Perched on the banks of the longest navigable river in New Zealand, the city of Wanganui is a beautiful sight to behold. Here, lush forest ripples through a rolling valley, gorgeous beaches melt into a blue sea, and the town, also spelled as Whanganui, sparkles with cultural and historic attractions. Discover the beauty of the area by sailing along the Whanganui River in the Waimarie, a restored turn-of-the-century paddle steamer, or by swimming near the black sands of Kai Iwi Beach. In Whanganui National Park, you can hike to the scenic Bridge to Nowhere, ride the Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail, or kayak past ancient Maori villages along the river. The town is also home to a thriving arts community and filled with family-friendly attractions. Start planning your trip to wondrous Wanganui today. Scroll down for the best Bookabach holiday homes in Wanganui, New Zealand.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 23, 2024.
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1. Quiet and cozy rental with a sunny garden (from USD 74)
This delightful property is quaint, quiet, and comfortable. The house can accommodate up to eight guests and comes with a fully equipped kitchen, a modern bathroom, two comfy bedrooms, and a large living area. The large deck faces the lush garden. This property is located along a peaceful street in Wanganui and a nearby bus line can conveniently take you into the city center.
Top guest reviews
Host:
and we were made to feel really welcomeQuiet neigbourhood with nice views onto the hillsi bet when the tulips are out they will look a pictureA really nice home away from home Comfortable and cleanEven saw some deer up the back while having dinner on the deck Great location for walksLocation:
Very cute and retro cottage in a quiet neighbourhoodThe back garden looks out out to tree laden gardens and then on to a bushPeaceful quiet location with rural viewsWe also found the setting so peaceful and managed to unwind a bitThe house is close to the river and a short drive from the city centreRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
Very comfortable and well equipped residenceThanks for the free range eggsThe property is nicely presented with very comfortable easy chairsAlways spotless cooking facilities are excellent in a well appointed kitchenA home away from home House had everything we needed Unfortunately not cold enough for us to have to light the fire
2. Renovated railway signal box with river views
This lovely, unique property portends a delightful stay! It is a renovated New Zealand railway signal box and is a wonderful accommodation for couples of solo adventurers. Inside the space is an airy bedroom with a king-sized bed that can be converted into two twin-sized beds, an elegant bathroom, a cozy living and dining space, and a modern kitchenette. There is also a beautiful sun deck that looks out onto the Whanganui River.
6.58 km (4.1 mi) from Virginia Lake ReserveAccommodates: 2
Minimum Nights: 1
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.
Top guest reviews
Host:
It has lovely views over the Whanganui River and the hosts are kind and helpful Thank yougreat views out onto the river andOwners are so helpful & the place is just delightful Wonderful views and so tastefully decorated Everything you needed andable to work onsite - wifi connection and desk overlooking river beautifully restored property owners with love of english literature - so plenty of nz authors on bookshelf if you fancy reading ...Location:
the electric blanket was very appreciated on such a cold nightThe signal box is an amazing little placeRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
tastefully appointed with thoughtfully chosen furnishingsThe cabin is small though and the kitchen is fairly basic - but there is all the amenities (hotplate etc) to make a meal just requires a bit or organisationThe place is quiet despite being inbetween two roads; the more major of the two roads is over the river ie quite far away (still slightly audible at peak times fine after that)
3. Relaxing beach house near the Whanganui River
A stylish and elegant property, this wonderful house has a fantastic location near the Whanganui River. This four-bedroom beach house has accommodation for up to eight guests and has a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy a modern kitchen filled with convenient appliances, two elegant bathrooms, a spacious and comfortable lounge area, a dining table, and four peaceful bedrooms. Gorgeous, sun-drenched decks boast amazing views of the river, and the back garden is equipped with seating and a barbecue. The river is only a minute away and Castlecliff Beach is within walking distance. Likewise, the city itself is just a short drive away.
