A river winding through rolling hills and fields, with distant mountains and a hazy sky.

Family Hotels in Manawatū-Whanganui

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Where to stay in Manawatū-Whanganui?

Properties are selected based on real traveler reviews and popularity among guests who’ve booked a night in Manawatū-Whanganui on Hotels.com. These Manawatū-Whanganui Family Hotels consistently deliver on quality, location and traveler experience. Last updated on September 25, 2026.

Top Family Hotels in Palmerston North

A hotel lobby with seating areas, a reception desk, and a large potted plant.

Copthorne Hotel Palmerston North

West End

A castle-themed hotel entrance with a glass canopy, ivy-covered towers, and a sign indicating it's a motor lodge.

Camelot Motor Lodge

Palmerston North Central

A swimming pool surrounded by palm trees and a patio area with a table and chairs.

Distinction Coachman Hotel, Palmerston North

West End

Alpha Motor Inn

Palmerston North Central

A modern hotel room with a large bed, a separate sitting area, a bathtub, and a TV mounted on the wall.

Aubyn Court Spa Motel

Palmerston North Central

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, and a large window with curtains.

Aztec Motel

Roslyn

A hotel room with a dining area, a sofa set, and a large window with curtains.

Arena Lodge

Palmerston North Central

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Top Family Hotels in Ohakune

Powderhorn Chateau

Ohakune

An outdoor seating area with a table and chairs, a sofa with cushions, and a view of the street.

LKNZ Lodge & Cafe

Ohakune

A snow-covered residential street with houses, a car, and a driveway.

The Hobbit Motorlodge

Ohakune

A black sports car parked in front of a building with large windows and a garage door.

Ruapehu Mountain Motel & Lodge

Ohakune

A spacious living room with a fireplace, a white sofa, a cheetah statue, and a large chandelier.

Ruapehu Country Lodge

Ohakune

A modern outdoor seating area with a wooden deck, a white planter with a fern, and a glass door leading to a room.

Plateau Lodge

National Park Village

A dining room with a wooden deck and picnic tables, a chimney, and a mountain backdrop.

The Crossing Lodge

Erua

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Top Family Hotels in Whanganui

A modern house with large windows, a visible living room with a table, and a green plant in the foreground.

The Avenue Hotel

Whanganui Central

A hotel room with two beds, a sofa, a chair, a TV, and a large window with curtains.

Burwood Manor Motel

Whanganui Central

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Top Family Hotels in Tongariro National Park

The Crossing Lodge

Erua

Plateau Lodge

National Park Village

The Hobbit Motorlodge

Ohakune

Powderhorn Chateau

Ohakune

Ruapehu Country Lodge

Ohakune

Ruapehu Mountain Motel & Lodge

Ohakune

LKNZ Lodge & Cafe

Ohakune

A modern house with a large porch, outdoor seating, and a well-maintained garden.

River Birches

Turangi

A cozy lounge area with a stone fireplace, leather seating, and a mounted deer head above the mantel.

Turangi Bridge Motel

Turangi

A well-maintained lawn with a patio area and a building with a dark roof.

Tongariro Lodge

Turangi

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Top cities in Manawatū-Whanganui

Palmerston North

Palmerston North is known for its spas and cafes, and entices visitors with popular attractions including The Square and City Library.

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A snow-capped mountain range with a clear sky and dry grassland in the foreground.

Ohakune

Ohakune is known for its mountain views and spas, and entices visitors with popular attractions including Big Carrot and Ohakune Old Coach Road.

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A cityscape at dusk with a river, illuminated buildings, and a bridge.

Whanganui

Whanganui is known for its riverfront and spas, and entices visitors with popular attractions including Whanganui Museum and Sarjeant Gallery.

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A road leading to a snow-capped mountain with a forested area in the foreground.

National Park Village

National Park Village is known for its restaurants and mountain views, and entices visitors with popular attractions including Tongariro National Park and Marton Sash and Door Cycling Park.

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A large lake surrounded by green fields and trees, with mountains in the background.

Levin

Levin has lots of attractions such as Levin Public Gardens and Waiterere Private Reserve.

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Bulls

Bulls has lots of attractions such as Bulls Town Hall and Bulls Museum.

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Top landmarks in Manawatū-Whanganui

A snowy mountain landscape with a clear sky and a few hikers.

Mount Ruapehu

9.4/10 (531 reviews)

You might want to head out to Mount Ruapehu for some fresh mountain air and a bird's-eye view of Tongariro National Park.

