
HEADLINE EVENT
RIVERSIDE SHINDIG
This outdoor family event on Sunday 19th Jan celebrates great kiwi music with the Whanganui River as our perfect backdrop.
Grab some lunch from our food trucks, bring your picnic chairs and settle in under the shade of the pohutukawa trees.
It's Kiwiana all the way as we bring on back the good days. Dance along to the group of talented local bands on stage from 11am with your favourite music.
A licensed bar area, pop up market stalls, food trucks & laid-back family fun activities are also on site.
Wear your favourite outfit from another era, and you may win a prize.
LINEUP
11am: Roots Provider
12.15pm - Blues Buffet feat. Erna Ferry
1.30pm - Heavy Water
2.45pm - Dahlia
STEAM TRAINS - THE FEILDING FLYER
A rare steam train experience between Whanganui’s Taupo Quay & Feilding. Hauled by Ja 1271, and comprising our heritage steel passenger cars including our open viewing platform.
Heading south, we travel down through the Fordell Tunnel where our train plunges into darkness for a few minutes! A little further down the track, we cross over that very same river on our approach to Ruatangata. A river firmly etched in New Zealand’s railway history, its headwaters are the crater lake of Mount Ruapehu on the central plateau, before flowing for 161 kilometres southward to the South Taranaki Bight near the settlement of Whangaehu. We also pass through the Turakina tunnel, just over 2km in length and dating back to 1947 as we approach Marton.
Passing through Marton, a farming town in the heart of the Rangitikei district situated at roughly the half-way point geographically between Whanganui & Feilding. The arrival of the railway to the town in 1878 led to rapid growth in the area, which soon added industries such as engineering, sawmilling, and textile production to its economy.
Feilding, a kiwi town located in the Manawatū-Whanganui region of New Zealand, is known for its vibrant culture and beautifully preserved heritage – a community ready to welcome you with open arms! Spend nearly 2 hours exploring the town’s charming sites, grab a coffee and a spot of lunch before hopping back on the steam train to head back to Whanganui for the rest of your Vintage Weekend Sunday!
Where - Taupo Quay Railway Station
When - 8:25am–3:30pm
Cost - $99 Adult | $69 Child
BURMA RALLY
The Burma Rally is one of two major rally's the Wanganui Vintage car club run each year. There are usually 70-100 cars taking part. Cars will start assembling from 8.30 am at Cornmarket Reserve, near the Dublin St bridge.
The event is open to entrants only who are members of the Vintage Car Club & some invited guests. there will be briefing for cars at 9.15am with the first cars away at 9.30am. The rally can be up to 100miles (160.9km) long & covers the greater Whanganui district.
Where - Cornmarket Reserve, Whanganui
When - 8.30 Assembly | 9.15am Briefing | 9.30am Departure
RIVER CITY ARTISTS 2024 EXHIBITION
A diverse group of artists displaying a great variety of art, covering all mediums and styles. Oils Watercolors, Acrylics, Pastel Pencil work, and mixed Media. There is a great selection for all tastes. All works are for sale & Eftpos is available. Gourmet raffle. This group meets every Thursday at Christ Church Hall Wickstead Street, from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm. We welcome new members from beginners to advanced to enjoy this friendly group.www.rivercityartists.co.nz.
Where - Whanganui Community Arts Centre, 19 Taupo Quay, Whanganui
When – 9am – 4pm
Price - Free entry
WANGANUI AERO CLUB OPEN DAY
Explore the thrill of aviation at Wanganui Aero Club's Open Day! Join us from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm for an exciting day of discovery. Immerse yourself in the world of flight as we showcase a captivating array of both new and vintage aircraft. From cutting-edge technology to timeless classics, our display promises a journey through aviation history. Bring your curiosity and passion for flight—whether you're an enthusiast or a novice, there's something for everyone. Let the Wanganui Aero Club Aero Day be your gateway to the wonders of the skies. Aero Day will include flying displays, static displays, joy rides, trial flights, food and more
Where – Airport Road, Whanganui.
When – 9am–4pm
Price – $10 Per Adult Entry | Children under 16yrs free
WHANGANUI VINTAGE RADIO MUSEUM
The Whanganui Vintage Radio Museum is a fascinating collection of historical radios and related memorabilia. It showcases over 500 vintage radios, spanning the early 20th century through to the mid 1950s, offering visitors a glimpse into the evolution of radio technology and broadcasting. It's a must-visit for enthusiasts of radio technology and history.
