Description
River Valley Lodge is a unique resort situated beside the Rangitikei River, on the central North Island of New Zealand. First founded in 1982 as a rafting company, running the Class 5 section of the Rangitikei River, River Valley has grown and changed with the times to be what it is now.
River Valley’s adventures reflect the variety of their customers. They range from the excitement of Class 5 whitewater rafting, to guided hikes taking in flora, fauna and history, from scenic rafting through beautiful river canyons in the midst of breathtaking scenery, to horseback riding over the hill country of the central North Island, to casting a fly in a crystal clear pool for a sleek rainbow trout. If you prefer to spend your day at the lodge, then there is swimming, petanque and volley ball courts, a fun golf course, or treat yourself to a massage, sauna and spa at the Health Centre.
Of course there is nothing wrong with relaxing with a nice bottle of wine either!
Who are they?
River Valley Lodge is owned and operated by Brian and Nicola Megaw. The company was originally founded by Nicola’s parents, Brian and Robin Sage. The family is still totally involved, with eldest daughter Janey managing the horse trekking operation and guiding on the river, while middle daughter Melissa is running the lodge café/restaurant... the third generation at River Valley!
Family is however a very narrow term. River Valley does not have a high turnover of staff, with seasonal guides returning year after year. The lodge staff tend also to stay for long enough to become permanents in this rural district.
What sort of setting is the lodge situated in?
River Valley Lodge is situated right beside the Rangitikei River, a free-flowing rock bedded waterway with no dams. The lodge is well away from urban areas and is reached via a very scenic 32-kilometer drive from the town of Taihape. The local area consists of large farms – called ‘Stations’ – farming sheep, cattle and deer. Directly across from the lodge are the Ruahine Ranges, native forest covered mountains that stretch to the other side of the island in Hawkes Bay.
The lodge itself has areas of gardens and groups of native trees stretching for several hundred meters along the river.
Accommodations
It is River Valley’s belief that once they get a wetsuit on, or a riding coat, everyone looks pretty much the same no matter where they come from. After adventuring however, many like a higher level of comfort. Riverside and garden rooms with king-size beds and private bathrooms, are certainly just the sort of accommodations you need to put your feet up.
Food and Beverages
River Valley has always majored on good wholesome fresh country style meals. They cook a roast each night, with varying meats and vegetables. This is a set menu. There are multiple options for entrees and desserts. Breakfasts range from forms of continental to traditional cooked. Lunches are café style with a selection of soups, paninis, quiche, salads, pies, muffins and fruit.
The bar carries a good selection of New Zealand and Australian wines, while also stocking a varied selection of beers and spirits.
Meals and beverages are served in the main lodge, a communal area where there is the opportunity to mix with other adventurers, relax and compare stories of the day.
Health Center
The Health Center is situated amongst a stand of native beech trees, with decks overlooking the river. It is designed with the needs of the adventurer in mind, often guests who maybe tried that little bit extra on one of the adventures!
The resident masseuse will massage some of those pains away, while a soak in a spa can only be therapeutic. There are two types of sauna at the lodge. It features a traditional five-seat wood fired model, which is a great social place to share with friends. If you are looking for the latest technology, and improved health benefits, then River Valley also has a two-person Far Infared model. This is claimed to have positive benefits for sustaining weight loss, arthritis, removing toxins, improving the immune system and much more.
Yoga classes are also held three days per week or in private classes on demand.
”Am I cut off from the outside world?”
The answer is a very positive, yes! Well almost anyway. The lodge has no cell phone coverage, there are no TVs in rooms, though BBC News is on at breakfast in the communal area. The whole lodge area is a wireless hotspot, so if you need to work on your laptop, then this is possible. There is also customer internet access in the main lodge.
Activities
While some activities have been briefly covered, a little more detail is required.
All rafting takes place on the Rangitikei River, a beautiful clear, free-flowing river. River Valley primarily offers two trips - a half-day, Class 5 whitewater raft trip, one of the world’s top half-day whitewater runs, and a very scenic class 2 trip. This latter trip takes most of the day and includes a riverside picnic lunch.
Guided walks are operated in conjunction with the local Maori Iwi or tribe. Utilizing their ancestral land, situated directly across the river from the lodge, guides will give you an in depth introduction to the flora, fauna, history and legends of the sacred mountain, Aorangi. These walks are day hikes.
For those interested in horseback riding, Janey and her team will match you to a horse to suit your riding ability and take you exploring over Pukeokahu Station. Be prepared for magnificent views as you ride amongst flocks of sheep and herds of cattle and deer. Rides start at two hours, and can be as long as full day. River Valley strongly advises you to be honest about your riding experience, and how much practice you have had lately, otherwise it could lead to an extended session at the Health Center!
Finally, River Valley Lodge is not situated in a traditional tourist center. You may very well wonder where on Earth you are as you travel in. However, you can rest assured your welcome will be friendly, the setting fantastic, the food wholesome and fresh, and the type of adventures as challenging as you would wish.
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