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A snow-covered mountain with a peak, surrounded by clouds and a clear blue sky.

Mount Tongariro

9.4/10 (239 reviews)

If you want to stretch your legs and breathe in some fresh mountain air, head out to Mount Tongariro for a bird's-eye view of Tongariro National Park.

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A snow-covered mountain with a clear sky.

Turoa Ski Area

8.8/10 (156 reviews)

Ski the fall line at Turoa Ski Area located 3.6 mi (5.8 km) from central Tongariro National Park. If you master the slopes, Whakapapa Ski Area is just a short drive away.

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Whakapapa Ski Area

9.0/10 (295 reviews)

Skiers and snowboarders might want to test out the slopes at Whakapapa Ski Area, a skiing spot located 2.9 mi (4.7 km) from central Tongariro National Park. If you master the slopes, Turoa Ski Area is just a short drive away.

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The Square

8.8/10 (907 reviews)

If you're planning a bit of sightseeing head to The Square— just one of the monuments in Palmerston North Central.

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Tongariro National Park Whakapapa Visitor Centre

9.2/10 (232 reviews)

Travelers who enjoy the great outdoors might want to go to Tongariro National Park Whakapapa Visitor Centre, located 0.5 mi (0.8 km) from central Whakapapa.

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Arena Manawatu

8.6/10 (168 reviews)

You could catch an event at Arena Manawatu, a stadium in Palmerston North Central.

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Palmerston North Convention Centre

8.0/10 (108 reviews)

Palmerston North Convention Centre is worth a pic or two when discovering Palmerston North Central.

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Check out the Manawatū-Whanganui hotels guests love right now

A modern bathroom with a glass shower enclosure, a double toilet setup, and a large mirror.

A paved pathway leading to a building with a hedge and a tree.

A two-story building with a balcony on the upper floor, large windows, and a fire extinguisher mounted on the wall.

Arena Lodge

Palmerston North Central

10/10 Exceptional

Colin

A bar area with stools, a counter with bottles, and a decorative partition.

A modern lobby with seating areas, a reception desk, and a staircase.

A modern hotel with a unique facade featuring vertical white patterns, multiple balconies, and large windows.

Copthorne Hotel Palmerston North

West End

10/10 Exceptional

Margaret

A bedroom with two beds, a desk, and a large window.

A pool area with a clear blue pool, surrounded by a glass fence, and steps leading down to the pool.

A room with a large window, a sofa, a table, and a painting on the wall.

The Avenue Hotel

Whanganui Central

10/10 Exceptional

Ally

A rectangular swimming pool with two inflatable rings, a brick border, and a stone wall in the background.

A modern building with the sign "MANAWATU" indicating a commercial or public facility.

A modern living room with a sofa, two armchairs, a coffee table, and a painting on the wall. There is a kitchen visible through an archway.

Aztec Motel

Roslyn

10/10 Exceptional

Gary

A wooden cabin room with a bed, a desk, and a chair.

A stone-walled indoor pool with a tiled floor, wooden benches, and a stone wall with a window.

A dining table set with various dishes, a candle, and a glass of red wine.

Powderhorn Chateau

Ohakune

10/10 Exceptional

Very charming hotel! Wish we had more time to stay. The property feels very much like a ski lodge and I'm sure is gorgeous in the winter. Just as nice and more quiet in the summer! We ate at the more casual restaurant - great food and enjoyed having drinks on the rooftop patio. We didn't have a chance to swim in the heated pool but it looked lovely. We loved learning that some of the Lord of the Rings cast stayed here when they were filming! 10/10 recommend

Leandra

A residential area with a trampoline, a wooden bench, and a tree.

A sign for Plateau Lodge with a stone border and a wooden signboard.

A room with a glass door leading to a balcony with a sofa and cushions.

A sunlit patio with a seating area, a large window, and indoor plants.

Plateau Lodge

National Park Village

10/10 Exceptional

My lodging was a pop up little cabin that had interesting design features that made for a comfortable and convenient stay. Accessed through a little semi covered atrium or vestible that had a table with chairs, bathtub, sofa what was sealed from rain by the roof and from lateral wind directed rain by an open mesh awning that could be shut but not locked leading to the cabin itself which had a larger than expected room with heater, air on, mini fridge, bathroom with shower, and fully blacked out...

Alan

A modern room with a grey sofa, a dining table with chairs, a flat-screen TV, and a large abstract painting.

