Relaxed Riverside BBQs in Whanganui
Whanganui BBQ Spots: Easygoing Kiwi Gatherings
Sharing a barbecue is one of the most relaxed ways Kiwis catch up with whānau and mates. No one has to “host” in the formal sense – everyone brings a salad, a bag of saus, maybe some kumara or veggie skewers, and time slows down while the grill does its thing.
Why Whanganui works so well
Whanganui’s riverside parks and green spaces are made for laid‑back outdoor meals. You’ll find:
- Parks and gardens with plenty of lawn for a kick‑about or kōrero on a picnic rug
- Picnic tables and benches so you don’t have to balance plates on your knees
- Playgrounds and skate or basketball areas to keep tamariki busy
- Shelters for when the weather turns on a dime
- Practical touches like toilets, drinking water (bubblers and bottle refills), waste bins, and nearby parking
Walking or biking along the river, then firing up a public BBQ for a casual lunch is a common weekend ritual here – especially over summer and on long weekends.
Planning your BBQ visit
Before you head out, you can use our website to look up nearby barbecue spots and filter for the amenities you need – from restrooms and playgrounds to tables, water, and sheltered areas. That way you can pick a Whanganui location that suits your crew, pack the chilly bin, and enjoy a proper Kiwi-style feed outdoors.