The Signal Box

The grounds were the icing on the cake. And the cake was pretty good already.

Having to leave

We absolutely loved the Signal Box and wished we had longer! It is beautifully set up and comfortable to stay in. Views of the river and a cosy vibe. Loved the pigs and the chickens .

Nothing

Very cosy and relaxing. Excellent room with amazing views and a calm atmosphere. Would highly recommend

This is the sweetest little spot to stay. I only regret it didnt have more time to spend there. I let everyone I met in Whanganui know so if they had friends coming to stay they could book it too. The furniture suited the place beautifully and I loved that I could walk down to the river, passing the chickens and 2 cows. I was up there for work but this place made it feel like a mini vacation. Thank you.

It was a very cold afternoon when i arrived and it would have been nice if the heating had been turned on before I arrived as it took a while for the room to get warm. It was a small thing, as I met friends for dinner after I checked in so it was toastie by the time I got back.

Nice location

Cold shower, as noted previously by people in 2023 ( Colette 5.0 ) it was hot for 2 seconds then went cold. Disappointing after driving all day. The coffee had expired in 2025 and was moldy, the windows are dirty on the outside which was also noted I previous reviews. Seems wrong to claim it as "superior".

Lovely cozy little cottage with beautiful views. Warmed up nicely on a chilly weekend

Everything just perfect

Such a cute space, the view of the trees and the river give it a serene and calming atmosphere.

We loved everything about the Signal Box.

We are always on the lookout for unusual properties to stay at that aren’t super expensive and this ticked all the boxes. Quiet, nice views, private, clean inside and nicely set out, safe parking (for those that are OCD about their cars),has everything you need

Nice quiet private space

We had a little trouble getting the temperature right in the shower

The staff were helpful in offering help with transport for getting groceries and coordinating another lift for departure enabling extra hours to explore the Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery and aspects of the city centre prior to my flights departure.

Perfect little piece of paradise; riverview, refurbished historic building, comfortable furnishings, alfresco dinning area, excellent selection of books, and adequate cooking facilities, bird song, citrus and grape orchard plus, delightful kunekune, hens, bees, and other farm animal views, and bouquet 💐 much appreciated. The night sky was awesome. Sensor lights helpful for early starts and darker returns. Bicycle availability handy for exploring the neighbourhood and getting into town.

Although I realise there are personal preferences - I thought the water could have been a little hotter and was concerned I might be wasting water while the system heated.

Very cute little set up for a completely different way to stay. Loved the quirkiness and the history. Nice view looking over the owners yard and fruit trees. Cute pigs and chickens near by. Nice place to stay if you are looking for a bit of a retreat away from the hustle and bustle. Easy to understand instructions. Owners were away and we didnt see the son that was meant to be running the place but the instructions on arrival meant we didnt need any help anyway.

Not so much a dislike as a warning. It is further then you might think to Whanganui. We were driving which made it okay but you'll struggle without a car. There was information provided on a nearby pub for dinner but a quick google showed that it was closed. My partner did complain about the mini fridge. It kept activating during the night and was loud enough that it kept waking him up. I was on the other side of the bed and didnt hear it.

It was quiet and right by the river - beautiful birdsong in the mornings

My only complaint was that the water was not very hot for handbasin/shower - very small hand basin also.

It’s quaint & charming. A beautiful peaceful location. Very well appointed and every facility one could need.

Beautifully restored with lovely furniture. Had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. Was spotlessly clean.

The location was very special. A quiet out of town property, with animals and beautiful trees. Lovely deck to watch the birdlife and sunset. Enjoyed the extensive library of books on offer.

This was a really unique, comfortable, and cosy accommodation option set on a beautiful farm. Lots of thoughtful amenities and the decor was lovely. Guest book is a nice touch, and we loved seeing the pigs on the property, so cute! Arrival was easy and well explained, kitchenette had what we needed. Super comfortable beds. Hosts were respectful of privacy which we appreciated. Shockingly, the area is serviced by Uber Eats! Definitely recommend Banh Mi Craft Vietnamese (great vegan options and service).

Be prepared to carry your cases up a set of outdoor stairs (this was probably explained somewhere but we missed it, that's our fault!) and parking is exposed. There was a big storm during the night and a huge lightning strike which must have been pretty close to the property - a bit freaky because it was so loud, but apparently not unusual in there area, just an FYI for folk in future.

