Attractions

No matter what the season, the Tongariro region centered around Taupo, Turangi, and The Tongariro National Park provide an unparalleled outdoor experience. Discover this pristine alpine landscape abundant with activities and adventure from River Birches, located at the epicentre of this unique environment.

Turangi and Taupo

Turangi offers an 18-hole golf course, white-water rafting on the Tongariro, and kayaking through the surrounding wetlands. Walkers will enjoy the river walkway alongside River Birches and the many other scenic walks in the area.

An easy 45-minute drive north brings you to the tourist hub of Taupo. Here you will find excellent restaurants, bars, shopping, and many outdoor pursuits, such as fishing, boating, water-skiing, bungy-jumping, and several 18-hole golf courses, including Kinloch in Taupo and the famous Wairakei International Course just further north.

Tongariro Crossing
This iconic walk draws visitors from all over the world. Spectacular hiking through alpine forest, volcanic mountains and crater lakes is breathtaking and can be done within a day by most active people. (See The Tongariro Crossing section for more detail.)

Fly Fishing
River Birches Lodge is located just metres from the world-renowned Tongariro River. A short walk away, one of the river’s most famous pools – the Major Jones – awaits the early morning angler. River Birches guides can lead you to the best spots.

People White Water Rafting in the Tongariro River

White water rafting
Take an exhilarating rafting trip down a beautiful stretch of the famous Tongariro River, through rapids and fishing pools through to the edges of Lake Taupo. Grade 1 water is suitable for first-time rafters. Great fun on the doorstep of River Birches.

Beautiful Waterfall in Tongariro National Park

Local walks
No other New Zealand location has a greater abundance of scenic walks. From your River Birches base, you can reach hiking tracks in Kaimanawa Forest Park, Tongariro National Park, local river walks and trails around Lake Taupo. Options range from walks lasting an hour or so through to 2 or 3-day treks.

People Skiing at in Tongariro National Park

Skiing
Two major ski fields located in World Heritage Tongariro National Park are within an hour’s drive from River Birches. These ski fields often enjoy a long season beginning late autumn through to mid-spring.

Hawkes Bay wineries
Just two and a half hours drive from Turangi, lies the Hawkes Bay region bursting with vineyards, food markets, restaurants and all year round wine tasting at some of New Zealand’s oldest wine producers. A great day trip to enrich your stay.

What our guests had to say

We stayed at the cottage, very beautiful and cosy. Place is nice and clean, kitchen is very well equipped. We had dinner on site and everything was perfect. Kids loved the place, everyone there was amazing. New World is less than 5min driving.

rei88

We spent 4 nights at this stunning lodge, and found the hosts and the food wonderful. The lodge is beautifully decorated and the garden stunningly well cared for. The bed in our room was sumptuous, and we could not have chosen anywhere better. Using the lodge as a base we explored the...

joandian1

Our family stayed at the River Birches Lodge for a little less than a week and enjoyed every moment of it. The lodge itself is well kept, inviting, and very cozy! Jason and Rebeca are very hands on and accomodating; they want you to have the most amazing stay and experience the most of the area...

Stephanie Ortiz

We stayed at the cottage, which was beautifully designed and very homey. Jason was very attentive and was really helpful with planning for the Tongariro crossing/fly fishing. Dinner was also great. We will definitely want to go back next time we visit New Zealand!

Christina Y

We stayed here for 2 nights, our room was beautiful and stylish with a private garden . The owners Jason and Rebecca were attentive and charming hosts. The breakfasts were wonderful and everything, from the locally sourced blueberries to the freshly roasted coffee beans were of the highest...

LindaT

We stayed in the cottage as two couples to do the Tongariro crossing. Our hosts were very helpful in coordinating our plans and arrival. They provided anything we needed. It was also a fabulous place to come back to after finishing the hike to lounge in the backyard and bbq a nice meal. They had...

David Friedkin

I would give River Birches 100 stars if I could. We stayed here for two nights on our honeymoon and it might have been our favorite part of the 2 week trip. Jason and Rebeca are the most wonderful hosts, they went above and beyond and were incredibly accommodating, even loaning us winter clothes...

Robby R

We arrived at Turangi with a plan to do Tongariro Alpine crossing and were lucky enough to stay at the River birches. I must say that accommodation is amazing, but the most important and valuable thing about this place is homy atmosphere and tremendously giving hosts. They do really care not...

Angelina

Words will not do River Birches and Rebecca and Jason justice. I could find nothing to fault. It is just perfect. John went fishing and I, thanks to a recommendation by Jason, tackled the Tongariro Crossing. This will go down as one of my greatest achievements. The guides they booked for both...

Yvonne

This is an absolutely beautifully built lodge set in a wonderful English style and very well maintained garden. The whole structure is architect designed with lovely design touches, tasteful decor and artifacts. The rooms are beautiful and beautifully equipped. Jason and Rebecca provide a very...

Chris_Hitch_hiker

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