Riverside Motel

3.5 star property
3.5-star motel in Whanganui Central

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Riverside Motel

Standard Room, Non Smoking, Kitchen (2 Bedroom) | Living area | 32-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels, TV
Reception
Standard Room, Non Smoking, Kitchen (2 Bedroom) | Living area | 32-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels, TV
Family Room, Non Smoking, Kitchen | Private kitchen | Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Front of property

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Business services
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View in a map
30 Somme Parade, Whanganui
  • Place, Sarjeant Gallery
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Place, Whanganui Museum
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Place, Whanganui Riverboat Centre and Museum
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Airport, Whanganui (WAG)
    ‪9 min drive‬

Room options

Family Room, Non Smoking, Kitchen

  • 1 bedroom
  • River view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Twin Beds

Standard Suite, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking, Kitchen

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(9 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • River view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Twin Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Standard Room, Non Smoking, Kitchen (2 Bedroom)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • River view
  • Sleeps 6
  • 5 King Beds and 1 Twin Bed

Standard Room, Non Smoking, Kitchen (Studio Unit)

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(18 reviews)
  • River view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Whanganui

Heart of Whanganui.Within a 15-minute walk of this Whanganui Central motel, you'll find Queens Park and Sarjeant Gallery. Moutoa Gardens and Whanganui Museum are also within half a mile (1 km).

What's nearby

  • Queens Park - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Sarjeant Gallery - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Whanganui Museum - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Whanganui Riverboat Centre and Museum - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Wanganui Community Arts Centre - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles

Getting around

  • Whanganui (WAG) - 10 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Little Curious Bagels - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Stellar - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Rutland Arms Inn - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Mischief - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪The Brick House Restaurant & Function Centre - ‬17 min walk

About this property

Riverside Motel

3.5-star motel in Whanganui Central
WiFi and wired Internet are free in public spaces. You'll find a business center on site. Barbecue grills, tour/ticket assistance, and a garden are also featured at Riverside Motel. Self parking is free.

This 3.5-star Whanganui motel is smoke free.

  • 1 building
  • 1 floor
  • 10 guestrooms or units
  • Built in 1970
  • Business facilities
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • No smoking on site
Riverside Motel offers 10 accommodations with complimentary newspapers and irons/ironing boards. Beds feature premium bedding. Accommodations at this 3.5-star motel have kitchens with refrigerators, stovetops, microwaves, and separate dining areas. Bathrooms include showers and complimentary toiletries.

This Whanganui motel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. 32-inch flat-screen televisions come with premium digital channels. Housekeeping is provided daily.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room crib
  • In-room kitchen
  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities
  • Separate in-room dining area

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi; wired internet (NZD 0.14 per minute)
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi and wired internet

Parking and transportation

  • Free uncovered self parking on site
  • Limited onsite self parking
  • Onsite parking includes off-street options

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator (single-level property)
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Well-lit path to entrance

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 32-inch flat-screen TV with premium digital channels

Bedroom

  • Free crib
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Kitchen
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Separate dining area
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

More

  • Free daily newspapers
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 9:30 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Late check-in subject to availability

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Late check-out subject to availability

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 9:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Free cribs (infant beds)!

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for in-room wired internet: NZD 0.14 per minute (rates may vary)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, debit cards, and cash.

National rating

Property class, provided by our rating system, is based on property type, amenities, and services.

Property is also known as

Riverside Motel Wanganui
Riverside Wanganui
Riverside Motel Whanganui
Riverside Whanganui
Riverside Motel Motel
Riverside Motel Whanganui
Riverside Motel Motel Whanganui

Frequently asked questions

How close is Riverside Motel to the airport?

Riverside Motel is 3.8 mi (10-min drive) away from the Whanganui (WAG) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Riverside Motel?

As of Dec 28, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Riverside Motel on Jan 22, 2026 start from $64.49, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Riverside Motel have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Riverside Motel.

How close is Riverside Motel to the beach?

This motel is 4.5 mi (10-min drive) from Castlecliff Beach and 5 mi (17-min drive) from South Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Riverside Motel offer free breakfast?

Riverside Motel does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Riverside Motel?

No, there is no casino at this motel.

