10 Best Budget Accommodations in Whanganui 🛌🏼 [2024]

1. Whanganui River TOP 10 Holiday Park

Wake up with a morning kayak on the river, cool off in the swimming pool in summer, and stay in affordable cabins and motel units at the Whanganui River TOP 10 Holiday Park. There is a wide range of accommodation options here, including glamping tents, camping sites, basic cabins with shared facilities and motel-style units increasing in private facilities and price, like private kitchens and bathrooms. With plenty of family-friendly recreational activities, the holiday park is a top choice for families, which we also feature in the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Whanganui.

Check Whanganui River TOP 10 Holiday Park out:

• Whanganui River TOP 10 Holiday Park on Booking.com
• Whanganui River TOP 10 Holiday Park on Trip.com
• Whanganui River TOP 10 Holiday Park on Expedia

© Whanganui River TOP 10 Holiday Park

2. Riverside Motel

A classic motel along the Whanganui River, Riverside Motel offers an affordable stay for the non-fussy traveller. Enjoy the convenience of a full kitchen including an oven across all room types, which include standard queen rooms, family rooms and more spacious suites. All rooms have a river view, as well as free WiFi in the communal areas and off-street parking.

Check Riverside Motel out:

• Riverside Motel on Booking.com
• Riverside Motel on Trip.com
• Riverside Motel on Expedia

© Riverside Motel

3. Riverview Motel

Not to be confused with the motel above, Riverview Motel is located further north along the Whanganui River boardwalk and features studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, some with a luxurious spa bath. Rooms are basic but convenient with cooking facilities, a shower ensuite and free WiFi. The motel is particularly good for groups and families with their family units sleeping up to six. See how this motel compares to the 10 Best Motels in Whanganui.

Check Riverview Motel out:

• Riverview Motel on Booking.com
• Riverview Motel on Trip.com
• Riverview Motel on Expedia

© Riverview Motel

4. Whanganui Seaside Holiday Park

Stay in an alternative part of Whanganui: by the beach at the Whanganui Seaside Holiday Park! With a playground, flying fox, basketball court, skate park, swimming pool and Castlecliff Beach, the holiday park is certainly a top pick for families. No matter what type of traveller you are, however, you’ll find affordable accommodation in one of the self-contained baches (holiday homes) or flats with private kitchen and bathroom facilities at your fingertips. Alternatively, camp in a tent or powered sites and make use of the communal bathrooms and kitchen.

Check Whanganui Seaside Holiday Park out:

• Whanganui Seaside Holiday Park on Booking.com
• Whanganui Seaside Holiday Park on Trip.com
• Whanganui Seaside Holiday Park on Expedia

© Whanganui Seaside Holiday Park

5. A Bit of New York in Whanganui

Another type of budget accommodation to consider for your stay in Whanganui is a homestay. One of the top-rated options is “A Bit of New York in Whanganui“, where you can enjoy as much or as little interaction with your welcoming host as you please. There is just one double room available, while the home’s tidy and modern kitchen (with breakfast included) and comfortable lounge are free for guests to use. We also like the sunny deck overlooking a stream.

Check A Bit of New York in Whanganui out:

• A Bit of New York in Whanganui on Booking.com
• A Bit of New York in Whanganui on Trip.com
• A Bit of New York in Whanganui on Expedia

© A Bit of New York in Whanganui

6. Braemar House

This hostel and bed & breakfast accommodation is located on the banks of the Whanganui River, well within walking distance from the city centre. At Braemar House, choose from one of the seven B&B rooms with ensuites and an upscale lounge and dining area or one of the hostel rooms with a mix of male dorms, female dorms and private rooms, also with their own communal kitchen, lounge and laundry facilities. For more B&B accommodations, check out the 10 Best Romantic Accommodations in Whanganui.

Check Braemar House out:

• Braemar House on Booking.com
• Braemar House on HostelWorld
• Braemar House on Trip.com
• Braemar House on Expedia

© Braemar House

7. 42b College House

With the cheapest dorm rates in town and a homely atmosphere, 42B College House is well worth considering for backpackers. They also offer private single, twin, double and family rooms, some with ensuites and some with shared bathrooms. There are several spacious lounge areas, as well as a barbecue and garden to relax in. You might want to make use of the free unlimited WiFi, free off-street parking and even free bus pick-ups. What’s more, 42B College House is within walking distance of the city centre and supermarkets.

Check 42B College House out:

• 42B College House on Booking.com
• 42B College House on Trip.com
• 42B College House on Expedia

© NZPocketGuide.com

8. The Grand Hotel Wanganui

For a central but affordable stay in Whanganui, consider The Grand Hotel Wanganui. The historic hotel has been running since the 1920s and still retains some original features radiating historical charm. All of the 50 rooms have ensuite bathrooms and come in all sorts of layouts, from single to triple rooms with some adjoining for families. Also on-site is a classic Kiwi tavern with pool tables, crowd-pleasing pub grub and pints of the good stuff. Discover more hotel stays in the 20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Whanganui.

Check The Grand Hotel Wanganui out:

• The Grand Hotel Wanganui on Booking.com
• The Grand Hotel Wanganui on Trip.com
• The Grand Hotel Wanganui on Expedia

© The Grand Hotel Wanganui

9. Astral Motel

One of the best-priced motels in town, Astral Motel has 15 compact but comfortable ground-floor units located right by the Whanganui River. The standard studios are ideal for couples or groups of three with tea/coffee-making facilities, while the kitchen units have self-catering facilities. There are also family units available with cot and highchair hire if needed. The motel offers free use of bicycles, making getting into town along the riverside cycleway a lot quicker.

Check Astral Motel out:

• Astral Motel on Booking.com
• Astral Motel on Trip.com
• Astral Motel on Expedia

© Astral Motel

10. Te Awa Motel

Enjoy your own space and private facilities for a reasonable price at Te Awa Motel. The motel, that’s just a little out of town taking about 20 minutes to walk to the city centre, at least keeps things simple with just two affordable room choices. The one-bedroom units feature two single beds in the bedroom and a queen bed in the lounge with a kitchenette, hot drinks and milk provided and an ensuite. Alternatively, the “Comfort Cabin” has a queen in the main room with the open-plan kitchen, lounge and dining area, while the separate bedroom has a bunk bed and a single bed. Both are reasonably priced and tastefully furnished.

Check Te Awa Motel out:

• Te Awa Motel on Booking.com
• Te Awa Motel on Trip.com
• Te Awa Motel on Expedia

© Te Awa Motel

[CLOSED] Tamara Riverside Lodge

Another backpacker accommodation in the city, Tamara Riverside Lodge is right beside the Whanganui River, just five minutes from the city centre. The lodge offers plenty of spaces for relaxation with a spacious garden with hammocks, a generous-sized lounge with a piano and guitars and a barbecue area. The hostel also provides free unlimited WiFi and free bike hire. See more accommodation like this in the 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Whanganui.