We very much enjoyed our stay at Signal Box. It is a peaceful place with stunning views over a beautiful garden and across the valley of the Whanganui River, which flows at the end of the garden. The apartment was beautifully designed and equipped with everything we needed. Renee was an exceptional host. She provided us with excellent recommendations for exploring the surrounding area and nearby attractions. She went above and beyond by helping us retrieve some personal documents we had accidentally left behind in the apartment. Overall, we had a fantastic stay and would definitely come back. Highly recommended!

Everything exceeded our expectations – nothing to improve.

What a beautiful quiet spot, I could have spent days relaxing in this beautiful accomodation

This was our third trip here and it was as pleasant and enjoyable as in previous visits.

Nothing.

A comfortable, well equipped place to stay in a peaceful location with good views of the river. It is an easy drive into Wanganui. Our hostess made us welcome and encouraged us yo explore the property. We loved the huge windows and airy feel of the Signal Box.

Het uitzicht , heel goed bed

Het verkeerslawaai , de kou , slechts 1 kookplastje, en de broodrooster zo vettig dat je vingers er aan vastplakken.

Lovely accommodation in a beautiful and tranquil location close to the river. Friendly and accommodating hosts. Fresh avocados from a tree in the garden for breakfast. We would have loved to stay longer!

מיקום, שקט, נוף,מיטה נוחה מטבחון קטן ומאובזר.

אין מיזוג אויר, ואין רשתות לחלונות כך שהיתה בעיה להשאיר חלונות פתוחים בלילה.

Loved the location and the Decore.

We liked everything

A quaint, unique property in a lovely setting. The space was very well utilised and beautifully presented.

There were a couple of small snags, but the owner was very good about getting them sorted.

Fabulous location, beautiful garden. No breakfast

N/A

Third time staying at the Signal Box, never fails to delight. Hosts are non-intrusive but easy to reach if there is any issue (not that we've ever had any). Eclectic in-house library of NZ/Whanganūi themed books provides a pleasant diversion.

Nothing to dislike

Quiet at night, clean, great patio

Windy, so windows rattled. Adequate kitchen.

Location. Cuteness.

Stairs.

Its location and pure comfort. The view is outstanding

Felt like being in a treehouse. Lovely farm, trees, birdlife. Very peaceful.

N/A

It met and exceeded our expectations. A wonderfully tranquil atmosphere and exceptionally welcoming hosts. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to anyone. Well worth visiting.

Nothing.

Tranquil with wonderful views of the Whanganui River and waking up to the sound of birdsong

We had a fabulous stay. The view down to the river was gorgeous, the quality of the linens were beautiful and we loved the fresh flowers left for us to enjoy.

The Signal Box is a quiet, quirky place to stay. The room is well-appointed and comfortable with views of the Whanganui River. Renee and Aaron were unobtrusive hosts who provided all the necessary information well in advance of our stay.

Location, peaceful, quality fittings

Instructions on where to locate the radiator control, was a bitterly cold day and the accommodation was cold on arrival, if we had been able to turn on the radiators as soon as we arrived it would have warmed up quickly, instead we sat about in our thick winter jackets till we spotted the controls. We had messaged the owner (as suggested on the info sheet for any questions) about it but never got a reply

This location was absolutely stunning and the accommodations thoughtfully appointed. I felt so comfortable and at home there and adored waking up to views of the river and farmstead.

Heaters weren’t very strong

Very restful :) Lovely setting, all lovely and clean and comfortable.

Very novel/quirky secluded and close to town. Beautiful surroundings

Bathroom was cosy. The wash basin low and small. Hot water kept zoning in and out.

Really cool old building. Great setting.

Loved the style & atmosphere. Very sweet accommodation with a lovely outlook. Would not hesitate to stay here again.

It was all good.

Location, tranquility, comfort Felt very homely

...view was gorgeous...the animal and birdlife was great. The history of the signal box was fabulous. Appreciated the milk and tea/coffee supplies and now a biscoff biscuit fan. Very peaceful.

Very close to main house. Pillows were hard, bathroom very small, .....As it poured with rain the whole time a tv / radio option would have been appreciated....the gas heating made a horrendous noise at times...turned them off but had another heater so was warm.

Loved the views,surroundings and the decor of the accommodation. Had everything you needed.

