Tourism is a vital part of Whanganui’s economy, contributing $64.7 million annually and supporting a broad network of businesses across the district.
Tourism is a vital part of Whanganui’s economy, contributing $64.7 million annually and supporting a broad network of businesses across the district.
Whanganui offers a compact, walkable urban centre that connects visitors directly with heritage, arts, culture, hospitality, and river-based experiences, supporting slower, more immersive visitation - keeping visitor spend local.
Surrounding landscapes - coastline, native forest, and biodiversity-rich environments reinforce the destination’s positioning as one where nature, culture, and community are inseparable.
Economically, tourism supports a diverse and interconnected value chain, spanning accommodation, hospitality, transport, retail, cultural enterprises, and experience operators. This structure ensures tourism investment delivers wide local benefits, supports local ownership, and contributes to a more resilient district economy
$64.7m
$64.7 million total GDP contribution from tourism in 2024
$191.8m
In 2025, visitors spent $191.8 million in Whanganui - an increase of 4.8% on the previous year - while visitor spending across New Zealand remained flat.
81.6%
Domestic visitors accounted for 81.6% of total spend, with international visitors contributing 18.4%
23 February 2026
International Education
1 April 2017
10 November 2025
Creative Industries
23 February 2026
International Education
1 April 2017
10 November 2025
Creative Industries
In Whanganui, businesses grow through a connected, collegiate ecosystem - one that values collaboration, shared knowledge, and long-term capability building. From early-stage founders to established firms, there are clear pathways to advice, space, funding, and sector-led networks designed to support businesses as they scale.
Our approach to investment is intentional, by focusing on opportunities that align with Whanganui’s strengths, support sustainable growth, and deliver long-term value for the district.
Whether you’re an investor, business, or intermediary, we help you understand the landscape, navigate the ecosystem, and connect with the right people to move forward.
our team
Opportunities grow with discovery and an understanding of how to shape them, this is where we come in.
We can support businesses, investors and communities by giving direction for opportunities and relationships that form a path of growth.
Tim Easton
Team Lead
Tim heads up the team at Whanganui & Partners helping deliver a coordinated programme of work across all sectors and stakeholders.
Tim Easton
Team Lead
Tim heads up the team at Whanganui & Partners helping deliver a coordinated programme of work across all sectors and stakeholders.
