River Birches
Central North Island
Right beside the famous Tongariro River, River Birches is an architecturally acclaimed boutique luxury lodge in the heart of Zane Grey country. It is also just minutes from Lake Taupo, one of New Zealand’s largest lakes and a place of great significance to local Maori.
This contemporary boutique lodge offers 5-star accommodation in three guest rooms and a self-contained luxury cottage in the grounds. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, its setting draws in many native birds, while just out the window the river has fine rainbow and brown trout to draw the keen angler.
River Birches also attracts hikers keen to walk the world-famous Tongariro Crossing – the lodge is very close to the mountains of the Tongariro National Park and is just a one hour drive from the thermal areas north of Taupo and two hours from the wine regions of Hawkes Bay. There is also golfing, white water rafting and winter skiing nearby.
Accommodation:
guests stay in three luxurious lodge rooms
each has either a king or king-single bedding configuration
two rooms open on to a Balinese-inspired private deck; the Admirals Room also has its own hot tub
ensuites are large and well-provisioned. Each also has a bath, and robes are provided
there is wi-fi throughout the lodge, and broadband access in the rooms
each room also has an i-pod sound sytem and docking station
the 3-bedroom self-contained cottage in the garden is ideal for group or family use, or if you just want to stay separately from the main lodge
The Main Lodge:
the decor is contemporary with a definite eastern simplicity
exterior walls are clad in cedar and there are several interior stone fireplaces
living areas are large with room to find quiet spaces to withdraw
there’s a fully equipped fitness room on site and drying rooms in the main lodge and the cottage
a fully stocked tackle room will help with that fishing gear you may have left behind
the cuisine is highly regarded and the menu makes the most of the local organic produce
The Fishing:
the Tongariro River runs past the lodge and is a prime spot for wild rainbow and brown trout
there are many good fishing rivers within an easy drive and heli-fishing is available
the iconic Major Jones – a well-known fishing pool – is nearby, as are other famous fishing pools
local fishing guides are available to help you find the best spots on the day
the lodge has quality fishing gear available, as well as breathable waders and vests with flotation devices for river safety
there is also fishing by white water raft available, and boat fishing on Lake Taupo
a full day fishing for 1 – 2 people is $NZ 1,100 and a half day is $NZ 675 – all fishing gear and tackle, lunch and transport to the river are included (licences and any heli are extra)
Tariff:
rates include accommodation and breakfast
dinner is available by reservation at $NZ90 per person for a 3-course meal
Admiral’s Room $NZ 800 for 2 people, twin share
Major’s Room $NZ 750 for 2 people, twin share
Duchess’s Room $NZ 600 for 2 people, twin share
the Cottage is available for 1 – 6 people, prices ranging from $NZ 1,200 for 1 – 4 people. Breakfast hamper included. Extra adult $250 pp
the main lodge can be booked for exclusive use
children are welcome – under 9 yrs stay for free, enquire for older children
Cancellation fees may apply
Season:
River Birches is open all year; the Tongariro River and Lake Taupo are open all year round for rainbow and brown trout. Most backcountry rivers and streams are closed for fishing 1 October – 30 June, but most lakes and lower tributaries remain open.