One of the most relaxed places I have been. Nothing more special than waking up to farm life. Perfect place to rest and reset. Will definitely be going back.

Beautifully appointed with modern features while retaining the history of the building . Comfortable bed with a view out to the river, fantails, farm animals and other birds greet you in the morning!! So relaxing - memorable for all the right reasons 💛

Love the setting and deck for a wine in the late afternoon

The windows could be washed as the view is special

Bbque needed a good clean.Windows needed a wash.

When you pull into the drive of the Signal Box, you'll see a house under renovation to your left. Pay no attention to that, but look straight ahead; the unit above the garages is the large, lovely room you'll have all to yourself. Enormous windows look over the bucolic property, which gently slopes down to the Whanganui River. It's really like a mini paradise and owner Renee couldn't be nicer or more helpful. Highly recommended!

The property was a little far up the river from Whanganui, but those with a vehicle should find this no reason not to book.

Great location; what is not to like being surrounded by nature; ducks, cows, pigs, chickens, trees and water?n

No complaints from us.

Everything

Having to leave

Nice, quiet rural setting with a range of birds and animals to add to the ambience

No TV and very small sink in bathroom.

Peaceful , beside river and beautiful garden/ orchard Thoughtful hosts , and great nz literature in bookshelves

Such an awesome tranquil location overlooking the Whanganui Awa [river] surrounded by a very peaceful rural 5 acres with chooks, kunikuni pigs, ducks and various orchard fruit tress - felt like you were in a private treehouse with all the mod cons - beautifully tiled and designed walk-in shower cleverly incorporated with lots of space inside an old historic former Railways building - loved the front door threshold which had worn smooth grooves from all the foot traffic over many decades - also enjoyed hearing and watching the daily morning and evening rowers passing by both ways training/racing - the local paddle steamer boat was also a highlight to hear coming around the corner with friendly waving tourists/guests. Nearby friendly hosts Aaron and Greta were also keen to share their local knowledge and look after whatever you needed [even washed all of my cycling kit after NZ Masters Games' events] Stayed 8 nights and absolutely loved it there - would definitely stay there again !! :) Wayne - Snells Beach, Warkworth

nothing

Peace. Serenity. If you were Jamie Bennett (Colin Firth) in Love Actually, this is the kind of place that you’d go to write your book! Oodles of natural light, birds, trees, nature and the occasional passing paddle steamer on the river. Pleasant stroll to the excellent cafe at Upokongaro and close enough to Whanganui for a short drive in for supplies. Hosts were responsive to messaging but left us to our own privacy.

Nothing to dislike about The Signal Box. Cooking arrangements might be a little challenging for a longer stay would be our only comment.

we loved the signal box, beautifully renovated to a high standard, location was stunning .

A relaxing and quirky place to stay and chill out on the outskirts of Wanganui with a lovely view over a garden and down to the river.

White Window blinds were getting dirty and marked. No AC

The Signal Box is perfectly formed- well considered in every way. The setting is amazing, a rural scene overlooking the beautiful Whanganui River. Chickens and ducks, and a wide range of fruit trees lie between the Signal Box and the River. The large trees are home to native birds. There's always something to watch or contemplate on. It is so peaceful. The Signal Box is set up for two people so don't bring the family . You need to be able to climb a flight of stairs to get there but once inside the 180 degree outlook is a wondrous thing. And all of this just 8 minutes drive to town! It would be a great place to have some alone time.

I think it would be good to have a hook or two indoors to hang dresses or other long clothes on. This is a suggestion only.

Quiet location. Super spot. Hosts have thought it through.

Lack of clothes storage

within easy distance to family

The location was the perfect distance away from the town , the concept of what they had done with the signal box was perfectly executed..lovely details and furnishings.

The only downside was we got hammered by huge winds that night and the windows rattled at times , but that won’t stop me from going back there ever .. I’ll bring my own wedges .😀

Calm, adorable welcome with little care, comfortable bedding, top owners love with us. I highly recommend

Nothing

good size nice and clean and surrounding nature

A small property with a lot of character beside the river.

Only cooking facility was a microwave

This is such a special, beautiful place! Very quiet, love the location and all the animals, birds, and nature. Very clean, comfortable beds and the wifi worked great. Very nice outside terrace for sitting. Also we took a taxi with Whanganui Taxi Company (Joseph) into town for drinks in the evening, which was easy and worked well.

Everything was great!