On our visit to New Zealand, my fiancée and I ended up staying at River Lodge du…

On our visit to New Zealand, my fiancée and I ended up staying at River Lodge during the days we devoted to the exploration of Tongariro National Park area. We decided to mitigate the efforts of challenging the wild, turbulent and untouched Tongariro Alpine Crossing, staying in charming and luxurious accommodation. We couldn’t have been happier with our choice. We had the privilege of staying in two different bedrooms, both of which are really spacious, spotless and well organized. The smallest bedroom has got also an extra area for storing luggage that for overseas travellers (as we were) is such a bonus. Both bedrooms have cosy beds with beautiful soft bed linen, and gorgeous fluffy robes and towels. River Birches has two relaxing lounges where two fireplaces and comfy armchairs made us feel at home. The attention to the detail extends throughout the Lodge. River Lodge provides generous breakfasts. We were offered a wide choice: from the traditional cooked breakfast to homemade muesli, toast, fruit, yogurt, juices and last but not least delicious coffee. On arrival we were asked if we had any special requests or dietary requirements. The Host who interacted with us in the estate, is an effortless graceful lady. Her flair and elegance contributed to turn our time from a lovely stay into a sophisticated experience. She easily adopted a style that best suited our expectations (and we are not the easiest people to deal with), playing with us at the right time as well as vanishing while we enjoyed the house facilities. She was also extremely helpful. For example, thanks to her, one evening, at the very last minute, we managed to grab a table for a very late dinner in an exclusive vineyard restaurant. Finally, I need to mention the Tongariro River, a stone’s throw away from the Lodge, which turned out to be unexpectedly interesting. There are a few walks to do in the bush where an orchestra of local birds reminds you are just in a corner of heaven. If you are planning to do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing or some of Tongariro National Park walks I would without hesitation recommend River Lodge as an amazing base.

We stayed here for Christmas 2013 and enjoyed it very much. It was the best lodg…

We stayed here for Christmas 2013 and enjoyed it very much. It was the best lodge we have stayed at during our 4 weeks New Zealand trip. It is a nice, luxury hideaway with breathtaking architecture and a very private atmosphere. We had the admiral's room which is featured by a large bathroom (tub and shower) and a very comfortable king size bed and a sunny terrace towards the lodge's garden. There is plenty of space for luggage in a walk-in closet. The best part of the lodge however is the host. Not only that she cooks amazing dinners but also is she very caring, helped us arranging tours and solved unforeseen problems for us. Her attitude was always in a professional but humorous and caring manner. The lodges architecture and the host's attitude made it very easy to get in touch with other guests or to avoid exactly this when we were more into privacy. All in all a great stay and a very recommendable place to explore the Tongariro National Park and the Lake Taupo area.

Our stay at River Birches was delightful, it is a wonderfully relaxing and elega…

Our stay at River Birches was delightful, it is a wonderfully relaxing and elegant place, made all the more so by the host. There is a fantastic loop along the river for a morning walk, to follow with a wonderous breakfast made by the host from only the freshest ingredients. Highly recommend.