4 Best Hotels in North Island's West Coast, New Zealand

Background Illustration for Hotels

Bed-and-breakfasts are often stylishly converted country homesteads; sometimes they're custom built. There are also luxury lodges and a wonderful range of self-catering villas and cottages (some on working farms, others with spectacular coastal locations, and a few deep in the forest-covered hinterland). National parks have mountain lodges, river lodges, basic backcountry huts, and camping spots managed by the Department of Conservation.

In tourist towns and larger cities, there's the full range of options: boutique hotels, standard hotels with basic rooms, motels with full kitchens, holiday parks with RV sites and sometimes apartment units, as well as backpacker hostels. Although hostels are generally budget options with shared facilities, an increasing number are modern and feature private en suite rooms.

151 on London

$$ | 151 London St., Whanganui, 4500, New Zealand

This motel-style complex comes with a good selection of amenity-packed units. There's a flexible mix of studios and one-bedroom suites with whirlpool baths, mini-refrigerators, and microwaves. There are also two-level, two-bedroom family units with full kitchens and a pair of fully accessible units, plus a luxury honeymoon suite. All have smart televisions (with Netflix, Lightbox, and Youtube built-in), safes, and king beds. A conference room and small gym are also on-site. Supermarkets and cafés are within walking distance.

Pros

  • Centrally located
  • High-quality amenities
  • Interesting rustic architectural theme

Cons

  • Entrance is off a busy road (but hush glass keeps noise down)
  • Breakfast not included in price
  • No bar or restaurant on-site
151 London St., Whanganui, 4500, New Zealand
06-345–8668
Hotel Details
26 units
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

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Aotea Motor Lodge

$$ | 390 Victoria Ave., Whanganui, 4500, New Zealand

Aimed primarily at business travelers, the spacious digs here, with their handsome yet comfy decor and convenient location are popular with tourists, too. A stylish mix of accommodations include studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. All are self-contained, serviced, and soundproofed. Continental and cooked breakfasts are available at extra charge.

Pros

  • Amenities include double whirlpool baths
  • Close to supermarkets and fast-food restaurants
  • Spacious rooms

Cons

  • Beside busy road
  • Tight car parking spaces
  • Cooked breakfast is not a good value
390 Victoria Ave., Whanganui, 4500, New Zealand
06-345–0303
Hotel Details
28 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

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Destiny on Fitzherbert Motel

$$ | 27 Fitzherbert Ave., Palmerston North, 4410, New Zealand

Located only blocks from the central city, rooms here have more character than a standard motel thanks to art deco-inspired interiors and colorful furnishings throughout. The lower units open onto small patios, although the only views are of the tall fence bordering the property. Off-street parking is available to guests, as is Netflix in the rooms. Check-in is via a text message and lockbox system. 

Pros

  • Free laundry
  • Friendly owners
  • Close to town

Cons

  • Wi-Fi is limited to 8GB a day
  • Some traffic noise from the busy road
  • Reception desk often unoccupied, you'll need to phone for assistance
27 Fitzherbert Ave., Palmerston North, 4410, New Zealand
06-355–0050
Hotel Details
13 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

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Recommended Fodor's Video

Raglan Sunset Motel

$$ | 7 Bankart St., Raglan, 3225, New Zealand

The location (a five-minute walk from town and from the harbor) and family-friendly facilities are key attractions here. Accommodations range from studio units to a self-contained, two-bedroom/two-bathroom apartment with a kitchen, lounge/dining area, and private courtyard. Shared guest facilities include a large, sheltered courtyard with a barbecue, well-equipped kitchen, and hot tub. The owners are a mine of local information if you need a few pointers.

Pros

  • Lovely barbecue area
  • Quiet yet close to shops and restaurants
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout

Cons

  • Grounds not hugely spacious
  • Beware nearby local fire brigade training on Wednesday evening
  • Covered parking is limited
7 Bankart St., Raglan, 3225, New Zealand
07-825–0050
Hotel Details
24 studios
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

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