Where - 50 Fox Road, Whanganui
When - 9am–5pm
Price - Koha appreciated
POSTPONED - NOV 2025
THE SNELL MILE CHALLENGE
POSTPONED - NOV 2025
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, 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.
ANTIQUE AND COLLECTABLES FAIR
The vintage, retro and collectibles fair! A treasure trove of goodies including antiques, pottery, bottles, books, toys, vinyl records, Crown Lynn, art, clothing, furniture, jewellery, art glass, collectibles and much more.
Where - Springvale Stadium, 222 London Street, Springvale ,Whanganui
When - 9.30am–3.30pm
Price - $2 entry
STEAM TRACTION ENGINE TRAILER RIDES
Come and see working examples of the machines that powered the industries of New Zealand and the world 100 + years ago. Take a trailer ride behind one of our beautifully restored old steam driven traction engines and experience the sight, sound and smell of a time long past. The kids will love seeing and riding behind our live traction engine models as they chuff around just like their big cousins used to.
Where - Taupo Quay, Moutoa Gardens
When – 10am–4pm
Price - $2 a ride - tickets available on site
MOTOR VESSEL WAIRUA VINTAGE WEEKEND SPECIAL
Join us on the river this Whanganui Vintage Weekend for a nostalgic 30 minute cruise through our beautiful city and experience one of New Zealand’s most important early transport connections.
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.
BUSHY PARK HOMESTEAD - HIGH TEA, AFTERNOON TEA, HOMESTEAD TEA
25 minutes from Whanganui City come and enjoy a Devonshire Tea, Afternoon Tea or go all out for a High Tea in the Beautiful Edwardian Homestead, all served on Bone China, linen and silver tea service. Drive your vintage car and dress for the occasion. The Homestead is surrounded by native bush and bird life, enjoy a stroll before or after refreshment at the Homestead. Fully Licenced Bar on site.
Where - Bushy Park Homestead. 791 Rangitatau East Road. Kai Iwi. Whanganui
When - 10am - 3pm
Price - Free entry - Devonshire Tea $15pp | Afternoon Tea $25pp | High Tea $40pp
Book your table to ensure you don’t miss out... Bookings are essential! Call 06 3429 879
1900'S ART STUDIO & WORK SHOP
Whanganui Arts Society are recreating our gallery as it would have been in the 1900's when the society was established.The Shop will have for sale Art, Books, Materials, and antique easils. Also art works from our junior members, and available to enjoy real 1900’s art works... There's even an opportunity to make your own 1900's style art work.
Where - Cooks Gallery, Trafalgar Place, off Ridgway St.
When - Gallery 10am–4 pm
Price - Free entry
VINTAGE CRUISE - PS WAIMARIE
A vintage themed cruise falling on the same weekend as Whanganui's famous Vintage Weekend! Passengers are encouraged to dress vintage style with spot prizes along the way for those dressed up. Your cruise leaves the Riverboat Centre Wharf and heads upriver taking in the scenery and views of Whanganui and Te Awa Tupua, once back at the wharf you can step off PS Waimarie into the atmosphere of the River Side shin dig and carry on enjoying the Vintage weekend festivities.
Where - Riverboat Centre, 1A Taupo Quay, Whanganui
When - 11am–1pm
Cost - Tickets from $20
Book your tickets via the button below, or visit the Riverboat Centre
LITTLE MERMAID JR - REPERTORY THEATRE
In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home — and her fins — behind and live in the world above. But first, she'll have to defy her father, King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she's the girl whose enchanting voice he's been seeking. Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, Book by Doug Wright. Based on the Hans Christia Andersen story and the Disney Film, Music Adapted and Arranged by David Weinstein. Licensed exclusively by Music Theatre International - Tickets available from iTicket.
Where - Repertory Theatre - 4 Ridgway Street
When - 11am-12.30pm & 6pm-7.30pm
Cost - Adults $20 | under 18 $10
STEAM TRAINS - WHANGANUI TO KAPITI
Where - Eastown
When - Departs 4pm, arrives in Kapiti 8.30pm
Price - From $129