Wanganui offers people of all ages and abilities the opportunity to succeed. Located on the North Island's sweeping west coast, less than an hour by road to Palmerston North and only 2.5 hours to the nation's capital of Wellington, Wanganui has business opportunities and a lifestyle for everyone.

With a population of 44,000, a stable workforce, temperate climate, ready access to all major highways, as well as rail, air and sea transport, Wanganui attracts a variety of industries, including light manufacturing, heavy engineering, agriculture, food processing and tanning. The education, health and service industries are also significant in the area.Wanganui has evolved to support a hinterland that produces primary products. The District is keen to encourage industries which are complementary to those already in the District, including those which add value to the primary sector.

Ongoing development, through business relocation to Wanganui, provides an indication of the strengths Wanganui has. This is illustrated by the number of industries that are expanding, the employment opportunities that have evolved, and the recent upgrading of the City centre.Within the city limits, the waters of the Whanganui River are a source of recreational pleasure for a large number of activities. They include rowing, windsurfing, water-skiing, jet skiing, yachting, jet boating, and canoeing.

The Whanganui is the longest navigable waterway in the country and the second longest river in the North Island. It is full of rich cultural history, tradition, legend, and mystery. It holds a special attraction for canoeists due to its 239 listed rapids, which offer a wide variety of challenges yet is still considered a novices river, suitable for beginners. Thousands of canoeists take to its waters each year, Canoe tour operators offer tours to suit all ages and levels of experience, from fully guided tours to self-hire.

Visitors to the city discover its historic waterway with a whole new sense of the past, meeting people who live and work on the river, preserving New Zealand's early river life and offering hospitality that is one of a kind.

Visit www.destinationwanganui.com