8 Best Bookabach Holiday Homes In Wanganui, New Zealand

bookabach wanganui
Hannah
Hannah 
Updated
| 4 min read

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 March 13, 2023.

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.

Stayed at this property?

3.9 km (2.5 mi) from Virginia Lake Reserve
50 reviews  
cottage 8 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 8
Minimum Nights: 1
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
Very comfortable and well equipped residence
Thanks for the free range eggs
The property is nicely presented with very comfortable easy chairs
Always spotless cooking facilities are excellent in a well appointed kitchen
A home away from home House had everything we needed Unfortunately not cold enough for us to have to light the fire
Host:
and we were made to feel really welcome
Quiet neigbourhood with nice views onto the hills
i bet when the tulips are out they will look a picture
A really nice home away from home Comfortable and clean
Even saw some deer up the back while having dinner on the deck Great location for walks
Location:
Very cute and retro cottage in a quiet neighbourhood
The back garden looks out out to tree laden gardens and then on to a bush
Peaceful quiet location with rural views
We also found the setting so peaceful and managed to unwind a bit
The house is close to the river and a short drive from the city centre
Read more reviews

2. Renovated railway signal box with river views (from USD 117)

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.

Stayed at this property?

6.58 km (4.1 mi) from Virginia Lake Reserve
18 reviews   Wifi Available
studio 2 Guests 0 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2
Minimum Nights: 1
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
tastefully appointed with thoughtfully chosen furnishings
The 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 organisation
The 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)
Host:
It has lovely views over the Whanganui River and the hosts are kind and helpful Thank you
great views out onto the river and
Owners are so helpful & the place is just delightful Wonderful views and so tastefully decorated Everything you needed and
able 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 night
The signal box is an amazing little place
Read more reviews

3. Relaxing beach house near the Whanganui River (from USD 137)

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.

Stayed at this property?

5.22 km (3.3 mi) from Virginia Lake Reserve
29 reviews  
House 8 Guests 4 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 8
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
I would suggest adding to the description that there are tenants living in the downstairs part of the house
Handy to the beach and excellent place to stay Plenty of room and and all of us appreciated the facilities
The property was very comfortable and as described in the listing
they kept their distance and obviously respected our privacy Great place to stay
The house was clean and comfortable and once I worked out how to work the heater
Cleanliness:
the beach and river mouth are just over the road
and it was really warm throughout our stay Lots of rooms
Host:
very nice house with a beautiful set up
Close to Castlecliff Beach Warm and Cosy Friendly owners
the kitchen and all facilities Didn't even notice the home owners living below us
Everything about the house was great Highly recommend it
Short walk to the beach and river
Location:
Great location by the river and lovely walks
Good location and really nice set-up Close to lots of activities
nearby Needed to drive into town for the restaurants and markets
but this was not a problem
In a good position for walks to the river and beach
Read more reviews

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.

Stayed at this property?

1.31 km (0.9 mi) from Virginia Lake Reserve
80 reviews   Wifi Available
bed & breakfast 9 Guests 5 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 9
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
There is a sunny front yard off the living room to sit outside
Well appointed comfy cosy and warm A great place to stay
; all the basics and more included Had a great stay
A drying rack in the laundry might be good
Charmae was more comfortable than we expected
Cleanliness:
The property is very clean and spacious would stay again
The house was very clean and tidy and had everything we needed for our stay With two young children the fully fenced aspect was really reassuring
Host:
Lovely hosts made everything very simple
Very friendly host with a nice house
Great warm sunny house very smart and tidy with everything we needed
Excellent service well kept house wonderful communication
House is lovely and clean and warm Only very minor complaint is that there was nowhere to hang wet togs
Location:
We took a walk near the house every morning in the wonderful walking way called Virginian Lake
We walked to the city center through the park on the other side of the river which has some amazing playgrounds
A dairy is just around the corner Highly recommended
Great location to get to all the tourist spots and close to the river
The house was lovely and very comfortable Access to the city centre was easy; it takes less 5mins by car
Read more reviews

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.

Stayed at this property?

