bridge to Nowhere, Rangitikei heritage homes and Hipango Park.
“We like to present a mix of the new and the tried and true and think we have succeeded,” David said.
He is anxious to see the Raurimu spiral train trip take place after it was called off in 2022 and 2023. “First it was Covid and then this year the line was blocked and we only learned that when our full bus was about to leave Whanganui for Taumarunui. Hopefully, it will be third time lucky.”