5.22 km (3.3 mi) from Virginia Lake ReserveAccommodates: 8
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.
Top guest reviews
Host:
very nice house with a beautiful set upClose to Castlecliff Beach Warm and Cosy Friendly ownersthe kitchen and all facilities Didn't even notice the home owners living below usEverything about the house was great Highly recommend itShort walk to the beach and riverLocation:
Great location by the river and lovely walksGood location and really nice set-up Close to lots of activitiesnearby Needed to drive into town for the restaurants and marketsbut this was not a problemIn a good position for walks to the river and beachCleanliness:
the beach and river mouth are just over the roadand it was really warm throughout our stay Lots of roomsRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
I would suggest adding to the description that there are tenants living in the downstairs part of the houseHandy to the beach and excellent place to stay Plenty of room and and all of us appreciated the facilitiesThe property was very comfortable and as described in the listingthey kept their distance and obviously respected our privacy Great place to stayThe house was clean and comfortable and once I worked out how to work the heater
4. Spacious and elegant character home by the river (from USD 75)
A spacious and elegant property, this is a wonderful accommodation for families or larger groups. The three-bedroom cottage has room for up to eight guests and is filled with modern amenities and comfortable furnishings. Inside the property is an airy and bright living space, two sleek bathrooms, three elegant bedrooms with a total of seven beds, and a modern kitchen filled with appliances. There is also a charming seating area on the patio outside, and there are many beautiful walking paths nearby. The city center is only a short drive away.
Top guest reviews
Host:
Lovely hosts made everything very simpleVery friendly host with a nice houseGreat warm sunny house very smart and tidy with everything we neededExcellent service well kept house wonderful communicationHouse is lovely and clean and warm Only very minor complaint is that there was nowhere to hang wet togsLocation:
We took a walk near the house every morning in the wonderful walking way called Virginian LakeWe walked to the city center through the park on the other side of the river which has some amazing playgroundsA dairy is just around the corner Highly recommendedGreat location to get to all the tourist spots and close to the riverThe house was lovely and very comfortable Access to the city centre was easy; it takes less 5mins by carCleanliness:
The property is very clean and spacious would stay againThe house was very clean and tidy and had everything we needed for our stay With two young children the fully fenced aspect was really reassuringRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
There is a sunny front yard off the living room to sit outsideWell appointed comfy cosy and warm A great place to stay; all the basics and more included Had a great stayA drying rack in the laundry might be goodCharmae was more comfortable than we expected
5. An oceanfront property with a luxurious outdoor deck (from USD 98)
Look out onto beautiful ocean waters from this stunning water-side accommodation! Nestled atop soft sand dunes, this two-bedroom property is peaceful and picturesque and provides accommodation for up to six guests. It is equipped with cozy furnishings and modern amenities, and includes a sleek kitchen, a comfortable living room, two elegant bedrooms, and a bathroom. After a busy day at the beach, come back to the house to unwind with a meal on the deck or soak in the outdoor spa tub while you watch the sunset.
Top guest reviews
Host:
Lovely presented property with a killer view Great instruction bookletgreat decks even fish to feed Amazing views over the dunes and beachWarm clean comfortable houseThe weather wasn't great when we visited Wanganui for the first timeJulie was easy to contact when we needed to know where things were Would definitely stay againLocation:
The views of Castlecliff beach from the house are beautifulLoved the location and the bonus of some golf ballsno salt and pepper so had last minute dash to dairyHad a lovely time house as describedWe had a lovely weekend relaxing in the spa looking out at the amazing view of the ocean listening to the sound of the waves and birds tweeting Would absolutely recommend this lovely houseRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
The house has everything you could need and the view is exquisiteSpa on deck to enhance your view watchingHad a lovely time and enjoyed relaxing in the spa pool watching the stars - the views are amazingThe view is absolutely stunning and the place is very homelywatch the sun go down
6. Roomy riverside townhouse (from USD 74)
With its riverside views and cozy interior, this property is a wonderful choice for your stay in Wanganui. The apartment is spacious and sunny and can provide accommodation for up to six guests. The space consists of three bright bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a relaxing living area that looks onto the river, and two stylish bathrooms. Parking is available in the garage as well as on the street. Located in Wanganui, this apartment is close to the library, shopping area, and art gallery as well as many restaurants in town.
