Whanganui or Wanganui, is picturesque and has a lot to flaunt to the visitors. The heritage sites - Whanganui Opera House, Whanganui Regional Museum and Sarjeant Art Gallery, have many artistic displays. The local art community is thriving and the old port building is being renovated to glass-art studios. If you are up for some adventure, you can head to the Whanganui National Park. This park houses the mystical Whanganui River, one of the longest rivers in the country, and you can explore this river by hiking, canoeing or jet-boating.