Riverside Motel

3.5 star property
Motel in Whanganui with free parking

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
Standard Suite, 1 Bedroom, Non Smoking, Kitchen | Living area | 32-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels, TV
Standard Room, Non Smoking, Kitchen (2 Bedroom) | Premium bedding, iron/ironing board, free cribs/infant beds, free WiFi
Reception
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, Queens Park
    ‪8 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

Located in Whanganui Central, Riverside Motel is a leisurely stroll from sights such as Queens Park and Sarjeant Gallery. This 10-room, 3.5-star motel has in-room conveniences like kitchens, dining areas, and refrigerators.

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
  • ‪Noodle Canteen - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Big Orange - ‬18 min walk

About this property

Riverside Motel

Motel in Whanganui with free parking
Riverside Motel features free WiFi in public areas, a business center, and laundry facilities. If you drive, take advantage of free parking. Front-desk staff can assist with dry cleaning/laundry, tours or tickets, and luggage storage. Additional amenities include barbecue grills, a garden, and a picnic area.
32-inch flat-screen TVs come with digital channels, and guests can stay connected with wired internet and free WiFi. Beds sport premium bedding and bathrooms offer free toiletries. Other standard amenities include kitchens, dining areas, and refrigerators.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Similar properties

Property amenities

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
  • Onsite parking includes off-street options

Family friendly

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

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Business center

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Picnic area

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

More

  • 1 building
  • 1 floor
  • Built in 1970
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Free crib
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

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

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

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Free cribs/infant beds are available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

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

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

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
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM—-9:30 PM
  • Check-out: 10 AM
The front desk is available during limited hours. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.

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

Are free cancellation options available at Riverside Motel?

Riverside Motel offers free cancellation on certain room rates. If you'd like to learn more, look at the cancellation policy on our site.

What is there to do around Riverside Motel?

This motel is situated in Whanganui Central within a short 11-minute walk of Whanganui Museum and also 11 minutes on foot from Sarjeant Gallery. You'll also find Whanganui Riverboat Centre and Museum and Wanganui Community Arts Centre less than a mile away.

Is there parking available at Riverside Motel?

Yes, uncovered self parking is offered for free at the motel.

Does Riverside Motel feature a casino at the property?

No, Riverside Motel doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Riverside Motel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this motel.

What amenities will couples enjoy at Riverside Motel?

Couples will appreciate amenities at this motel, including a kitchen and premium bedding in each guestroom with some featuring river views.

Does Riverside Motel have a hot tub?

No, this motel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Riverside Motel have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

No, Riverside Motel doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does Riverside Motel allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Riverside Motel though service animals are welcome.

Does Riverside Motel have connecting rooms?

No, this motel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

What is the closest airport to Riverside Motel?

The closest major airport to Riverside Motel is Whanganui (WAG), which is 3.8 mi away (10 minutes by car).

Can I book a room with a balcony at Riverside Motel?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at Riverside Motel.

Riverside Motel Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 169 out of 343 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 125 out of 343 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 31 out of 343 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 14 out of 343 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 343 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

6/10 Okay

Neil

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice and comfortable for a overnight break but a bit out of date
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Short drive from Supermarket, comfortable room
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Rosemary

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Convenient to town. Very clean
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

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