River Birches Lodge – Luxury Riverside Retreat in Turangi

River Birches Lodge is an award-winning boutique property set in tranquil gardens on the banks of the famous Tongariro River. Combining understated elegance with warm, personal service, it offers an intimate escape in the central North Island. The lodge features three luxurious guest rooms within the main lodge, plus a separate self-contained Cottage, making it ideal for couples, families, and small groups. Guests enjoy a blend of privacy, comfort, and authentic New Zealand hospitality.

The lodge provides a range of premium facilities including private cedar hot tubs, gourmet dining with a focus on seasonal produce, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and eco-conscious touches throughout. Its riverside setting offers direct access to world-class fly fishing and is a perfect base for exploring Tongariro National Park.

Distances to Key Locations:
Taupō: Approximately 50 km, around a 40–45 minute drive
Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Approximately 30 km, around a 25–30 minute drive
Wellington: Approximately 330 km, around a 4½–5 hour drive

Dining

Gourmet Lodge Dining
River Birches Lodge offers an intimate dining experience that highlights seasonal, locally sourced produce prepared with care. A gourmet cooked breakfast is included in every stay, with lighter continental options also available. Guests can look forward to dishes that reflect the best of the region’s flavours, served in the tranquil setting of the lodge dining room. Evening dining is available by prior arrangement, featuring a multi-course menu paired with fine New Zealand wines. Meals are served in a relaxed, elegant atmosphere, with only a small number of guests, ensuring a highly personalised experience.

Self-Catering at The Cottage
Guests staying in The Cottage have the option to self-cater, with a fully equipped kitchen and a generous breakfast provisions hamper supplied. This provides flexibility for families or small groups who wish to prepare meals in the comfort of their private accommodation, while still being able to enjoy the lodge’s breakfast and dinner service if pre-arranged.

Laundry & Dry-Cleaning Services

The lodge provides a self-service laundry facility for guest use. Professional dry-cleaning services can also be arranged on request, ensuring both short- and long-stay guests have every convenience during their visit.

Facilities & Guest Services

Hospitality & Convenience

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the lodge

  • Guest lounge with fireplace, library, and entertainment options

  • On-site parking with EV charging station

  • Secure luggage storage available

  • Concierge assistance for activity planning and transfers

Technology & Lifestyle

  • Guest rooms feature flat-screen TVs with Sky channels and streaming options

  • High-speed broadband internet available in all accommodations

  • Tea and coffee-making facilities, with Nespresso machines in select suites

  • Monogrammed bathrobes and luxury New Zealand-made toiletries provided

Comfort

  • Super king beds with plush duvets and pillows

  • Underfloor heating in ensuite bathrooms

  • Private cedar hot tubs in selected rooms

  • Air conditioning and heating for year-round comfort

Accommodation Options

The Admiral’s Room

The Admiral’s Room offers refined comfort with elegant furnishings and garden views. It features a plush super king bed, ensuite bathroom with underfloor heating, luxury New Zealand-made toiletries, and a walk-in shower. Guests enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV with Sky channels, and tea and coffee-making facilities. A private cedar hot tub set in the garden provides a relaxing retreat after a day of exploring.

Bed Options:

  • 1 Super King bed (can be split into two singles)

The Major’s Room

The Major’s Room blends warmth and sophistication, opening onto the lodge’s peaceful garden. It includes a super king bed, ensuite bathroom with underfloor heating and walk-in shower, and eco-conscious amenities. Guests have access to complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and a writing desk. A private outdoor cedar hot tub is available, perfect for unwinding in the tranquil surroundings of the Tongariro River setting.

Bed Options:

  • 1 Super King bed (can be split into two singles)

The Duchess’s Room

The Duchess’s Room offers a cosy yet luxurious setting with elegant décor and modern comforts. It includes a super king bed, ensuite bathroom with underfloor heating, a walk-in shower, and boutique New Zealand toiletries. Amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV with Sky channels, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Its quiet position makes it a restful retreat within the lodge.

Bed Options:

  • 1 Super King bed (can be split into two singles)

The Cottage

The Cottage is a self-contained residence ideal for families or small groups, accommodating up to six guests. The master suite features a super king bed with ensuite bathroom, while two additional bedrooms upstairs share a full bathroom. A spacious open-plan living area includes a fully equipped kitchen, dining space, and lounge. Modern conveniences include complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and laundry facilities. A private garden provides additional space for relaxation. A breakfast provisions hamper is supplied, with the option to enjoy lodge dining by prior arrangement.

Bed Options:

  • Master Suite: 1 Super King bed (can be split into two singles)

  • Bedroom 2: 1 Super King bed (can be split into two singles)

  • Bedroom 3: 1 Super King bed (can be split into two singles)