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We are a Fishing/Farm lodge in the remote Mokai Valley right on the Rangitikei River. Trout fishing right at your door step. Gorgeous accommodation and amazing scenery. Very quiet and private with own spa pool and the trout fishing is amazing. Enjoy a scenic raft trip or just enjoy the stunning scenery.
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What a beautifully peaceful place to unwind and recharge the batteries. We stayed in the River Retreat Lodge overlooking the Rangitikei River and absolutely loved every second of it. The host family were friendly and accommodating, even inviting us to dine with them in the homestead, an offer we couldn't refuse and certainly didn't regret. A three course meal in front of the open fire and in good company. The lodge was well kept and well appointed, providing everything we needed. We can't wait to go back. Thank you Tarata team. S & J Penhall
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Date of stay: July 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Trudi Mattock, Owner at Tarata Fishaway
Responded 31 Aug 2020
We so enjoyed your company too. Thank you for your review and we look forward to your return.
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We wanted to head out of the city for some relaxation and wide skies. We were not disappointed. The new Kanuka Estate, which is part of the Tarata Fishaway dynasty was exquisite. The fire was lit ready for us and the spa pool was heated and majestically perched on its own deck overlooking the ravine in pitch darkness. It has to be seen to be believed. This all awaited us at the end of the easy drive from Wellington. The hospitality was genuine and heartfelt, Stephen has an incredible sense of humour and just what we needed, to be laughed at and with. Trudi and her daughters are welcoming, professional and true hosts. Arohanui
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Date of stay: August 2020
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Trudi Mattock, Owner at Tarata Fishaway
Responded 31 Aug 2020
Thank you for coming. And thankyou for your lovely kind words. We are very lucky and it is great we can share this with others especially in the times we have right now. See you in the summer for some fishing. Take care and stay safe. PS 5 stars to you, for leaving everything so beautiful.
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We have just stopped at Tarata Fishaway Lodge . It is in remote area but was well worth the visit. Trip was organized by Eastern Experience in Stratford . The accommodation ,meals, rafting down the Rangitikei river was awesome. Great Hosts .They had cute little Saint Bernard puppies and Dashhound puppies there also which some of the family breed .Would recommend and go there again.
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Date of stay: January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Trudi Mattock, Owner at Tarata Fishaway
Responded 26 Jan 2021
Thanks for your Review Bev. We loved having you all. Looking forward to seeing you again :)
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We stayed here for one night in the recommendation of a friend and although it was slightly out of our way we were glad we took the time to go there.
Leave the phones in the car and grab some luxurious isolation with river views a welcoming spa and a really friendly family to look after you. Stephen and Brylee made all the communications, the arrival, the rafting down the Rangitiki river, the dinner etc fantastically simple and made us feel like we were at home the whole time.
This is a little slice of nature that you will find difficult to find anywhere else with such great people to share it with and at the end of it you will feel more relaxed and switched off than you have in a very long time.
If you like your fishing this is also a great place to come as Stephen will bring you onto the river to all the right spots so you can show everyone how good you are!!
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Date of stay: January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Trudi M, Owner at Tarata Fishaway
Responded 29 Jan 2020
Thanks guys. Its a hot summer so great to go for a swim before dinner. Hope to see you again.
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First time staying at Tarata Fishaway retreat. On arrival, met Mikayla and Brylee at the homestead. Thank you for the upgrade to the double suite. Very pleasantly surprised with the huge panoramic window view overlooking the beautiful cliffs and meandering river, of the Rangitikei. Our home cooked meals,dinner and breakfast were superb. Many thanks for the chocolate cake with the note,acknowledging my husbands "Happy birthday". Our suite was clean and well appointed. Self contained unit equipped with utensils and cutlery. Bed was very comfortable. Shower, good pressure. Lovely bathroom amenities. Would definitely stay again.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Trudi Mattock, Owner at Tarata Fishaway
Responded 31 Aug 2020
Thank you for sending us a review. We are so glad you enjoyed your stay and we would love to see you again. It was fun to do the birthday cake.
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Tarata Fishaway Lodge is a secluded hideaway near Taihape. A family of 5; including a 13 and an 8 year old plus an 11month old puppy were in desperate need of a break. The River Retreat was immaculately clean, well equipped, with even plush robes to wear as you got in and out the spa which was on deck. Our hosts could not have made us feel more welcome. The trip included a guided fishing trip, river rafting and clay pigeon shooting. All these experience were amazing! With expert guides and instructors all part of the family, we relaxed and had a super time. Even our dog Molly loved this trip, including the river rafting! Brylee and all the family could not do enough for us. She even checked we did not need anything from town when she was heading that way. A true gem of a place with the most amazing hosts who work really hsrd yo help you make some very special memories. We shall definitely be visiting again.