5.59 km (3.5 mi) from Virginia Lake Reserve
194 reviews   Wifi Available
bungalow 6 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 6
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
The house has everything you could need and the view is exquisite
Spa on deck to enhance your view watching
Had a lovely time and enjoyed relaxing in the spa pool watching the stars - the views are amazing
The view is absolutely stunning and the place is very homely
watch the sun go down
Cleanliness:
This house is lovely and super comfy
The house is clean warm & cosy
Host:
Lovely presented property with a killer view Great instruction booklet
great decks even fish to feed Amazing views over the dunes and beach
Warm clean comfortable house
The weather wasn't great when we visited Wanganui for the first time
Julie was easy to contact when we needed to know where things were Would definitely stay again
Location:
The views of Castlecliff beach from the house are beautiful
Loved the location and the bonus of some golf balls
no salt and pepper so had last minute dash to dairy
Had a lovely time house as described
We 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 house
Read more reviews

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.

Stayed at this property?

2.54 km (1.6 mi) from Virginia Lake Reserve
208 reviews   Wifi Available
townhome 6 Guests 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 6
Minimum Nights: 1
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
Good place to stay Close to town Nice and roomy and comfortable
Having two bathrooms was a bonus
A couple of squeaky floor boards on second storey bit noisy for downstairs bedroom and maybe a curtain for arch window in bedroom
Location very convenient for town (yet quiet) and nice to be close to the river A spacious and well-equipped property
Very close to everything and has everything you need
Cleanliness:
the house was spacious and very clean
The house was lovely and clean and the beds were very comfy
Host:
Excellent property owner to communicate with Very accommodating with requests Will definitely be booking this home again
Good price Happy with my experience
as very early sunlight is a bit bright Minor things
We live next door to the batch
Wendy was very friendly and easy to deal with Instructions clear and timely
Location:
Walkable distance from Saturday market River walk main city centre Property is well maintained by the property manager
The location was perfect for us was within walking distance to the city
but they where a little dusty place needs to be upgraded witha
but we knew about these in advance from other reviews
Awesome house and location to what we needed
Read more reviews

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.

Stayed at this property?

5.37 km (3.4 mi) from Virginia Lake Reserve
72 reviews  
House 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4
Minimum Nights: 1
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & 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 bed
However I had my 8yr old and 5month old and the shower kept going between too hot or too cold
My 8year old was ok because of the hot weather I made her shower during the day on cold
Being fully fenced was a real bonus
Cleanliness:
The cottage was homely and clean
Please don't change it's character
The owners were very easy to deal with and were quick to answer my queries
Host:
Have contacted owner in respect to some things we were not happy about mostly housekeeping issues
was cool to rely injoy being a family And being able to have our dog ment or hole family
Delightful cottage with lots of character
Delightful cottage with lots of character
Monday cottage was a little cramped for us (especially the toilet) and very close to the properties next door which were noisey
Location:
Great location to the beach and local cafe
Monday cottage has character to burn
Cosy and has all one could need for some R&R Close to the beach and not too far away from the centre
The beach was just across the road and great for a walk
Lovely stay Easy with young children playground across the road is very convenient Very easy check in and out process
Read more reviews

8. Hilltop self-contained apartment

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.

Stayed at this property?

3.56 km (2.3 mi) from Virginia Lake Reserve
91 reviews   Wifi Available
condo 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 4
Minimum Nights: 1
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 14 days before check-in.

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
No privacy when someone needs to use toilet
Enjoyed the stay just thought the layout was a little wierd with bed in lounge
Very quiet x private Great heating system
Really 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
Cleanliness:
Clean and spacious and extremely quiet good location up the hill
The unit was beautifully presented and very clean and tidy Lovely secure back yard for the dogs
Host:
Great garden for our dog to run around and make friends with their lab
well fenced good parking and congenial host
We missed the river bank market this morning as we helped our daughter unpack before returning home
and we had come to support her in her first week and finding a flat
Nice clean and very warm Would recommend to anyone who wants to visit Whanguani
Location:
A lovely house and a wonderful location
but it is a very steep walk Or easy 5 minute drive
Virgina 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 brunch
We walked to and from town
The views are stunning and we enjoyed being able to walk to the town and along the river easily from the house Really enjoyed our stay
Read more reviews

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.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Hannah is a freelance writer, list making aficionado, and world traveler currently based in Germany. She is an avid explorer, and believes in creating new experiences to put on her bucket list to...Read more

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