Whanganui

Whanganui has something for everyone. Our centrally located region offers access to outdoor activities such as kayaking, skiing, surfing, tramping, cycling, fishing and hunting. Nestled between two snow-capped mountains, on the banks of Whanganui River there is always plenty to do and explore. 

Photo location: Whanganui - Credit: Discover Whanganui

Sarjeant Gallery Whanganui - Source: Discover Whanganui
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About the Region

The Whanganui region is located on the west coast of the North Island of New Zealand. It is situated south of the Waikato region and north of MidCentral. Whanganui is the main urban area and sits by the Whanganui River, New Zealand's third-longest river. 

The Whanganui River holds great cultural and spiritual significance to the residents and is a centrepiece for the city's recreation and tourism industry. Cycling is a popular sport in Whanganui, and it is home to some top sporting facilities including the Cooks Garden Athletics and velodrome. For those who enjoy skiing and outdoor activities, the snow-covered Mt Ruapehu is only a two-hour drive.

The Whanganui District as shown on the map of the North Island of New Zealand
Bridge to Nowhere cycle trail - Whanganui National Park

Health New Zealand - Whanganui

About Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora is the Government organisation that provides publicly-funded universal health care to 5 million Kiwis.

The management and delivery of health services are broken down into 'Districts' across the country, determined by both geographic location and population.

About the Health New Zealand - Whanganui District

Health New Zealand – Whanganui serves a population of approximately 65,000 residents and serves as a central hub for the 16,000 people residing in the surrounding districts across the region. Together, the two main centres Whanganui and Marton, and smaller towns Waiouru, Taihape, Bulls, Ohakune and Raetihi make up the Whanganui district. 

Photo location: Whanganui 

Whanganui Hospital

Whanganui Hospital is located in the centre of this beautiful region, our hospital encourages a relaxed and healthy work life balance which is a great reason to consider us. Whanganui Hospital is a 138 bed - Care Capacity Demand Management (CCDM) secondary hospital, including acute mental health inpatient facilities.

 

A community nurse looking through an otoscope to check the ear of a young patient

Health services in Whanganui

A to D

Acute mental health ward (adult)
Ambulatory clinics
Assessment, Treatment & Rehabilitation Ward/Acute Stroke Unit
Child Development Service
Children’s Ward
Community Assessment and Rahab Team
Community based clinics that support the people of Whanganui in their health journey
Community Mental Health and Addiction Services
Critical Care Unit 
Dental Services
Dietetics Service

E to Z

Emergency Department (15 bed) Acute Assessment Unit
Forensic Mental Health unit
Maternal Infant Child Adolescent Mental Health and Addition Services
Maternity unit
Medical ward
Occupational Therapy Service
Older Peoples health
Operating theatres
Ophthalmology
Physiotherapy Service
Social Work Service
Speech Language Therapy Service
Surgical Ward
Therapy Services
X-ray and Radiology

Relocating to Whanganui

Live your best life in Whanganui, where your skills are valued and where you can deliver exceptional patient care. We look forward to working together to build resilient communities, empowering whānau(family) and individuals to determine their own wellbeing.

Whanganui markets (edited) - Credit: Travel Whanganui

Getting around

Whanganui offers effortless access to city amenities, lush parks and riverside trails.

Whanganui Markets - Credit: Discover Whanganui NZ

Getting around

Photo location: Whanganui - Credit: Discover Whanganui NZ

When you arrive

Driving in New Zealand

You can legally drive in NZ for up to 12 months per visit with your current driver's license. After 12 months, you will need to convert to a New Zealand license. Learn more about driving in NZ here.

 

Other ways to travel
  • Lets go Whanganui operates from the city centre to outer suburbs. 
  • Discover Whanganui by walking, cycling or hiking. 
  • Taxis and Ubers also operate around the main centres and there are many rental vehicle providers.

 

whanganui river aerial view

Housing options

Find your perfect place among various housing options. Whanganui offers living spaces that cater to diverse tastes and lifestyles.

whanganui river aerial view

Housing options

When you arrive

Short Term Accommodation

You may consider booking short-term accommodation ahead of your arrival, then search for long-term accommodation when you arrive. The cost and availability of short-term accommodation varies widely through the year. It can be affected by tourism peak season, university start dates and school holidays, to name a few. Familiarise yourself with the city and view available long-term accommodation to ensure it suits your preference. Several considerations to make are proximity to the workplace available nearby schools for the kids, and the ideal size of the property. Some may also find that flatting would be a more suitable arrangement.

Temporary accommodation options

 

Rentals

Renting is a great way to explore and get to know the area. Searching online is a good place to start. You may also wish to check out local rental agencies to help you find a place. Note that most rentals in Aotearoa are unfurnished, however, furniture and whiteware can be rented in some parts of the country. 

Rental agencies

 

Buying or building a house

We know that moving to a new country is a major move, and buying or building a house there makes it even more significant. If you're a healthcare professional on NZ's Green List of roles, you have a unique opportunity to speed up your residency process. Normally, only residents and citizens can buy a house. When you can, use this tool to find out if you can purchase a house in New Zealand.

 

Waimarie Paddle Steamer in the Whanganui River Tongariro Alpine Crossing Ruapehu - Credit: Paul Abbitt

Take the next step

Made the decision to move to Aotearoa New Zealand?

Fill out our five-minute form with your details, and we'll match you to your preferred location based on your experience and preferences.

Photo location, from left: Manawatū-Whanganui - Credit: Paul Abbitt; Whanganui - Credit: Discover Whanganui

We'd love to help, reach out to us!

Interested in relocating to Whanganui? Our dedicated team is here to provide guidance and support throughout your journey, so don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.