The Flying Fox
3081 Whanganui River Road, Whanganui 4576 New Zealand
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Room & Suite (32)
Dining (3)
Travel safe during COVID-19
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What you can expect during your stay
- Hand sanitiser available to guests & staff
- Stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
- Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
- Staff required to regularly wash hands
Updated 09/02/21 Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
A note from The Flying Fox
Updated 09/02/21 Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
About
#4 of 17 Specialty lodging in Whanganui
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Three rustic self-contained, handbuilt cottages are nestled in a garden and bush setting overlooking the Whanganui River. Two 'Glamping' tents and a small number of camping pitches complete the accommodation choices. This piece of paradise has been lovingly developed into a truly unique place to stay. Access is only by aerial cableway or via the river by canoe or river taxi, making it the ideal 'get away from it all' retreat. All the cottages are fully equipped with bedding, towels, kitchens, music and book collections. For campers there is a bush shower, kitchen shelter and toilet facilities. There is also free wi-fi access for those who need to keep in touch with the outside world. Halfway between Pipiriki and Whanganui along the Mountain to Sea Cycle Trail and Te Araroa Walkway , this is a welcome overnight stay for cyclists, canoeist and walkers. Dinner and breakfast can be provided with advance notice, and 'The Store' at the Flying Fox has provisions for self-catering with our gardens providing organic in season fruit/vegetables along with local artwork and other products.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Bar / lounge
BBQ facilities
Non-smoking hotel
Laundry service
Self-serve laundry
Breakfast available
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Room features
Fireplace
Kitchenette
Refrigerator
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Family
Location
Full view
Contact
3081 Whanganui River Road, Whanganui 4576 New Zealand
Getting there
Car HireSee all Whanganui car hire
74Reviews0Q+A16Room tips
Reviews
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We have been to the flying fox a few times now and plan to re visit again, this is such a gem along a whangnaui river. Jane and Kelly really are great hosts, they have created such a wonderful escape. You feel cut off enough to really get away and out into the wildlife, but they have catered for every event no matter the weather or occasion, from simple camping to staying in a beautiful studio tree top setting. We haven’t joined in on any of the activities, but the stone carving looks amazing and we are hoping to book that and a fun kids day next time we visit
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Date of stay: March 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
Helpful
Response from Jane and Kelly Stephens, Owner at The Flying Fox
Responded 20 Mar 2022
thanks Kat, it was good to see you all again. Glad the novelty does not wear off after a couple of visits !
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What a delight. Coming off the river we entered a tranquil haven. Everything provided in the most natural setting. Amazing hosts with a wealth of local knowledge. Highly recommended for camping, glancing and cottage stays.
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Date of stay: January 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Helpful
Response from Jane and Kelly Stephens, Owner at The Flying Fox
Responded 6 Jan 2022
Thank you so much for the review. Glad you enjoyed your time with us.
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This is a truly different experience from the moment you summon the flying fox and cross the river on it, to the quirky accommodation and all the creativity and abundance of the gardens and surroundings. Lovely hosts who look after you as if you are guests in their own home. Shop selling some useful things in the relative isolation.
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Date of stay: October 2021
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Helpful
Response from Jane and Kelly Stephens, Owner at The Flying Fox
Responded 16 Nov 2021
Thank you Sharon, it was a pleasure to host you both as part of your Mountain bike trip recently. Glad you enjoyed your stay.
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Stayed at the Flying Fox while doing the Mountains to Sea cycle trail. Great experience. The accommodation was excellent, quirky and rustic but very comfortable. Our hosts were great. Very welcoming and accommodating. Meals were excellent. Great collection of vinyl records to listen to. Very relaxing location. Great bird life and a good opportunity to get back in touch with nature. Highly recommended.
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Date of stay: May 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Helpful
Response from Jane and Kelly Stephens, Owner at The Flying Fox
Responded 11 May 2021
Thanks for the review Luke, great to meet you and the group on your trip. Glad you enjoyed the stop over.
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We had a one night stop as part of a messed up by weather trip. What a fantastic place. Crossing the river was a lovely, gentle way to cross into another world of beautiful gardens, well maintained cabins, and welcoming hosts, Kelly and Jane. Our package included dinner, breakfast and a pack lunch. Wow! Dinner was sumptuous and homely - a good, old fashioned pie with roast vegetables followed by a panacotta dessert. We loved the collection of old LPs in our cabin, and played a number of them in a romantic, cosy hideaway. More time there would be wonderful. They also made it possible for us to get to our next activity by getting up especially early to send us back across the river on the flying fox.
