KINGS COURT MOTEL'S LOCATION: WHANGANUI

Whanganui is built around the river which meanders through the city to finish its journey in the Tasman Sea. West coast beaches are famous for their rugged beauty, and since it's just a few minutes by car from the city centre to the coast, it's easy to get your walking shoes on and explore.

You can take a trip on the river, via a restored paddle steamer, the Waimarie, which sails twice daily in the peak season. It's a one of a kind experience.

Further up the river is the Bridge to Nowhere, one of the AA's 101 Must-Do's for Kiwis. Departing from Pipiriki, tours run daily from this tiny, historic village nestled on the banks of the Whanganui River. Travelling upstream into the middle reaches of the Whanganui National Park, you'll feel as if time has stood still. Native bush cloaks the banks and you'll see deep gorges covered with ferns, caves, rapids and other unique and amazing scenery.

Whanganui is famous for its heritage and the arts. There is a vibrant and talented artistic community here. Galleries and studios feature glass, painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, textiles and indigenous arts and crafts. Studio artists can be found in many of the heritage buildings. Whanganui also has two nationally renowned institutions, the Sarjeant Gallery and the Whanganui Regional Museum.

Children are well catered for in Whanganui. There's our famous Kowhai Park playground that's always lovingly maintained, the Splash Centre in Springvale Park including a hydro slide and various pools in the indoor complex, plus many more options available.

The history of Whanganui can also be seen throughout the city centre; Victoria Avenue (the main street) has many incredible heritage buildings. Our tree-lined Avenue, with its hanging baskets, is a picture anytime. There's also the towers on Durie Hill which give scenic views of the town, the river and the mountains in the distance. These can be accessed by a restored 100+ year old elevator.

Saturday mornings see the River City Markets in full swing – a great farmers'/craft market on the banks of the river. With over 100 stalls to peruse, it's easy to spend a few hours there. Lunch or coffee is also available with seating on our new boardwalk by the river. Or it's only a short walk to the many cafés on offer in the city.

You shouldn't leave Whanganui without strolling round Virginia Lake and the Winter Gardens. A walk here, at any time of the year, is definitely worth the journey. Beautiful mature trees and a wide selection of wildlife leads you to think city life is very far away. The Winter Gardens are a lovingly tendered showcase of colour, they never disappoint.

That's just a brief overview of what Whanganui has on offer. Stay awhile and enjoy it, we love showing it off to you.