'Monday' is a historic seaside cottage that was designed by the early architect to maximize the benefits of holidaying beside the sea while having access to Wanganui city. It is the first of six adjacent beach cottages, all named after the days of the week. The first five cottages have similar construction and quirky features It is located at Castlecliff beach, which is about a 10 minute drive from the city centre. The cottage is in close proximity to the beach, the reserve, the children's playground, basketball court, skateboard park,community BBQs, dairy and camping ground. It is in a popular area for recreational activities yet the cottage offers privacy and unique ambiance. It has a secluded courtyard behind the cottage, secure parking and is fully fenced. The Wanganui area is historically significant as an entry point for early settlers and visitors to the country in the mid - late 1800's as it had a port and the navigable river enabled access to the interior of the North island. It was one of the wealthiest areas in early New Zealand and this is reflected in the abundant early architecture of the city. The city centre has retained its artdeco architecture and artistic influence and is very well presented and cared for. It is well served by great cafes and restaurants.The river frontage has a delightful leisure area with a reserve, walkway, historic buildings, tram line and original steam boats running excursions. The area buzzes with activity, especially during the Saturday market and festival times. Local attractions in the area include exploring the Wanganui river or the Taranaki coastline, driving up the Para Para road to the Volcanic plateau (the ski fields on Ruapehu are about a 1 hr 30 minute drive up the Para Para road) or simply enjoying the creative ambiance of this art orientated city. 'Monday' is being lovingly restored to it's 'Arts and Crafts' style. Your stay here would help us to restore the cottage and grounds to near original condition.
Extras: Cleaning (Required, NZ$35.00 per stay); Linen (included);
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Parking available
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Beautiful old villa apartment in charming setting.
Beautiful old villa apartment in charming setting.
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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a deadlock
About the area
Whanganui
Castlecliff, a neighbourhood in Whanganui, is home to this holiday home. Castlecliff Beach and Virginia Lake reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Whanganui Museum and Ward Observatory. Wanganui Community Arts Centre and Durie Hill Elevator are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with surfing/body boarding and fishing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain biking and hiking/biking trails.
Yes, pets are allowed at this property. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much does it cost to stay at Historic summer house by the sea?
As of 31 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Historic summer house by the sea on 28 Feb 2026 start from AU$117, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Historic summer house by the sea?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Historic summer house by the sea?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Historic summer house by the sea?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Historic summer house by the sea located?
Located in Castlecliff, this holiday home is 0.2 mi (0.4 km) from Castlecliff Beach and within 6 miles (10 km) of Virginia Lake and Queens Park. Whanganui Museum and Putiki Church are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
8.8
Excellent
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Fun, quaint little spot right next to the beach and a fantastic park and playground. Quiet neighborhood that is reasonably close to everything we wanted to do!
Derrick S.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified
8/10 Good
Shani
1 Feb 2024
Liked: Amenities, communication
I liked the closeness to the beach, and playground, great for the kids.
The property is just gorgeous and renovated really well.The host was really helpful and available. Unfortunately for us the weather was foul and made our trip a bit of a challenge. but the proximity to the beach was fabulous and for kids a great playground right across the road.
Monday Cottage at Castlecliff is a charming and delightful holiday cottage. It has a very nostalgic feel, and the furnishings are brilliant to the period. It is close to the main beach which has lovely sunsets. For anyone wanting a true taste of period New Zealand then this is an ideal holiday base and location.
I took my mother of 83 away to visit some of her friends who lived near by, perfect place to stay, warm, quiet loads to read and things to do, absolutely loved it, many many thanks.
We spent a lovely few days at Monday historic cottage. It was very clean, comfortable and cosy. We caught fish out the front, played golf out the back and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves 😊
A retro escape from the city in a charming old cottage.
The property was exactly as described - a beautiful little 1915 original cottage decorated in the old NZ bach style right across the road from a fabulous West Coast driftwood covered beach.Beach great for the dog as well as having a fully fenced back yard at the cottage.Very well looked after & generous hosts have left out records, toys, books for guests to make use of.Stayed for 5 days & loved it.
Such an interesting little place! Location was convenient to community park and beach access. Eclectic decorations and furnishings were a constant source of entertainment. History of WWI architect & builder, William Larsen, was fascinating. So glad it has been maintained for visitors to enjoy - hopefully for years to come!
Rebecca P.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024
Verified
8/10 Good
miriam l.
4 Apr 2019
Quirky cottage, opposite a reserve
overall was pleasant. Have contacted owner in respect to some things we were not happy about, mostly housekeeping issues.
miriam l.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Mar 2020
Disappointing that this guest chose not to contact us immediately upon perceiving an issue. Our cellphone numbers are provided so that guests can contact us if any matters do arise. This allows us the opportunity to rectify any matters so that the guest’s enjoyment of their stay is not compromised.
The housekeeping issues that this guest identified were minor and easily dealt with. Items that we do not offer in the terms of contract were also identified as faults by this guest.
Recompense was sought by this guest but not given. The cottage was not left in a tidy condition by the guest, as is stipulated in the terms and conditions.
Owners have put a lot of thought into this cute little cottage. Clean and comfortable, with lots of activities/entertainment items. Also a good playground across the road. Beach was OK, lots of driftwood before the sand or sea, and being winter the area was pretty quiet. Only complaint though was no coffee plunger in the cottage and the local Cafe was only open Thur-sun so couldn't have a decent morning coffee.
Unexpected Lil Gem says it all. Will definitely be booking if available when we next visit whanganui again. Craig deserves 6 stars, just a top bloke and great with communication
The cottage is quirky and unusual. Great secure backyard for dogs. Cottage was clean and comfortable. Property owners easy to contact and sorted wifi issues straight away. Both beds are in the same room but a screen gave privacy. which was fine with us and TV is above the double bed . Easy drive to the City.
Jenny P.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
About the host
Hosted by CraigDo8
What makes this property unique
Beach Access: A short stroll across the reserve brings you onto Castlecliff's wonderful, wild beach.