The city of Wanganui is on the west coast of North Island, south-east of the Taranaki mount. 

We had a lovely time down by the seashore and along the pier (North Mole).  I was impressed by the amount of washed up logs and expanse of the seashore. Sorry about the bad join in the panoramic photo... the sea is moving and rolling in all the time!

And later we had our take-away lunch on the banks of the Wanganui River. While our son told us of the previous boating events they had enjoyed and seen happen along the river. Here are some of the fascinating stories he has told us about the place: 

Interesting facts about Wanganui:

Whanganui is a New Zealand parliamentary electorate. It was first established in 1860 for the 3rd Parliament and has existed continuously since then. Since the 2005 election, it has been held by Chester Borrows of the National Party. 

Wanganui has its own micro climate. It tends to be warmer than the surrounding areas as it sits in a valley mostly, so it’s protected from the wind to some degree. The temperature during the year is generally 18-22° in summer and anything from 6-13° in winter.

As to creativity, Wanganui has glass artists and potters.

Wanganui also has a lot of history, both Maori and European. It was the gateway to the interior for the Maori. In earlier years the river and port was very busy, and an important port called on by boats that were capable of navigating into smaller ports all along the coast of New Zealand. 

Picking up mostly agricultural products, produced in small factories up and down the coast. The goods were mostly cheese, cream, meat, and butter; which were taken to Wellington for export: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/wanganui-chronicle/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503426&objectid=10990300 

And there is a story concerning `Ghosts of Wanganui's seafaring past’: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/wanganui-chronicle/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503426&objectid=10990300 

A strong wide river runs through the town.

We were told that the Wanganui River and its surrounds are used for a number of recreational activities including kayaking, jet boating, tramping, cycling and camping. 

Here is another link you may like to read about a restored Waimarie paddle steamer: https://waimarie.co.nz/about/waimarie-paddle-steamer/ Has some photos of the steamer in the article. 

Keeping the best till last… 

To close off with, 

The day after our Wanganui visit, I took a photo of a cottage in Manaia, south of Taranaki Mount. 

I was captivated by this derelict house sitting back from the road, crowded by undergrowth. Apparently the owners live elsewhere and this is their holiday home. It looks like they haven’t been around that often either! 

In my imaginary mind, it’s was like a fanciful enchantress’s cottage in the wilds. So I have painted it, in watercolours, for you, using an artist’s licence and impression of the place. Enjoy.