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Date of stay: April 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Helpful
Response from Jane and Kelly Stephens, Owner at The Flying Fox
Responded 7 Apr 2021
Thank you for the review Stephen, we were glad you were still able to enjoy a night with us and then commence your river trip, albeit delayed by a few days!
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Wow if this place dosnt change you then Kelly and Jane will. Genuine people who put 100% into making our stay memorable. Thankyou for the wonderful experience. Our adult children loved every moment. We loved staying at James K Baxter Lodge and finding our family connections to the area was very special. Our family also did the Oamaru Stone Carving Workshop. Kelly was an inspirational teacher and we thought our creation pieces were amazing. There were lots of extra touches you would not normally get in a commercial set up. Shower toiletries, a radio, touch lamps on both sides of our bed, an outside couch on our porch, box of quality games for children and adults, lots of art on the walls, just made the place homely.
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Date of stay: February 2021
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: We loved James K Baxter Cottage. Plenty of room for 5 adults to stay. Packing an insect spray...
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Helpful
Response from Jane and Kelly Stephens, Owner at The Flying Fox
Responded 9 Feb 2021
Thank you Metua, we are so glad that this was your experience of your time at the Flying Fox. This is exactly what we work so hard to achieve for our guests.
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What a memorable experience . my wife and enjoyed both the uniqueness and the remoteness of our stay in the riverboat whare and the serenity of the environment. We were truly able to relax and unwind.
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Date of stay: December 2020
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Jane and Kelly Stephens, Owner at The Flying Fox
Responded 9 Feb 2021
Thank you so much for your review. So glad you enjoyed your stay, it was lovely to meet you both.
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This is an amazing place to stay!!! Quaint quiet rustic style, the Whanganui river in front and beautiful native bush and forest behind. Outstanding surroundings and the accommodation is superior. We stayed in the River Cottage and loved all the little surprises. Meals are delicious. Hospitality is fantastic. We did the Peddle & Paddle Package! Cannot speak highly enough of The Flying Fox.
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Date of stay: December 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Helpful
Response from Jane and Kelly Stephens, Owner at The Flying Fox
Responded 2 Jan 2021
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review 65virginiac. We enjoyed meeting you both and hope to see you again in the future. Sadly you were the last customers for our Peddle & Paddle Package for the time being but keep an eye on the website for more exciting package deals soon!
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We spent one night here on the Mountains to Sea bike trail. What a fantastic place to stay - fascinating little cabins full of recycled bits and pieces, beautiful garden and great food. From arriving and having to ring the gong to get the cable car we had a great time. A great place to stay - felt like we could stay longer.
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Date of stay: November 2020
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Helpful
Response from Jane and Kelly Stephens, Owner at The Flying Fox
Responded 2 Jan 2021
Thank you Roamer1028. Glad you enjoyed your stay.
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Idyllic setting, wonderful food, friendly, interesting hosts, and funky, recycled and comfortable beds in well-designed chalets. A fabulous place to stay on the last night of our bike trip down the Whanganui River. Our group of four plan to return to Kelly and Jane's place. Access by a cute cable car. Sheep and chickens; peace and quiet.
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Date of stay: November 2020
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: This is not a hotel. Each chalet is separate from the others and quiet.
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Helpful
Response from Jane and Kelly Stephens, Owner at The Flying Fox
Responded 2 Jan 2021
thank you for your review Paikai43, we always enjoy hosting Mountain bikers and welcoming them back for a more relaxed stay! We look forward to seeing you again in the future.
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ALSO KNOWN AS
the flying fox hotel wanganui
LOCATION
New ZealandNorth IslandManawatu-Wanganui RegionWhanganui
NUMBER OF ROOMS
5
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Claim Your Listing Frequently Asked Questions about The Flying Fox
Which popular attractions are close to The Flying Fox?
Nearby attractions include Atene Viewpoint Walk (7.2 km).
What are some of the property amenities at The Flying Fox?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a lounge, and free parking.
Which room amenities are available at The Flying Fox?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, a refrigerator, and a fireplace.
What food & drink options are available at The Flying Fox?
Guests can enjoy a lounge, breakfast, and barbeque facilities during their stay.
Are any cleaning services offered at The Flying Fox?
Yes, laundry service and self serve laundry are offered to guests.
Are there any historical sites close to The Flying Fox?
Many travellers enjoy visiting St Joseph's Church (13.9 km).
Does The Flying Fox have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the river view available here.