One of the highlights of Whanganui VIntage Weekend… Don’t miss out on the thrills and spills as competitors take on the downhill challenge of Drews Ave.

Entries for the 2024 PlumberDan Soap Box Derby are now open! Head over to our events page on the PlumberDan website now to download the entry form!

Where – Drews Avenue, CBD
When – 9am – 3pm

Take a trip back in time to the early 1900's and enjoy a ride along the riverbank on our restored 1912 Whanganui Tram. We will also be offering rides on an 1960's ex London Double Decker Bus over the weekend as well. Bus times to be advised. 

Where - Whanganui Tramways Museum - Taupo Quay adjacent to the Whanganui I-site
When - 10am - 3pm
Price - $5 for adults, youth up to 15 are free with adult accompaniment

Cooks Gardens offers an iconic venue for runners & walkers of all ages and abilities to run / walk a Mile at the same venue that Peter Snell set the world one mile record of 3m 54.4s on the 27 January 1962.

All finishers will receive a souvenir commemorative medal & certificate together with an official time. All entrants will also receive a free ticket to the PAK'nSAVE Cooks Classic Track & Field Meeting at Cooks Gardens on Saturday 27th January, 2024 featuring the “New Zealand One Mile Championships”.

Entrants will compete in races based on age groups, and must compete in the section corresponding to their age and gender.

Official results will be available at the conclusion of the event.

Awards will be provided for the top three men and women overall. Additional spot awards for age and gender groups will also be drawn and presented.

Where - Cooks Gardens, Whanganui

When - 9am - 3pm

Price - $20 per entrant. $10 for School children and Community Card holders for entries received before 19 January, 2024. After that date late entries will be accepted with a late entry fee of $5 applying.

Sponsored by Pak'nSave Whanganui

Take a short shakey ride on an original NZ Railways jigger (Motor trolley) as used by track gangers and station staff for over 60 years. Shed open to view other railway heritage projects and memorabilia. Refreshments available. 

Where - 151 Taupo Quay, Whanganui
When – 10am - 4pm
Price - Jigger rides $2, Shed entry gold coin donation

A diverse group of artists displaying a great variety of art covering all mediums and styles. Oils, Watercolours, Acrylics, Pastels, Pencil Work and Mixed Media. There is a great selection for all tastes.

Come and see our great variety of art and meet some of our artists. All works are for sale and Eftpos is available. This group of artists paints weekly at Christ Church Community Hall, Wickstead Street, every Thursday and we welcome new members to join this friendly group.

Where - Whanganui Community Arts Centre, 19 Taupo Quay, Whanganui
When – 9am – 4pm
Price – Free entry

Enjoy ambling through a variety of summer gardens at your leisure. A larger rural garden, 1/4 acre sections, to smaller townhouse gardens.

This year, go down memory lane and visit the old Gonville pools which have been repurposed with sunken gardens. Have an educational experience as you wonder through some glasshouses and be amazed at the variety of exotic vegetables available. A refreshment garden is available for a quick 'Top up' or a light luncheon.

Where – Whanganui
When – 10am – 4pm
Price -  $25.00 pp

Tickets available from: I-site Information Centre, Mitre10 Mega, Paiges Book Gallery, St Johns Hill Chemist, Springvale Garden Centre, Whanganui Garden Centre, or Phone David - 021 02601319 

Join us as we take over the lunch break of Plumber Dan's Soapbox Derby to roll 1500 numbered balls down Drews Avenue to raise money for charity. Proceeds go to the Wanganui Surf Lifeguard Services Inc.

First ball to the "JJ House" at the bottom wins $1000 cash, 2nd $500 and 3rd $250. Plus awesome spot prizes too!

Tickets on sale from November 27 2023. See the link below or visit JJ Roofing at 139A Ridgway St during regular business hours

Where - Drews Avenue
When – 12pm – 12.30pm
Price – Viewing Free, Entry $10 per ball

Sponsored by- My Plumbing Depot, Whanganui Tech Services, Barred Up Scaffolding. Harrisons Hiremaster, Get Glazed, Action Drainage, Paua Print, Crafted Beauty, Cutting Edge Consultancy, Morrie Gibbons Signs, The Toolshed Whanganui, MTF Finance, Cohens Business Centre, Cura, Metalcraft Roofing & Inferno Design & Digital. 

Join us on the river this Whanganui Vintage Weekend for a nostalgic 30 minute cruise through our beautiful city.

Learn all about one of New Zealand’s most important early transport networks. Suitable for all ages and four-legged friends are welcome.

Where - 1H Taupo Quay. (Cr Taupo Quay and Bates Street).

When - 10am to 4pm

Price - Adults (16+) $10 Children (0-15) $5

Gate sales ONLY. Cash and EFTPOS accepted.