Whanganui is on the western side of the North Island – tucked away on the coast between Taranaki and Palmerston North. It is a small but vibrant city with plenty of green spaces, walkways and cycle paths along with a hefty slice of artistic flair and some interesting heritage buildings. The Wanganui River, which runs through the city and discharges in to the ocean here, is the longest navigable river in New Zealand – its source to the east on the slopes of Mount Tongariro – and has therefore played an important role in shaping both the city and the landscapes around it. The river is flanked by native bush and cuts through some beautiful landscapes, with a number of remote and tiny settlements dotted along its route. Either side of the city, farmland drops away to lovely sandy beaches, also making this a popular spot for Kiwi family holidays.