Whanganui River

This is the Wanganui River, New Zealand's longest navigable river. It is a major point of attraction in the area due to tourism and also it's historical role as a major trade route for the Maori and early settlers of New Zealand.

The river begins on the northern slopes of Mount Tongariro, one of the three active volcanoes of central NZ. It reaches the coast at Wanganui, and in a few weeks I'll be going on an 8 day canoe trip, spiraling though the green gorges and native bush of New Zealand! The river was home to hundreds of Maori villages pre-colonialism, and is of great spiritual importance to the Maori today. It is a fiercely contested region in claims for the return of tribal lands. I learned today that the Whanganui River claim is the longest-running legal case in New Zealand.


I found this graffiti that says "I am the River." It looks like the street running through the middle also appears to be the river (I think). Local kids are getting in a lot of trouble for tagging around Wanganui. There are articles in the paper everyday about increasing security. This piece though, clearly is art.