For the International Visitor Seeking Authentic Connection
Take a break from the main tourist hotspots. Experience genuine Kiwi hospitality with us (Stephen and Mandy) at one of Whanganui’s rare riverside properties.
Enjoy private self-contained lodging alongside dedicated conversational time with us over a cuppa. For the tired traveller, we also offer home-cooked evening meals and a laundry service.
“We wish we had more opportunities for authentic connections with Kiwis during our stay in New Zealand”
Our Mission
Creating Heartfelt Experiences for Visitors to New Zealand
“Stephen and Mandy are delightful hosts and went out of their way to ensure we had everything we needed. Their offer of a meal on our arrival night was delicious and a great way to spend an enjoyable evening while picking up sightseeing tips. Whanganui itself was a delight!”
WHANGANUI — ON THE WAY ANYWAY
Why Step Off the Main Highway
Most travellers rush past on State Highway 1 or 3. Here are three steps to experiencing Whanganui's best.
ROUTE B -
THERMAL & VOLCANIC PLATEAU
ROUTE A -
CAVES & SURF COAST
STEP 1: PLAN FOR BREAKING IN WHANGANUI
The Natural Midpoint
↓
Waitomo Caves
↓
New Plymouth / Taranaki
↓
Rotorua & Taupō
↓
Tongariro National Park
Planning Your Whanganui Days
| Activity & Experiences | Dry | Wet |
|---|---|---|
| Nature & Scenic Landscapes | ||
| Kai Iwi Beach Cliff Walk: Coastal exploration beneath sheer marine cliffs and black-sand surf (strictly low tide & settled conditions). | ✓ | — |
| Bushy Park Tarapuruhi: 100-hectare predator-free lowland native forest sanctuary, 800-year-old rātā, rare birdlife, and historic homestead tearooms. | ✓ | — |
| Whanganui River Jet Boating: Wilderness eco-voyage from Pipiriki into Whanganui National Park to the Bridge to Nowhere (Summer seasonal; booking required). | ✓ | — |
| Virginia Lake & Art Deco Winter Gardens: Peaceful lake loop track combined with heated indoor tropical conservatory displays. | ✓ | — |
| Bason Botanic Gardens: Expansive public botanic gardens, woodland walks, and sheltered indoor subtropical conservatories. | ✓ | — |
| Heritage, Culture & Town Architecture | ||
| Bridges River Loop & Guided Audio Walk: Scenic 3.3 km flat loop between City and Dublin Street bridges featuring smartphone-guided historical stories. | ✓ | — |
| Durie Hill Elevator & Memorial Tower: Southern Hemisphere's longest underground pedestrian entrance tunnel (213 m) leading into the 1919 subterranean lift. | ✓ | — |
| Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehua: World-class contemporary extension and heritage gallery holding national collections (Open daily 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM). | ✓ | ✓ |
| Whanganui Regional Museum: Renowned Taonga Māori collection, 1868 war waka, and original Lindauer portraits (Open daily 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM). | ✓ | ✓ |
| NZ Glassworks & Arts Studios: National center for hot glass featuring public viewing galleries with live master glassblowing demonstrations (Open daily). | ✓ | ✓ |
| Saturday River Trader Market: Bustling open-air riverfront market featuring regional growers, street food, and artisan goods (Saturdays 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM only). | ✓ | — |
| PS Waimarie Paddle Steamer: Historic river cruise aboard New Zealand’s only authentic coal-fired paddle steamer (Summer seasonal: Oct–May). | ✓ | — |
STEP 2: PLAN TO SAMPLE WHANGANUI’S DELIGHTS
“We would have stayed longer if only we had known how nice Whanganui was.”
Living River Heritage
In 2017, the Whanganui River (Te Awa Tupua) became the first river in the world recognised as a legal person.
NZ’s Only UNESCO City of Design
Wander beautifully preserved streetscapes — twice awarded New Zealand's Most Beautiful Small City.
Connect with the Community
Connect with local artists, growers, and community characters through personal introductions from your hosts.
