Our club was formed in 1983 as a result of a visit by Wayne Smith of Friendship Force International and his meeting with Gerald Weekes who inspired a group of local families to form the first Friendship Force of New Zealand. Our 52 members enthusiastically support the Friendship Force philosophy treasuring friendships made on exchanges as ambassadors or hosts. The Mayor of Wanganui usually entertains visiting ambassadors to a Mayoral welcome at the Wanganui District Council Chambers. We believe that the Friendship Force of Wanganui is unique in having exclusive use of its very own club rooms, which is an attractive centre at which to host visiting club s from throughout New Zealand as well as overseas.
About our City
Wanganui is one of New Zealand's oldest cities nestled in the sheltered fertile valley of the Whanganui river where this 290km long river, which starts high up on a volcano in the centre of the North Island, reaches the beautifiul Tasman Sea. The first settlers, Maori, are thought to have arrived in mid 1200s A.D. and the river became an important trade and travel route for Maori tribes who established villages along the river. The first European settlers arrived in 1831, negotiated land for the township of Wanganui which soon became a distribution centre and the river an important route inland. Today the river still provides fbr the Maori and European, farmers and with the Whanganui National Park provides tramping, canoeing, jet boating and skiing for locals and tourists.
The city population of 44,000 is mainly of European descent with an increasing number of Maori and other nationalities to create a multi racial flavour to our city. Students from other cultures are coming to Wanganui to at our schools and Polytechnic College.
When we host an inward exchange we like to know our new friends interests so we can ensure a week of fun and variety for all.
For outdoor enthusiasts we have walks - lakeside, riverside, in the hush, along the beach, on a mountain - parks and gardens - children's playgrounds - golf at 3 excellent courses, swimming in pools (outdoor and indoor) or the sea - fishing - river trips in the historic "Waimarie" paddle steamer, jet boat or paddle your own canoe Our museum, art gallery, library, and arts centre with a wide variety of handcrafts, shopping in our main street deco rated with hanging floral baskets - are all of great interest to visitors.
Nagaizumi - Wanganui sister city friendship centre which links Wanganui with our sister city in Japan is open 5 days a week to visitors.
The city has a variety of cafes, restaurants, clubs, cinemas, theatres and an historic opera house. We like to take a day trip either by coach or car to out of town places such as orchards, (kiwi fruit - olive - avocado - apples . pear) farm visits (dairy and sheep farms) one of the largest dairy factories in the Southern Hemisphere - a day trip up- the river valley - visit a Maori craft centre.
Wellington, New Zealand's capital city is3 hours by coach from Wanganui and can be seen on a day trip at a reasonable cost.
Three active volcanoes in the centre of the North Island can be seen on a day tour which can also include a visit to the National Army Museum.
We usually have at least one pot luck meal in addition to shared hospitality at member's homes or picnics and barbecues.
How to get Here
Auckland is the main International airport -454 kms. North of Wanganui and travel to Wanganui is by air, coach or train and coach.
Palmerston North can be a point of entry for travellers flying from Australia and is only one hours drive from Wanganui.
Wellington is also an arrival point from Australia -3 hours drive or a ½ hour flight to Wanganui.
We do look forward to meet you at our place
Come on Over!!! -
New Zealand: Area-268,680sq. kms (103,737 miles)
Population 4,662,265
WANGANUL
Currency - NZ dollar
Language - English and Maori -
Time Zone: (GMT + 12 hours
To make contact with Wanganui click here.....John Wicks Secretary