River Valley Lodge

Absolutely magical place for a school reunion. Stayed in the great accom on the river. Probably the standout were the people there. Janey and Tom were amazing hosts and the food was top notch. Get away for a few days. Will be back to do rafting, horse riding and will bring our e-bikes.

We took the scenic rafting tour down the Rangitikei River. It covers 14 km of stunning scenery and is suitable for anyone as the rapids are just grade 1 and 2. Stephanie, our guide, was very experienced and informative. Part of the river was filmed for Lord of the Rings. We also clambered up a side stream knicknamed Jurassic Valley because of the fossils there. Afternoon included delicious home baking and was enjoyed sitting on rocks at the side of the river. We stayed at Tarata in the newly built Treehouse lodge. It was impeccably clean and comfortable. We took advantage of the kitchen facilities but it is possible to buy meals prepared by the family who own the business.

Just completed an 8 day Globetrotting horse ride at River Valley - my best ever 😊. From the moment Brian collected us we knew we were going to have a ball. Nicola and Katie matched the riders and horses perfectly and the scenery was stunning. Miranda - the fresh home grown and cooked food was unexpectedly 5 star. The added benefits of sauna, spa and river swims made afternoon returns a pleasure. The white water rafting on the last day was SO much fun. I’ll definitely find a way back to River Valley.

We stayed at the lodge for 2 nights with friends and colleagues. The accommodation was excellent and the food exceptional. The food is sourced from the property and is amazing. The team couldn't have done any more to make us feel welcome and cared for. I would highly recommend the venue for groups and family's. Lots to do also with rafting options, horse riding and mountain biking.

What a wonderful experience. Fantastic team looked after us every step of the way. We stayed 2 nights and it exceeded our expectations. We ate such beautiful home grown and cooked food. Cannot begin to explain the love put into the cooking..beautiful! Rooms are really comfortable, with the option of spas, saunas and a dip in the pristine waters of the river. We went rafting and were very well looked after by safety conscious guides. An amazing time. Thank you so much!

Amazingly scenic lodgings. You are in the absolute middle of nowhere, the nearest town is 30km away. I am currently writing this after my wife and I went on the scenic rafting tour ($230 NZD pp for 4.5 hours of gentle rafting and a picnic lunch included). The views are absolutely extraordinary. We arrived late the day before (6:50pm) but the welcome couldn’t have been warmer, it was like we were the last of the family group to arrive for a holiday. Janey was all smiles, immediately said to not worry about checking in or any of that “let’s get you fed”. While we were waiting to eat we had a couple of the team come over and explain what we could do activities-wise (rafting, e-biking, horse trekking, massages, hot tub) and then we had a mountain of food - all included. Genuinely one of the most welcoming places in a country famous for its warm welcomes. We also booked the hot tub for after our rafting and that was sublime! The one thing I would say is that this is not the Hilton or the Ritz. I suspect some of the poor reviews are from people who have been pampered! It’s an incredibly high standard for a rustic, out-of-the-way location! Big thanks to Janey, Hannah and Lupa (enthusiasm so infectious you feel guilty leaving!) Thank you!!

My 3rd trip specifically for the incredible horse riding trips they offer. Ive done two 8 Day rides and this year a 3 day ride and 4 night stay. Very comfortable lodgings and the food is all grown organically and sustainably on the property. Unbeatable - the horses, people, place, food and the whole experience. Loads of fun and spectacular terrain for those that are experienced in the saddle.

Loved this place and have regretted leaving ever since, we should have stayed longer! Staff were fab, facilities were excellent, whitewater rafting was one of the best experiences we have had - total beginners and we did the Grade 5, it was exhilarating and a total joy. Loved staying in the bus and having a bath with a view! Food was excellent, local and hearty portions. This will be our top recommendation to friends!

WOW!!! 10/10 What an amazing experience from the drive in, to the friendly welcome as soon as we walked through the door, to the heated under floor heating in the ensuite bathroom, to one of the best Grade 5 rafting trips I've experienced and with gorgeous kiwi native scenery along the way, to soaking in the spa overlooking the waterfall, to wiping ourselves out with over steaming the sauna lol, to the yummy craft beer on tap, to the delicious food prepared by the talented chef's, to just sitting on the river's edge in the sunshine taking in the amazing surroundings. Highly recommend, I'll be back for sure.