What time is check-in at Riverside Motel?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 9:30 PM.

Is there free parking at Riverside Motel?

This motel offers free self parking.

Does Riverside Motel have a pool?

Riverside Motel does not have a pool.

Does Riverside Motel have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this motel.

How close is Riverside Motel to downtown Whanganui?

Riverside Motel is 0.4 mi away from Whanganui.

Riverside Motel Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 166 out of 339 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 124 out of 339 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 31 out of 339 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 14 out of 339 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 339 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

David

Business traveler, Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Quiet Comfortable bed, King size luxury!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Shona

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A good stay just a little old and out of date in style but clean and comfortable.
Stayed 9 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Karen

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice views of river across road. Reasonably situated near town (car ride rather than walk), the room was a little dated but the cleanliness made up for this. Bed very comfortable. Ablutions clean and adequate. We stayed 3 nights and very good service.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Anne

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness
Very conveniently located. We could walk to most destinations.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice comfortable old style motel.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Nice stay in Whanganui

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Natalie

Traveled with group
Liked: Staff & service
The room was warm and the bed was comfortable. Kitchen was well stocked. We did have to kill a few rather large beetle bugs that were in the toilet and room. There was also ants. We only were there one night so we made due but it was a bit unsettling.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eileen

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

4/10 Poor

Darren

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our recent visit to the motel was a letdown. The room had significant issues with condensation leading to mildew & mouldy carpets near the window. We even spotted ants and white tail spider which was unsettling. The bathroom & toilet lacked proper ventilation , with no exhaust fan to remove moisture. The fan heater was noisy was noisy and did not compensate for the lack of airflow. The beds were 2 single mattresses pushed together , making the queen size bed uneven & uncomfortable. The room's facikirues are in dire need of upgrade & modernization. The amenities such as soap & shampoo were subpar with no proper dispensers. Given the state of the rooms, including threadbare carowts and mould, we would not recommend this motel to anyone. A thorough renovation is necessary to bring the rooms up to modern standards.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Melissa

Traveled with family and small children
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was a freezing day I had booked a check in time, no heaters had been put on to take the chill off the room,.the heater didn't work properly (it was not a basic heater and there were no instructions), I did eventually get an additional heater, to help try and warm the room. Not a single appliance was plugged in at the wall. When we woke the following morning the the kitchen sink and bench was covered in ants, the only thing that was in the sink over night was a coffee cup and 2 glasses (both rinsed). I was not impressed, I would not recommend and I won't stay again. The only saving grace was that the beds had electric blankets.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Becky

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Riverside motel was an easy and comfortable place for our overnight stay. Simple but tidy and kn a great location.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Deborah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Comfy place to stay
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Jeanne

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
It was an old worn out motel. It was winter and for 3 rooms there was one small space heater. We had to warm up the room using the oven. It was clean and the staff was nice. The milk was excellent.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Dini Chun Ling

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
conveniently located with easy access to downtown/restaurants. Just across from the river for a relax walk in the evening
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

John

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
good parking ,quiet ,good location
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Margaret

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It turned out to be very close to the friends we were visiting and the restaurant we went out to with them.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Peter

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Clean and tidy but Very dated rooms, ants 🐜 in the kitchen in the morning. While I know this is beyond owners control there was a reasonable amount of traffic noise. TV 📺 remote didn't work. The bed was quite comfortable though. Reasonably good budget accommodation.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful place, easy and close to stores. Very friendly.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Phillip

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent motel with great price
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Patrick

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Bon motel pour une etape

Motel bien placé au bord de la rivière et au centre ville
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Sharon

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Riverside is a classic roadside motel which had everything we needed for our one night stay in Whanganui. Ours was a 2-bedroom and both bedrooms were spacious, as was the living area. The hotel is located within easy walk to the main street, along a nice riverside walkway. The hosts were friendly and the room exactly as described. There was a fridge, cutlery and cooking utensils plus stove and microwave if you wanted to be self-sufficient. Also appreciated the helpful information folder with the local sights and stories. Thank you!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

gill

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
the staff are friendly. but the rooms are very dated.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Traveled with family
Central location, reasonable price, noisy traffic.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daphne

Rty
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025