elcome to our family Motel overlooking the Wanganui River
Acacia Park Motel Wanganui is situated in the most tranquil and peaceful tree, shrub and bush-covered grounds in New Zealand. The park-like grounds overlook the Whanganui River with most of its activities. Wild native bird life is abundant as well as our own flock of home-stays. Acacia Park Motel is an ideal place to stay for families with its large spacious grounds set in 2-and-a-half acres with a children's play area.
istory
Partly hidden from the riverbank by a few old established trees are the motel units. The early colonial house was built of pit-sawn timber for Andrew Duncan who came to Port Nicholson (Wellington) from Glasgow in 1840. He was one of the earliest Wanganui settlers to bring sheep and only six sheep survived the journey. In later years, Duncan became a large property owner with land on both islands. The homestead is now the family home.
The site of Totarapuku is part of an old estate which was subdivided and is situated in a historic part of Wanganui. Dating back before the first European settlement, Totarapuku was originally an important Maori pa and fishing village with a varied history. At the time of the first settlement the area was covered with kahikatea and totara trees and it was here that the first plough in Wanganui is believed to have been used.
During the 18th and early 19th Century, Totarapuku was a coach stop for the horse-drawn passenger carriages that travelled to other districts.
egional Info
Situated 500m downstream along Anzac Parade is the Kowhai Park children's adventure playground. Its popularity is known throughout New Zealand. Kowhai Park covers 20 acres of children's adventure activities for all ages including a skateboard park, large galleon play boat, miniature train and track, water bumper boats, mini-golf & go-karts. Barbecue facilities are available on site. A visit to Kowhai Park with the family can occupy a full day.
The river road is the gateway to the Whanganui National Park for tramping and hiking. The Bridge to Nowhere is well worth the journey as well as a trip to Jerusalem.
80 minutes drive north up State Highway 4 is the mountain plateau which consists of 3 mountains, Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngaruahoe. Skiing is very popular at this location in the winter months and tramping during the summer.
ultural Wanganui
The museum is one of the best in the country with a large selection of Maori artefacts and natural history. The museum also has a Doll's House which was designed and built, a replica of the original Homestead at Acacia Park Motel Wanganui.
- Art Gallery
- The Royal Wanganui Opera House
- The city also has large indoor and outdoor swimming pools - Splash Centre and coastal beaches
- Maritime Heritage Museum