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

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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.

Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park

$$ | 12 Waitomo Village Rd., Waitomo, 3977, New Zealand Fodor's Choice

Modern and clean, this delightful holiday park in the heart of Waitomo Village offers tents, powered campervan sites, cabins, and a self-contained motel. Some cabins have breakfast-making facilities, but there's also a well-equipped communal kitchen here, as well as a guest lounge with TV (free movies available) and a guest laundry. Other park amenities include a gas barbecue, swimming pool, hot tub, children's playground, and Wi-Fi available throughout the property. 

Pros

  • Central location
  • Spacious rural environment with great views of the surrounding forest
  • Friendly hosts

Cons

  • Likely to be busy in summer
  • Kid-friendly environment may not suit everyone
  • By the main road (though it's quiet at night)
12 Waitomo Village Rd., Waitomo, 3977, New Zealand
07-878–7639
Hotel Details
18 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

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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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Anndion Lodge

$$ | 143 Anzac Parade, Whanganui, 4500, New Zealand

A blend of upscale "flashpacker" lodge rooms and stylish self-contained suites and apartments give visitors to the Anndion Lodge lots of flexibility. There’s a shared lodge kitchen and outside you'll find a covered barbecue area, saltwater pool, hot tub, and infra-red sauna. Inside, there's a cozy TV lounge with an extensive DVD library and pool table.

Pros

  • Well-equipped kitchen
  • River and grassy park area just across the road
  • Nice communal layout

Cons

  • Short drive from downtown
  • Backpacker area can get rowdy
  • Beside busy main road
143 Anzac Parade, Whanganui, 4500, New Zealand
06-343–3593
Hotel Details
21 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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