STEP 3: THE WHANGANUI EXPERIENCE
THE 3 PILLARS THAT BRING IT ALL TOGETHER
PILLAR 1: LOCATION
Rare Riverside & Garden Setting - 10 mins (6km) from CBD
What Our Guests Have Said
“One of the highlights was the beautiful river view at the back”
— Xavier N. (Auckland, New Zealand) May 30 – June 1, 2026 · Verified Airbnb Review
“This is a really nice airbnb! Not only are Mandy and Steven very kind people and easy to get along with, the airbnb is tastefully decorated, comfortable, clean and perfectly situated for either visiting Wanganui or going into the Wanganui National Park. A bonus is their exotic garden that attracts all kinds of birds”
— Mike and Anke T. (Strijen, Netherlands) March 4–6, 2024 · Verified Airbnb Review
What Our Guests Have Said
“The studio has everything you could want... nicely set up kitchen, pristine bathroom, comfortable bed, nice TV and even music system!”
— Mary A. (Ohope, New Zealand) Feb 2024 · Verified Airbnb Review
“Exceptional Accommodation”
— Fieke N. (Switzerland) March 2025 · Verified Booking.com Review
PILLAR 2: YOUR ACCOMMODATION
Clean, secure, spacious, direct and private access entry
PILLAR 3: THE PEOPLE
Hosts who enjoy spending time with guests
Your hosts, Stephen and Mandy, bring a rare combination of international diplomatic experience, university cultural guidance, and deep Whanganui roots. Whether you are looking for an insightful orientation over a cup of tea, an introduction to interesting local people, events, personalised experiences, or simply complete quiet in your private haven, they ensure your time in Whanganui is grounded, memorable, and relaxed.
Your Hosts - Mandy and Stephen
Enjoy a cuppa in our home ..
.. or a home cooked meal !
Stephen with former NZ Prime Ministers Jim Bolger, and Jacinda Ardern.
Stephen is an active member of the Whanganui community.
What Our Guests Have Said
“The comfort, the very warm personal interaction—we were made to feel very welcome with a good meal at our hosts’ home” (translated from French)
— Sophie B. (Papeete, Tahiti) Dec 29–31, 2024 · Verified Booking.com Review
“A very lovely stay with great conversations. Stephen and Mandy are super nice. Come here if you’re up for interpersonal interaction” (translated from German)
— Simon R. (Germany) Feb 22–24, 2025 · Verified Booking.com Review
The Whanganui Experience: What You Receive & How to Reserve
B
Booking Information and Form
THE BASE STAY
Included in Rate for Whanganui Experience
A peaceful, fully self-contained ground floor studio unit designed for total comfort.
HOSTED ENHANCEMENTS
Dining & Travel Services
Optional services crafted to remove friction for long-distance drivers and slow travelers.
A wholesome two-course evening dinner waiting when you arrive. Savor a home-cooked meal without hunting for a restaurant after dark or cooking after a long drive.
Full wash, dry, and fold service tailored for guests on multi-week road journeys so you can pack light.
DIRECT RESERVATIONS
Reserve Your Whanganui Experience
Use the form below to check availability and select your hosted add-ons. We personally review every inquiry and will reply within 12 hours to confirm our calendar, finalize details, and send your secure Stripe link for payment.
TERMS & BOOKING POLICIES
Check-In & Check-Out Times
Check-in is between 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Check-out is by 10:00 AM. Please let us know your approximate arrival time in advance so we can welcome you.
Deposit & Payment Policy
Once dates are confirmed, a secure Stripe invoice is sent via email to secure your booking. Payment for optional hosted add-ons (arrival meals and laundry) is payable in cash (NZD) in advance of the service provided.
Cancellation & Changes
Full refund for cancellations made 14 days or more before arrival. 50% refund for cancellations made 7–13 days prior. Cancellations within 7 days of arrival are non-refundable, though date transfers will be accommodated where calendar availability permits.
Occupancy & House Rules
Maximum 2 Guests: Accommodation is limited to 2 guests only (one Queen bed provided; no unregistered visitors).
Smoke & Vape Free: Strictly no smoking or vaping anywhere on the property grounds.
Quiet Hours: No loud music or outdoor noise after 10:00 PM.
Riverside Deck Access
Guests are warmly invited to enjoy seating on the riverside deck between 0900–1100 hrs and 1600–1800 hrs. Access is restricted to these hours as the deck is situated on the hosts' residential side of the property.
Enquiry Form