YHA Whanganui, Braemar House
YHA Whanganui, Braemar House hostel looks forward to welcoming you with the hospitality that Whanganui is famous for and to offer you a glimpse into the luxury accommodation of early New Zealand. Historic YHA Whanganui, Braemar House, built in 1895, is adjacent to the banks of the Whanganui River and close to Victoria Avenue, one of New Zealand’s most attractive high streets. We are also a short walk to the Whanganui city centre and the many tourist attractions that this charming river city holds.
The Whanganui hostel accommodation includes separate double, twin, family and multi-share rooms. These are all linked to a huge multi-function kitchen and dining room featuring everything necessary to make a feast or a small private meal. Leading through from the Wanganui backpacker kitchen is a large comfortable lounge with television, music centre, games, cards and small library. YHA Whanganui, Braemar House also has spacious sub tropical gardens.
Everything possible has been made to make your stay at the YHA Whanganui, Braemar House hostel a truly memorable experience. Go on the Mail Run tour of Whanganui River Valley (picks up from the hostel) or take a stroll to the high street to see the wealth of heritage that Whanganui offers.
Your hosts Clive, with assistance from Anne, are very knowledgeable on local Whanganui activities and can book your accommodation throughout New Zealand. And if your backpack is giving you back pain the YHA Whanganui hostel can offer superb massage facilities as well as Reiki healing treatments, all available in-house by prior arrangement!
Special features at YHA Whanganui that backpackers love:
- Close to Whanganui River and Whanganui’s attractive high street Victoria Avenue.
- Historic Braemar House has been refurbished into modern backpacker accommodation in the heart of Whanganui.
- Free pick up service and organised trips up the Whanganui River by Mail Run, canoe or jet boat.
- Fantastic shared common areas: a large kitchen, dining area and relaxing lounge area with many evening activities.
- Massage and Reiki healing treatments available in-house.
About Whanganui
Whanganui, one of New Zealand's oldest cities, has a fascinating history based around the Whanganui River which runs through the city centre. Located on the West Coast of New Zealand’s North Island, about 200 kilometres north of Wellington, Whanganui is a beautiful river city, famous for its heritage and the arts. This charming town has many well-preserved historic buildings, beautiful parks and gardens and excellent Whanganui Regional Museum and celebrated Sarjeant art gallery.
The Whanganui River is the longest navigable waterway in New Zealand and the second longest river in the North Island and is rich in tradition, legend and mystery. The Whanganui River can be explored by Mail Run boat, a restored river steamer, jet boat or by canoe, with many exceptional tours available. The upper part of the Whanganui River is especially famous for its magical untouched scenery, canoe trips and camping. The YHA Whanganui hostel staff can advise you on which tour would be best for you.
Whanganui is also close to Mt Taranaki, the surf beaches on the West Coast and is just 80km from Central North Island volcanic plateau with its ski fields of Whakapapa and Turoa.
Top activities to do while backpacking in Whanganui
- The ‘must do’ activity while in Whanganui is navigating up the Whanganui River. By rural mail tour, steam ship, jet boat or by canoe.
- Stroll around the beautiful historical streets of Whanganui with the restored architectural facades of the shops, and beautiful parks and gardens.
- Visit the first-rate Sarjeant Gallery art gallery and Whanganui Regional Museum.
- The Central Volcanic Region of the North Island is within driving distance from Whanganui. Here you can go skiing on Mt Ruapehu or traverse the famous Tongariro Crossing.
- There are some great surfing breaks along the West Coast of the North Island near Whanganui city.
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