Where to Find Child-Friendly Accommodation in Whanganui
After climbing up the Durie Hill Tower, seeing the birds at Bushy Park Wildlife Sanctuary or perhaps taking a trip up the Whanganui River, retreat to your holiday accommodation in Whanganui. From convenient motels to holiday parks with plenty for the kids to do, and even a hotel for something more lavish, there’s an array of accommodations in Whanganui. Discover some of our top picks in this list of best family accommodations in Whanganui.
For more advice on planning your trip, check out The Guide to Whanganui for Families, as well as the 10 Things to Do in Whanganui with Kids.
1. Whanganui River TOP 10 Holiday Park
In true New Zealand holiday park style, Whanganui River TOP 10 Holiday Park is a fantastic place to take the kids. Enjoy kayaking on the river, cooling off in the swimming pool and letting the kids loose at the park’s two playgrounds. Between it all, relax in your motel unit with a spa bath or stay in one of the more affordable kitchen cabins or standard family cabin with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities. There are also glamping tents for four (summer only) and camping sites available.
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 Park2. Whanganui Seaside Holiday Park
If you’re more of a beach-lover, check out the Whanganui Seaside Holiday Park with a playground, flying fox, basketball court, skate park, swimming pool and, of course, Castlecliff Beach to keep the whole family entertained. Stay in one of the self-contained holiday homes (baches) or flats with everything you need for a smooth family holiday at your fingertips or camp in the tent or powered sites making use of the communal bathrooms and kitchen. See more like this in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Whanganui.
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 Park3. Anndion Motel
Overlooking the Whanganui River, the Anndion Motel offers modern family suites that are fully self-contained. Some private kitchen facilities include an oven, gas hobs and a dishwasher, while others have a kitchenette with a hob and breakfast-making facilities. Choose from a range of layouts from family studios to units where mum and dad can enjoy a spacious king bed in a separate room from the living area where two single beds are made up for the kids. Some of the more premium suites include a pool table. From your verandah, you’re just steps away from the motel’s pool and spa pool.
Check Anndion Motel out:
© Anndion Motel4. Kings Court Motel
Kings Court Motel offers affordability and a convenient stay in Whanganui thanks to their well-priced one-bedroom units with bedding for up to either three or five guests. The family-friendly motel is ideally located right in the centre of the city, making it easy to get to some of the attractions listed in the 10 Things to Do in Whanganui with Kids. The units might have basic decor and fixings, but the plunger coffee, biscuits, Sky TV and a full kitchen in each unit make a nice touch.
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© Kings Court Motel5. Arles Historical Homestead
Families looking for their own space should take a look at the Arles Historical Homestead. The two-bedroom holiday home is one of the original homesteads in Whanganui, nestled in botanical gardens with information signs on the trees and walkways to enjoy. The decor enhances the country charm of the home while being on its own quiet grounds where it’s easy to find peace and tranquillity. The holiday home is a little out of town, but just a five-minute drive from all the main attractions and city centre. For more upscale holiday homes, take a look at the 7 Best Luxury Accommodations in Whanganui.
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© Arles Historical Homestead6. The Avenue Hotel
For families looking to treat themselves, check out The Avenue Hotel. This hotel fits families of three or four in their “Superior Rooms” across two double beds and in their “Family Rooms” with a double bed and a bunk bed. The hotel is a 10-minute walk from the city centre and features an on-site restaurant specialising in craft beer and also has a kids’ menu. Kids will also love splashing in the pool. See more like this in the 20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Whanganui.
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© Kingsgate The Avenue Wanganui7. ASURE Cooks Gardens Motor Lodge
For parents looking for some pampering, check out the ASURE Cooks Gardens Motor Lodge where all one and two-bedroom units feature a spa bath in the ensuite. The apartments with full self-catering facilities sleep either up to four to five guests and have Sky TV should you need help keeping the kids entertained. The motel units are basic but comfortable and with plenty of space for the family to spread out. Check out more motels in the 10 Best Motels in Whanganui.
Check ASURE Cooks Gardens Motor Lodge out:
- ASURE Cooks Gardens Motor Lodge on Booking.com
- ASURE Cooks Gardens Motor Lodge on Trip.com
- ASURE Cooks Gardens Motor Lodge on Expedia
© ASURE Cooks Gardens Motor Lodge8. Riverview Motel
Featuring one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, Riverview Motel is another top accommodation in Whanganui for families. The family units are the most affordable outfitted with all the home essentials, while the one- and two-bedroom units boast spa baths. Some of the units have stunning river views, while the Whanganui River Walkway is just across the road so you can take the scenic route into town, taking just five minutes.
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© Riverview Motel9. Coachman’s Lodge Motel
No matter your group size or your budget, you’re bound to find something to suit at the Coachman’s Lodge Motel. The affordable double and twin rooms fit families of four, while the two-bedroom split-level apartments have everything you need to sleep up to seven guests. Units feature small open-plan kitchens with an oven, helping you save money on food, while an ensuite bathroom is also included. The motel is located beside the Whanganui Racecourse and is a 20-minute walk from the city centre.
Check Coachman’s Lodge Motel out:
© Coachman's Lodge Motel10. Te Awa Motel
Te Awa Motel keeps things simple with just two choices of room types that are both suitable for families. The one-bedroom units feature two king 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 MotelMore About Family Accommodations in Whanganui
That’s it for our list of the best family accommodations in Whanganui, but it’s by no means the end of our advice! Check out more guides to help you plan the perfect trip to Whanganui city:
- 15 Best Things to Do in Whanganui
- 10 Things to Do in Whanganui with Kids
- 10 Best Things to Do in the Whanganui National Park
And if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Guide to Whanganui for Families.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
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