Top guest reviews
Host:
Excellent property owner to communicate with Very accommodating with requests Will definitely be booking this home againGood price Happy with my experienceas very early sunlight is a bit bright Minor thingsWe live next door to the batchWendy was very friendly and easy to deal with Instructions clear and timelyLocation:
Walkable distance from Saturday market River walk main city centre Property is well maintained by the property managerThe location was perfect for us was within walking distance to the citybut they where a little dusty place needs to be upgraded withabut we knew about these in advance from other reviewsAwesome house and location to what we neededCleanliness:
the house was spacious and very cleanThe house was lovely and clean and the beds were very comfyRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
Good place to stay Close to town Nice and roomy and comfortableHaving two bathrooms was a bonusA couple of squeaky floor boards on second storey bit noisy for downstairs bedroom and maybe a curtain for arch window in bedroomLocation very convenient for town (yet quiet) and nice to be close to the river A spacious and well-equipped propertyVery close to everything and has everything you need
7. Historic seaside cottage (from USD 61)
Enjoy a comfortable stay when you rent this quaint seaside cottage near Castlecliff Beach. Up to four guests can rent this airy property which includes two cozy bedrooms, a simple kitchen, a spacious living area, and a bathroom. There is also a lovely patio furnished with seating, as well as a private courtyard with a garden. The property is located in a family-friendly area within walking distance of the beach, and there is a children’s playground, barbecue facilities, and a campground nearby.
Top guest reviews
Host:
Have contacted owner in respect to some things we were not happy about mostly housekeeping issueswas cool to rely injoy being a family And being able to have our dog ment or hole familyDelightful cottage with lots of characterDelightful cottage with lots of characterMonday cottage was a little cramped for us (especially the toilet) and very close to the properties next door which were noiseyLocation:
Great location to the beach and local cafeMonday cottage has character to burnCosy and has all one could need for some R&R Close to the beach and not too far away from the centreThe beach was just across the road and great for a walkLovely stay Easy with young children playground across the road is very convenient Very easy check in and out processCleanliness:
The cottage was homely and cleanPlease don't change it's characterThe owners were very easy to deal with and were quick to answer my queriesRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
Also there was a huge clump of hair in the shower which was very disturbing and the shower curtain was mouldy :(Had two really good nights sleep in a warm and comfortable bedHowever I had my 8yr old and 5month old and the shower kept going between too hot or too coldMy 8year old was ok because of the hot weather I made her shower during the day on coldBeing fully fenced was a real bonus
8. Beautiful beach retreat home
This property is a great choice for vacationers looking for a seaside escape. The four-bedroom accommodation is within walking distance of Kai Iwi Beach, and includes relaxing features like an outdoor hot tub, a hammock, and a private garden surrounded by hills and lush plant life. Inside the property, there are four cozy bedrooms, two bathrooms, a sunny and spacious living and dining area, and a modern kitchen. Up to 13 guests can share this space.
