Whanganui is one of NZ’s oldest settlements.
In Maori and early European settlement days it was part of the national north and south “highway”. The River and its history are one of the Country’s leading tourism attractions as it winds through 140 kilometres of predominately lowland rain forest.
The tidal lower Whanganui River is regarded as a superb rowing and sculling athlete’s training ground. From the former West German Men’s Squad to NZ’s Olympic Champions and the Billy Webb Challenge – they have produced some of their best performances after intensive training on the River.
Likewise Union Boat Club throughout its history has been at the forefront of National competition. The emphasis has shifted over this time from Heavyweight men’s eights to sculling in recent times but the Union reputation for producing top crews and coaches remains.
As well as having a proud heritage the Club is keen to be at the forefront of changes in contemporary rowing and sculling.