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Date of stay: October 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Â Buy things you need such as groceries from Taihape or it is a 30 min journey back again!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Trudi Mattock, Owner at Tarata Fishaway
Responded 25 Oct 2021
We enjoyed having you all. So glad you enjoyed all the activities and it was cool the dogs had a play date. Look forward to your return soon. Thank you.
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After staying at Tarata for a few nights after the Covid lockdown as a couple, we both agreed we'd go back, but next time with our two girls (4&7yrs). This time we stayed in the two bedroom River Retreat again and the girls absolutely loved every minute of it. From relaxing in the spa, to going for walks, feeding chickens, deer, sheep, a pig and a goat. They even got to collect the chickens' eggs from their coop and have them for breakfast the following morning. We also very much enjoyed our stay, relaxing in some peace and quiet, with only the sound of the birds and river breaking the silence. We didnt want to leave. Thanks again to the Tarata team.
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Trudi Mattock, Owner at Tarata Fishaway
Responded 18 Mar 2024
It was lovely to meet your girls and we always love doing the farm tour and sharing the animals. Chickens still laying.
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Just stayed in the Tarata River Retreat for our third time and once again, loved absolutely every second of our stay. This place is my happy place as I cant think of a better and more peaceful spot to unwind. The River Retreat is a well appointed two bedroom lodge, so our girls, 5 and 8 yrs, each had their own single bed. Neither had anything to say about being bored the whole time. Already planning our next stay. Next time we might try Spring or Summer. Thanks again for sharing your slice of Paradise! S & J Penhall
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Date of stay: June 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If you are a keen fly fisherman then Tarata Fishaway is for you. Great Rainbow and Brown Trout to 6 pounds plus, many on dry fly. A great variety of rivers and creeks. Tarata also boasts stunning scenery and breathtaking river floats down the mightly Rangiteki River and gorge. Top draw accommodation rounds things off for the spoilt fisherman and pampered partner. ENJOY!
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Date of stay: March 2024
Value
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Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My friend Mark and I decided to go to New Zealand for a fly fishing trip of about 3 weeks in length. Mark had been in New Zealand many time over the previous 20 or so years and highly recommended we stay at least part of our time at Tarata Fishaway Lodge. I'm glad I agreed to it!
Normally, I fish on my own without guides, but Mark said that Stephen was probably the best guide in the world. How could I say no to that?
On our arrival, Trudi greeted Mark with a warm hug as if he were family, and I suppose after 20 years of coming back, he is. I told Trudi that I wanted some of that and she obliged immediately. That was my introduction.
Tarata Fishaway Lodge is truely a family operation, but it was evident that Trudi runs the show. Stephen is the head guide and takes care of the farm. Stephen and Trudi's daughters also take part. We were guided one day by McKayla (sp?) and even that wa a treat.
We did not partake of breakfast at the lodge but on the days we floated the Ragitikei River, guided by either Stephen or McKayla, lunch was provided. We did however have dinner in the main dining room of the lodge each night, and was a treat to do so. Home cooked meals and served just like at home, made me feel welcome and treated like family.
The accommodations were not fancy or luxurious, but clean, functional, and relaxing. The view out the front sliding glass door was amazing and the deer in the paddock nearby were ever curious as to what we were doing.
Oh, and the fishing! We caught numerous large fish, Rainbows and Browns, each day. These folks have access to some great stretched of the river, where it is very difficult for anybody else to access. It's almost as if it is their own private river - and wow do they know how to fish it!
If I come back to New Zealand, I would definitely stay again, probably near the end of my trip and for a shorter time, only because I'm such a cheap skate. Do yourselves a favor and consider staying at the Tarata FIshaway Lodge.
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:Â Even if you don't fish, take a day to float the river starting from the lodge. THis is the Lord...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Trudi Mattock, Owner at Tarata Fishaway
Responded 18 Mar 2024
Loved your story. Thank you. Hugs, Trudi
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There are more places to choose from in the Taihape area.
LOCATION
New ZealandNorth IslandManawatu-Wanganui RegionRangitikei DistrictTaihape
NUMBER OF ROOMS
9
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