Whanganui (Wanganui) District Health Board

The Whanganui District Health Board (WDHB) serves a population of 62,210 who live in the Whanganui and Rangitikei Territorial Authority areas, as well as the Ruapehu Territorial Authority area wards of Waimarino and Waiouru – known as South Ruapehu.

Whanganui Hospital

Theatre Services Unit includes pre-admission clinics, a day of surgery unit, endoscopy clinics, operating theatres and a post-anaesthetic care unit (recovery room).

Medical Ward

Surgical Ward

ATR Ward

Emergency Department

Critical Care Unit

Children’s Ward

Maternity Unit

Lifestyle

Most residents living in Whanganui and the surrounding Waimarino, Taihape and Rangitikei areas consider Whanganui one of New Zealand’s prettiest, and most historically significant, provincial cities.

It has a hold over the 42,000 people who call it home and the 16,000 district residents who consider it their centre.

Located on the west coast of the North Island, Whanganui sits at the mouth of the 290km long Whanganui River – the country’s third-longest river and the longest, navigable waterway in New Zealand.

The urban area is home to a number of iconic buildings, including the Sarjeant Gallery, Royal Wanganui Opera House, Wanganui War Memorial Centre, Durie Hill War Memorial Tower and the Bastia Hill Water Tower. The Durie Hill Elevator takes visitors and residents from Anzac Parade to Hipango Terrace on Durie Hill (and back down) for a small fee. There are steps for those who want the exercise.

Whanganui has several high quality sporting venues, including Cook’s Gardens – a major sporting venue used for cricket, athletics and rugby. The venue also has a world-class velodrome.

Much of the city is on the river’s northwest bank. The river is crossed by four bridges – Cobham Bridge, City Bridge, Dublin Street Bridge and Aramoho Railway Bridge (rail and pedestrians only).

Once one of the country’s leading commercial waterways, the Whanganui River continues to inspire artists and outdoor enthusiasts alike. It is, without doubt, the centrepiece of the city’s recreation and tourism industry. The Whanganui River Institute manages recreational use of the river. Its focus is providing a hub for all river-based activities including Waka Ama, canoeing, rowing, kayaking, yachting, motor boats and the Sea Fishing Clubs.