11.6 km (7.3 mi) from Virginia Lake ReserveTop guest reviews
Host:
great wifi well equipped and maintained great spathe spa and wifi kept us all very happyall guests were relaxed anWe were all so relaxedThe spa pool was a huge hit and the lovely outdoor area was great for eating outdoors Thoroughly enjoyed our stayLocation:
The place has plenty of space and a great set up The near by beach and playground are a real treatWe loved riding and running in Whanganui and going to the beach at Kai Iwi Catching up on sleepThe playground was a big hit tooIt had a relaxing feel Close walk to beach and playgroundkids really enjoyed the placeRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
Access to the beach was easyI was able to watch the sunset on our beautiful coastlineThe house was well set up with plenty of room for adults and kidslocal people were nice and welcoming Plenty of space in the bedroomsWe had a large group with 4 children there was plenty of space for everyone
9. Holiday home with sea views near Kai Iwi Beach
Admire the beauty of Kai Iwi Beach when you stay in this tranquil holiday house. The property is surrounded by beautiful panoramas of the seaside and provides accommodation for up to nine guests. Inside the gorgeous retreat, you will find four cozy bedrooms, a bright bathroom, a comfy living and dining area, and a stylish, modern kitchen. The sun-soaked wraparound porch is the perfect spot to relax in the evening and soak up the views. Kai Iwi Beach is within walking distance from the property and is a great spot for swimming, diving, and fishing.
11.66 km (7.3 mi) from Virginia Lake ReserveTop guest reviews
Host:
Loved the house and the beach Will definitely be booking again thanksFantastic beautiful spot house slept a large group(7) very easily Great communication from owner very easyMinutes from the beach and playground this property was the best Great facilities in the home love the convenience of the shed with big roller foods to assist with the outdoor entertainment Nice...The property has been nicely modernised and was clean and pleasant to arrive toThe home was fitted with toys dvds and games for our childrenLocation:
great for families who are looking to stay close to beach in a relaxed holiday villagelovely house and very close to the beach lots of space in the houseThe house was fantastic and such a great location by the beachWe enjoyed having access to a woodburnerkids enjoyed the games and puzzles availableRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
The pictures do not do it justiceWas nice to be able to walk to the beach and park with our children Apart from a neighbour 2 houses away constantly staring at us and someone from the community advising the ownerThree generations stayed and it was roomy enough for a large groupThe house was every thing we expected
10. Hilltop self-contained apartment (from USD 64)
A cozy style and convenient amenities make this self-contained guest apartment a delightful place to stay in Wanganui. It is tranquil and comfortable, and has a wonderful location atop Durie Hill, close to the Durie Hill Tower and Elevator. Inside this terrific accommodation, you will find two relaxing bedrooms, a compact kitchen, and a bathroom. There is also a lovely garden that guests can use. Up to four guests can stay here.
Top guest reviews
Host:
Great garden for our dog to run around and make friends with their labwell fenced good parking and congenial hostWe missed the river bank market this morning as we helped our daughter unpack before returning homeand we had come to support her in her first week and finding a flatNice clean and very warm Would recommend to anyone who wants to visit WhanguaniLocation:
A lovely house and a wonderful locationbut it is a very steep walk Or easy 5 minute driveVirgina lake was lovely to walk around and the Winter Gardens are a real delight and a must see We made it out to Windmere Berry Farm for a lovely Pancake brunchWe walked to and from townThe views are stunning and we enjoyed being able to walk to the town and along the river easily from the house Really enjoyed our stayCleanliness:
Clean and spacious and extremely quiet good location up the hillThe unit was beautifully presented and very clean and tidy Lovely secure back yard for the dogsRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
No privacy when someone needs to use toiletEnjoyed the stay just thought the layout was a little wierd with bed in loungeVery quiet x private Great heating systemReally enjoyed our stay here Private and clean space with all we needed Note the bathroom is attached to the living room which has one of the double beds in it which is not ideal when staying ...magnificent views from the Durie tower and elevator tower which are just up the driveway
Art and outdoor adventures in Wanganui
This lovely town is friendly, fun, and filled with exciting adventures around every corner. From outdoor adventures to art galleries, botanical gardens to black sand beaches, Wanganui brims with entertainment opportunities. Whether you prefer to hike, bike, swim, or stroll, there are so many ways to have fun in this charming New Zealand town. These Bookabach holiday homes provide excellent accommodation no matter your itinerary in Wanganui.
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