A guided tour of historic homes around Whanganui, we are led by a local historian to look at many aspects of New Zealand history, including settlement, lifestyle, and design. We view private properties that are not open to the general public, hidden away in the beautiful New Zealand countryside where little has changed since their period of construction, between 1880–1915.
Day 1 Wednesday 08 October 2025
WELLINGTON TO WHANGANUI
Today begin your journey along the pretty Kapiti Coast then cross the fertile Manawatu Plains before arriving in Whanganui. On arrival enjoy a brief orientation tour and visit Durie Hill to experience some
Whanganui history and a facility that is unique in New Zealand. The Durie Hill pedestrian tunnel, located opposite the Whanganui City Bridge, leads to the historic Durie Hill Elevator. Built in 1919, it is the only earthbound elevator in New Zealand and one of only two in the world. A pedestrian tunnel travels 205 metres inside the hill to the elevator which rises 66 metres to overlook the city. From here check into your accommodation for the next three nights. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant this evening (included).
Accommodation: Aotea Motor Lodge, Whanganui – 3 nights
Day 2 Thursday 09 October 2025
HISTORIC HOMES TOUR
Breakfast at a local café (included). This morning meet a local historian, who will guide you around and through some of the region’s finest and historic homesteads. All homes are privately owned and designed by English architects between 1880 to 1915 in styles concurrent with international trends. One hundred years on they are set in mature grounds, hidden away in the beautiful New Zealand countryside where little has changed since their construction, they provide a wonderful experience for the visitor. Today lunch is included at one of these homes. Please note we are unable to provide you with a list of properties you are visiting to protect the privacy of the owners. Tonight is at leisure so explore the city to find somewhere to dine from a variety of local restaurants and bars.
Day 3 Friday 10 October 2025
HISTORIC HOMES TOUR
Breakfast at a local café (included). This morning take a guided highlights tour at Whanganui Regional Museum where you will indulge in a varied selection of collected treasures on display. You will then be re-joined by your local guide to continue the tour of Whanganui’s historic homes. Stop somewhere to purchase lunch (own cost). Arrive back in Whanganui in the late afternoon, where the remainder of the day and evening is at leisure.
Day 4 Saturday 11 October 2025
WHANGANUI TO WELLINGTON
Following breakfast at a local café (included), this morning we enjoy a guided tour of the Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehua; home to an unrivalled permanent collection of more than 8,300 national and international artworks of historical significance. Immerse yourself completely in over four centuries of European art history and prominent New Zealand works. Next, travel to Quartz, Museum of Studio Ceramics, where you can explore New Zealand’s unique ceramic heritage. Quartz is the nation’s only museum dedicated to studio ceramics, featuring the largest and most diverse public ceramic display in the country. This afternoon, travel back to Wellington.
TOUR INCLUSIONS & COSTS:
- 3 nights’ accommodation – twin/double rooms, all with private facilities (single rooms available with surcharge)
- Tour admissions as per itinerary
- Touring in modern air-conditioned vehicle
- Ride on Durie Hill Elevator
- Two days of touring Whanganui Historic Homes with local guide/historian
- Guided tour of Whanganui Regional Museum
- Guided tour of the Sergeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehua
- 3x breakfasts, 1x lunch,1x dinner
Based on a minimum of 16 people, maximum 24
Price: $2,390 per person twin share.
Single supplement: $450
A deposit payment of $500 per person is required to secure your place on this tour, this is refundable up to 90 days prior to departure. The deposit payment is non-refundable within 90 days of departure unless the minimum numbers for the tour are not reached. The balance payment is due 60 days prior to departure, this is non-refundable. Travel insurance is highly recommended, please ask me for a quote.
This tour is operated by Leisure Time Travel.
To book contact:
Claudia Moir – NZ Travel Brokers
ph. 09-431 5899 mob. 021-431 589
email: [email protected]
Trading as a member of NZ Travel Brokers Ltd, TAANZ Bonded & IATA Accredited, PO Box 842 Palmerston North 4410