A modern bathroom with a glass shower enclosure, a white sink, and a toilet.

A modern kitchen with a stainless steel sink, wooden cabinets, and a built-in oven.

Burwood Manor Motel

Whanganui Central

10/10 Exceptional

Benjamin

A compact living space with a kitchenette, a dining area, and a seating area with a sofa and chairs.

A wooden sign with multiple text elements advertising a motor lodge, luxury, and wireless internet availability.

A circular hot tub surrounded by a brick patio, with wooden benches and a wooden fence in the background.

The Hobbit Motorlodge

Ohakune

10/10 Exceptional

Margo

A modern bathroom with a white sink, mirror, and glass shower enclosure.

A motel sign with a tree in the foreground.

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, and a chair.

Alpha Motor Inn

Palmerston North Central

10/10 Exceptional

Roger

A family in a small, round, blue pool with wooden walls.

A bathroom with a glass shower enclosure, a sink with a mirror, and a vanity with cabinets.

A compact kitchen with a stove, oven, sink, and a microwave.

Ruapehu Mountain Motel & Lodge

Ohakune

10/10 Exceptional

ashley

A dining table with plates of food, glasses of water, and a wine glass.

A hotel room with a large bed, a TV, a sofa, and a dining area with a table and chairs.

An outdoor patio area with tables and chairs, a central fountain, and a building in the background.

Distinction Coachman Hotel, Palmerston North

West End

10/10 Exceptional

Phaedra-Dawn

A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a chair, a television, and a mirror.

A compact kitchen with white cabinets, a sink, a stove, a microwave, and a small refrigerator.

A motel with a covered parking area, outdoor seating, and a single-story structure.

A hallway with a fire exit sign, carpeted floor, and white doors.

Taihape Motel

Taihape

10/10 Exceptional

Christine

An outdoor area with a picnic table, a bus, and people engaged in various activities.

A hotel room with a large bed, a smaller bed, a desk, a lamp, and a wall with vertical wooden slats.

A cozy living room with a wooden ceiling, a sofa, a TV, a fireplace, and a dining area with a table and chairs.

A white SUV parked at an electric vehicle charging station.

The Crossing Lodge

Erua

10/10 Exceptional

Nelya

A modern house with large glass windows, surrounded by trees and a well-maintained lawn.

A cozy living room with a stone fireplace, a comfortable sofa, and a large window offering a view of greenery.

A modern kitchen with a wooden countertop, a coffee machine, and a vase with flowers.

River Birches

Turangi

10/10 Exceptional

Cecilia

A swimming pool with lounge chairs and palm trees.

A living room with a blue sofa, a wooden coffee table, a wicker chair, and a television on a stand.

A living room with a blue sofa, a wooden coffee table, a wicker chair, a TV, and a large window with a view of palm trees.

A hotel room with a bed, a TV, a sliding door to a balcony, and a window with curtains.

Raumati Sands Resort

Raumati Beach

10/10 Exceptional

Anonymous traveler

About the destination

What's Manawatū-Whanganui like?

Manawatū-Whanganui is a friendly locale known for its restaurants. Activities like hiking give you a chance to enjoy the outdoors during your stay. This winter paradise of Manawatū-Whanganui is home to Turoa Ski Area and Whakapapa Ski Area. While you're here, don't miss a chance to see sights like The Square and Palmerston North Convention Centre.

What is there to see around Manawatū-Whanganui?

The Square (0.1 mi/0.1 km from the city center)
Palmerston North Convention Centre (0.1 mi/0.2 km from the city center)
Arena Manawatu (0.5 mi/0.9 km from the city center)
Manawatu Gorge (9.7 mi/15.5 km from the city center)
Levin Public Gardens (25.1 mi/40.4 km from the city center)

What is there to do around Manawatū-Whanganui?

New Zealand Rugby Museum (0.4 mi/0.7 km from the city center)
Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre (25.4 mi/40.9 km from the city center)
Dannevirke Domain (28.2 mi/45.3 km from the city center)
Whanganui Riverboat Centre and Museum (41.4 mi/66.6 km from the city center)
Tongariro National Park Whakapapa Visitor Centre (79.9 mi/128.6 km from the city center)

Other Popular Manawatū-Whanganui Attractions

South Beach
Virginia Lake
Castlecliff Beach
Taihape Gumboot
Mowhanau Beach

Keep exploring

Lodging