As Whanganui has such a vibrant and talented arts community, we visited the Chronicle Glass Studio and watched the artists at work. They have some amazing stuff for sale in their gallery, some of which can be custom made.
We then went for a ride on the Durie Hill Elevator up to the Memorial Tower. Located opposite the Whanganui City Bridge, we entered the Durie Hill pedestrian tunnel that is 205 metres long and leads to the historic Durie Hill Evelvator. Built in 1919 it is the only earthbound elevator in New Zealand and one of the only two in the world.
At the top of the mountain I climbed the 176 steps leading to the top of the Memorial Tower, which offers excellent views of the city, Mounts Taranaki and Ruapehu and the Tasman Sea.
The Whanganui Airport is a monument in itself and has won a few design awards. So Trudy took us for a drive out to the airport where we enjoyed a hot drink and watched a plane land. There are regular flights from Auckland and Wellington into Whanganui, making it an easily accessible city.
Anndion Lodge
This unique accommodation offering a diverse range of affordable accommodation options and conference facilities is more like a Traveller’s Resort rather than just a room for the night. Located on the banks of the Whanganui River with stunning river views, Anne and Dion provide genuine kiwi hospitality and made us feel right at home. They were great hosts and made us feel very much at home.
Anndion Lodge is the perfect place to stay whilst exploring the greater Whanganui district and the Whanganui River Valley. During winter the lodge is in prime position to enjoy a day of skiing on the Whakapapa or Turoa ski fields on Mt Ruapehu. After a day of skiing, relax in the Anndion sauna and spa to rejuvenate those over worked muscles or if your really keen take a deep in their salt-water swimming pool.
The Lodge offers luxurious yet affordable accommodation for business or pleasure. The Lodge has a unique range of accommodation from a 5 star backpackers dorm room, to a 2-bedroom luxury motel suite with a private courtyard, or a private room with guest share facilities. The kitchen, lounge room and dining room shared by guests are very modern, stylish and clean.
If this doesn’t suit you can base yourself at the riverside Anndion Lodge in one of their luxury self contained Apartments. With a fully self-contained kitchen, an ensuite bathroom and luxurious Queen sized bed. We stayed in one of their private rooms with shared guest facilities. The bed was extremely comfortable with nice fluffy pillows. We both had a very good nights sleep.
Relaxation areas are plentiful both inside and out, with warm and sunny areas to sit and relax outside or lounge by the cosy gas log fire inside. The waterfall and fountain by the pool provides peace, harmony and a resort like setting.
It is no surprise that in 2009 Anndion Lodge was the winner of the Whanganui INC- Leisure and Tourism Award. Anne and Dion offer amazing hospitality. The best thing about the Lodge for me is that they offer free high-speed wireless Internet- something that you do not come across very often.
For more information on prices and rooms visit their website at: www.anndionlodge.co.nz
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