10/10 Excellent
Michelle A.
15 August 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Michelle A.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Entire home
Luxury Beach Bus
Holiday home in Whanganui with kitchenette and patio
Photo gallery for Luxury Beach Bus
Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 274 sq m
Popular amenities
Explore the area
Whanganui, Manawatu-Whanganui
- Place, Castlecliff Beach10 min walk
- Place, Whanganui Museum8 min drive
- Place, Durie Hill Memorial Tower10 min drive
- Airport, Whanganui (WAG)14 min drive
Rooms & beds
1 bedroom (sleeps 2)
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchenette
Garden
About this property
Luxury Beach Bus
Just over the dunes from the beach you'll find this unique accommodation. A city bus in it's former life, it has been meticulously renovated to create a fun and luxurious space for you to rest and relax. Free Wifi, heat and aircon, a fully plumbed toilet and full size shower, luxury linens, smart t.v. and a kitchenette - all located in a quiet neighbourhood by the beach. We're just down the road from conveniences and a cafe and only 10 minutes from Whanganui City Centre. Free parking. Please note the access is down a flight of stairs from the parking space.
The sound of the waves is constant and relaxing. From the top of the stairs you have a magical view of the sunset. At night the milky way is just above for your stargazing pleasure. Our black sand beach with a view of Taranaki is just a 5 minute walk over the dunes. This location is so special. Close enough to town if you're here for work, but a quiet oasis of seaside nature to return to at the end of the day. If you're here for a holiday it's magic, year round! Bundle up for a wintery walk on the quiet beach or put your togs on and enjoy a dip in finer weather.
Whanganui is not typically on the tourist route, but there are so many things to see and do here. I've compiled a list in your guest book inside the bus.
The sound of the waves is constant and relaxing. From the top of the stairs you have a magical view of the sunset. At night the milky way is just above for your stargazing pleasure. Our black sand beach with a view of Taranaki is just a 5 minute walk over the dunes. This location is so special. Close enough to town if you're here for work, but a quiet oasis of seaside nature to return to at the end of the day. If you're here for a holiday it's magic, year round! Bundle up for a wintery walk on the quiet beach or put your togs on and enjoy a dip in finer weather.
Whanganui is not typically on the tourist route, but there are so many things to see and do here. I've compiled a list in your guest book inside the bus.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue
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- Spa pool
- Kitchen
- Washing machine
- Dryer
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (154 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
Children
Adults only
Events
No events allowed
Pets
No pets allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Turn off the lights
Please just turn everything off and leave the keys on the bench. Thank you!
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property, but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is no smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Property # 20125262
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
About the area
Whanganui
Castlecliff, a neighbourhood in Whanganui, is home to this holiday home. Watt Fountain and Durie Hill Memorial Tower are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Castlecliff Beach and Virginia Lake. Ward Observatory and Whanganui Museum are also worth visiting.
Whanganui, Manawatu-Whanganui
What's nearby
- Castlecliff Beach - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
- Virginia Lake - 8 min drive - 7.2 km
- Whanganui Museum - 8 min drive - 7.5 km
- Sarjeant Gallery - 9 min drive - 7.8 km
- Durie Hill Memorial Tower - 10 min drive - 8.5 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- The Citadel Cafe - 6 min walk
- Little Curious Bagels - 10 min drive
- Mixx Cafe & Bar - 3 min drive
- Springvale Cafe - 8 min drive
- McDonald's - 9 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
9.0/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Elizabeth V.
7 November 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Elizabeth V.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
About the host
Hosted by Mary Ellen
We moved to Whanganui in 2018 after finding this special little property along the beach. I was a yoga teacher, trainer and meditation instructor overseas. After moving here I was involved in a local community group that oversaw many projects in the Castlecliff area. It was a great way to get familiar with our neighbours, the local council and the community in general. After 4 years I stepped down as Chairperson of that committee. I was looking for my next adventure. I had been thinking of becoming a host, but wanted something different to offer. When I was growing up my family owned a hotel and I started working there early on. I enjoy meeting people from other places so I thought it would be a fun adventure.
Why they chose this property
Castlecliff is the best kept secret in Whanganui! Life on the beach is pretty laid back. Most of us take a daily walk on the beach and lots of us have dogs who enjoy the walks with us. We have a vibrant and delicious cafe just a couple of blocks away... if you love to surf there's a great spot just by the river opening. While we get to enjoy all of this quiet, natural beauty we have a great group of neighbours as well. Town is just a short drive away and we have most conveniences here in our neighbourhood.
What makes this property unique
The bus! The outside has a mural by a popular and well known artist named Cracked Ink, (Si Omer). There are other murals by him in Whanganui if you want to check them out!
The inside of the bus had been home to another Whanganui artist for 10 years. Jack Marsden-Mayer is well know in NZ for his giant driftwood sculptures. The closest examples would be in front of the library on Rangiora Street (Cliffy the tyrannosaurus) and the sign at the corner of Rangiora Street and Cornfoot Street (Castlecliff Beach). There are many more around the country, some on private properties.
Jack had done the hard work of converting the bus into a home. We added the interior bathroom, added the deck, paint, etc.
My vision was to have something that was unexpectedly beautiful to stay in while being a bit funky and unusual. I think we've done it!
The inside of the bus had been home to another Whanganui artist for 10 years. Jack Marsden-Mayer is well know in NZ for his giant driftwood sculptures. The closest examples would be in front of the library on Rangiora Street (Cliffy the tyrannosaurus) and the sign at the corner of Rangiora Street and Cornfoot Street (Castlecliff Beach). There are many more around the country, some on private properties.
Jack had done the hard work of converting the bus into a home. We added the interior bathroom, added the deck, paint, etc.
My vision was to have something that was unexpectedly beautiful to stay in while being a bit funky and unusual. I think we've done it!
Languages:
English, Spanish
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