The Best Hotels Closest to Ward Observatory in Whanganui for 2026

Our top choices for Ward Observatory hotels

In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, soundproofing

1. BK's Magnolia Motor Lodge

Whanganui Central, 0.4 km from Ward Observatory

Jennifer

￥16,180 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 9 - Aug 10

Apartment, 2 Bedrooms | In-room safe, iron/ironing board, WiFi (free), bed sheets

2. Asure Cooks Gardens Motor Lodge

Whanganui Central, 0.4 km from Ward Observatory

Jagdish

￥16,405 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 3 - Aug 4

3. The Rutland Arms Inn

Whanganui Central, 0.4 km from Ward Observatory

Cynthia

￥17,394 total

includes taxes & fees

Jul 26 - Jul 27

Executive Apartment, Patio, Garden View | Living area | TV

4. Kings Court Motel

Whanganui Central, 0.6 km from Ward Observatory

Angela

￥18,710 total

includes taxes & fees

Jul 26 - Jul 27

Deluxe Twin Studio | Desk, soundproofing, iron/ironing board, cribs (surcharge)

5. Aotea Motor Lodge

Whanganui Central, 1.1 km from Ward Observatory

Karen

￥19,925 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 9 - Aug 10

6. Braemar House B&B and YHA Hostel

Whanganui Central, 1.1 km from Ward Observatory

Mickey

￥8,966 total

includes taxes & fees

Jul 22 - Jul 23

7. 151 on London Motel

College Estate, 1.4 km from Ward Observatory

Teena

￥15,729 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 2 - Aug 3

Superior Twin Room, Accessible | Desk, blackout drapes, iron/ironing board, WiFi (free)

8. Burwood Manor Motel

Whanganui Central, 0.8 km from Ward Observatory

Kelly

￥16,371 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 9 - Aug 10

9. Riverview Motel

Whanganui Central, 0.8 km from Ward Observatory

Charleen

￥13,118 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 15 - Aug 16

Standard Room, Non Smoking, Kitchen (2 Bedroom) | Living area | 32-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels, TV

10. Riverside Motel

Whanganui Central, 0.9 km from Ward Observatory

Jane

￥12,360 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 1 - Aug 2

11. Anndion Lodge Motel and Function Centre

Whanganui East, 2.2 km from Ward Observatory

Garry

￥8,659 total

includes taxes & fees

Jul 29 - Jul 30

12. Astral Motel

Whanganui Central, 1.4 km from Ward Observatory

Shirleen

￥13,462 total

includes taxes & fees

Jul 26 - Jul 27

13. Whanganui Seaside Holiday Park

Castlecliff, 6 km from Ward Observatory

Margaret

￥12,210 total

includes taxes & fees

Aug 4 - Aug 5

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Compare popular hotels close to Ward Observatory

Property	Star rating	Guest rating
BK's Magnolia Motor Lodge	2.0 star property	9.6 Exceptional 16 reviews	View
Asure Cooks Gardens Motor Lodge	3.5 star property	9.4 Exceptional 234 reviews	View
The Rutland Arms Inn	4.0 star property	9.2 Wonderful 333 reviews	View
Kings Court Motel	3.0 star property	9.4 Exceptional 16 reviews	View
Aotea Motor Lodge	4.5 star property	9.2 Wonderful 437 reviews	View

Top Ward Observatory Hotel Reviews

The Rutland Arms Inn

10/10 Excellent

"Beautiful historic hotel. Fantastic restoration. Staff are lovely. Recommended to everyone."

Burwood Manor Motel

10/10 Excellent

"We had a pleasant stay at Burwood Hotel. The rooms were comfortable, clean, and well maintained, and the hotel provided a good base for our visit. The staff were friendly and helpful, and we appreciated the overall service and hospitality. A nice option for travellers looking for a comfortable and convenient stay"

Asure Cooks Gardens Motor Lodge

10/10 Excellent

"The accommodations were well-maintained and the bedding provided a comfortable experience. Regrettably, the quality of the pillows did not meet expectations. The en-suite facilities were clean, and the shower offered excellent water pressure. The staff demonstrated a high level of professionalism and provided exceptional service."

Riverside Motel

10/10 Excellent

"My husband and I had a one night stay at Riverside. The bed was comfy, the room was large and very clean. Even though our room was closest to the main road along the river it was extremely quiet and we both slept well. We would definitely stay again. The staff were extremely friendly too. We highly recommend this accommodation."

BK's Magnolia Motor Lodge

10/10 Excellent

"Easy parking. Really peaceful and quiet room. The staff were very welcoming and helpful. Nice spa bath shower combination in the bathroom of the room I had. I enjoyed my stay some things that would have liked: 1. Having the bodywash/shampoo dispensers lower down so they are within reach when sitting in the spa. 2. Having a handle to hold while stepping into/out of the spa. Bottom line, would I return Yes."

Hotels near other Ward Observatory attractions

Whanganui Museum

9.0/10 (85 reviews)

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Whanganui Museum during your travels in Whanganui. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

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Frequently asked questions

What's the area like around Ward Observatory?

Ward Observatory is located in an area of Whanganui known for its beautiful river views. If you're looking for a convenient place to stay, check out the 26 hotels and other accommodations you'll find within a mile.

Where is the best place to stay close to Ward Observatory?

Adjacent to Ward Observatory, The Rutland Arms Inn is one of the top choices for your stay based on our traveler data, and this inn offers free parking and a bar. Other good options close by include 151 on London Motel and Riverside Motel.

How many hotels will I be able to find near Ward Observatory?

Expedia has 26 hotels and other accommodations within a mile from Ward Observatory.

If I need to cancel the hotel reservation for my stay near Ward Observatory, will I receive a refund?

Yes, the majority of hotel reservations are refundable if you cancel prior to the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which is usually within 24-48 hours of your scheduled arrival. If you have a reservation that's non-refundable, you may still be able to cancel and receive a refund within 24 hours of booking. Enter dates in and click on "Search", then use the filter option "fully refundable" to get the best options available near Ward Observatory.

Where can I learn more about changing or cancelling my trip in the area near Ward Observatory?

To find more details about updating your stay near Ward Observatory or cancelling it, click here.

What can I see and do near Ward Observatory?

You'll want to browse the exhibits at Whanganui Museum and Whanganui Riverboat Centre and Museum. Learn about local history at Durie Hill Memorial Tower and Watt Fountain. Local parks like Queens Park, Moutoa Gardens, and Kowhai Park are peaceful spots to stop and take in some fresh air.

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Our top choices for Ward Observatory hotels

1. BK's Magnolia Motor Lodge

2. Asure Cooks Gardens Motor Lodge

3. The Rutland Arms Inn

4. Kings Court Motel

5. Aotea Motor Lodge

6. Braemar House B&B and YHA Hostel

7. 151 on London Motel

8. Burwood Manor Motel

9. Riverview Motel

10. Riverside Motel

11. Anndion Lodge Motel and Function Centre

12. Astral Motel

13. Whanganui Seaside Holiday Park

Compare popular hotels close to Ward Observatory

Top Ward Observatory Hotel Reviews

The Rutland Arms Inn

Hotels near other Ward Observatory attractions

Whanganui Museum

Frequently asked questions