River Birches Lodge
19 Koura Street Taupo, Turangi 3334 New Zealand
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About
#1 of 7 B&Bs in Turangi
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
River Birches is the closest boutique five-star Luxury Lodge to the Tongariro Crossing. The Lodge is set within a peaceful garden-scape beside the renown Tongariro River. Guests can select from a range of exciting activities, from fly fishing, hiking, mountain biking the riverside trails, white water rafting, golfing to winter skiing on Mount Ruapehu. River Birches offers single party, privately guided Tongariro Crossing. Positioned alongside the Lodge, sits The Cottage at River Birches. This beautiful self-contained property provides a superb option for families and larger groups of travellers who appreciate the privacy, spaciousness, and independence of a high quality architecturally designed, luxury residence. River Birches Lodge and The Cottage at River Birches proudly support Destination Charging for Electronic Vehicles and has two TESLA EV chargers.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Breakfast available
Hiking
Skiing
Highchairs available
Airport transportation
Baggage storage
Electric vehicle charging station
Car park
Wifi
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Fishing
Board games / puzzles
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Shared kitchen
Clothes dryer
Laundry service
Washing machine
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Room features
Blackout curtains
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Desk
Fireplace
Coffee / tea maker
Cable / satellite TV
Bath / shower
Housekeeping
Seating area
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Private bathrooms
Electric kettle
Kitchenware
iPod docking station
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
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Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Luxury
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish
Location
47Car recommended
Grade: 47 out of 100
22Restaurantswithin 10 km
12Attractionswithin 10 km
19 Koura Street Taupo, Turangi 3334 New Zealand
Getting there
Car HireSee all Turangi car hire
195Reviews0Q+A29Room tips
ReviewsWe perform checks on reviews.Tripadvisor’s approach to reviewsBefore posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
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We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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Accommodation is superb, gardens and setting gorgeous, hosts Jason and Rebecca could not have been more welcoming, friendly or helpful. Breakfast was delicious and kept us going through to dinner! Just a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the beautiful surrounding national parks and wonderful scenery. So glad Trailfinders recommended River Birches Lodge when helping us plan our trip!
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip 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.
Helpful
WOW. I wish we had been able to stay more than one night at this glorious spot. Jason was a lovely host, corresponding with us in advance of our visit about dining options, and was there to welcome us when we checked in after 8pm. The serenity here can't be overstated; on a trip that was very adventurous and fast paced, it felt like pressing a big pause button to sink into the private hot tub, enjoy the huge luxurious bathroom, and watch the trees sway in the wind from the cushy bed. We enjoyed breakfast in the main room, where vegan options were kindly offered, and we are now addicted to golden kiwi! Upon departure, Jason gave us great tips on how to enjoy a bit of the Tongariro River trail nearby, and places to eat as we traveled to Wellington. I hope to return here someday - a truly special five star experience. …
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
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.
Helpful
Our stay at River Birches was first class, the attention to detail and friendly welcome from Jason and Rebeca was wonderful. Nothing was too much trouble and local knowledge of weather conditions and trails was very useful. Breakfast was very well presented and plentiful, we had the main room in the lodge which overlooked the garden and it was very comfortable and spacious. Would definitely recommend.
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
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.
Helpful
We absolutely loved our stay at River Birches and our only disappointment was that we couldn’t stay longer. The lodge is spacious, beautiful and immaculate and Jason and Rebecca could not have been kinder or more generous hosts. All rooms over look the property’s lovely garden but we were fortunate to stay in the Admiral’s room (thank you). The bed was wonderfully comfortable and the modern bathroom gave access to an outside hot tub, which enjoyed, with some Tui friends chatting away in the tree above. Breakfast was superb and we were spoilt for choice with delicious hot food options (pre-selected) or an array of cereals, granola, compote, pastries, etc (including homemade). Jason and Rebecca were able to make great recommendations for restaurants and walks in the area (do try the Tongariro River Trail just behind the lodge, if you get the chance) and were a wealth of knowledge. I can’t think of any need that was not catered for. (Jason, we made it across the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in one piece to appreciate the amazing views. I sure have achy legs today, however!)…
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip 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.
Helpful
My husband and I had a phenomenal stay at River Birches. We travelled to New Zealand for our honeymoon and were looking for upscale and comfortable accommodations near the Tongariro Crossing. River Birches exceeded our expectations. Jason and Rebecca were incredibly gracious and welcoming, and made us feel instantly comfortable. We enjoyed our breakfasts each morning, as well as some evening time by the fire. The property itself is stunning with beautiful flowers, trees, and landscape. The lodge’s interior is stylish and so calming. We stayed in the Major room and were pleased the spaciousness, comfortable bed, and cedar hot tub. River Birches is truly a luxury lodge experience and we hope to return one day! Would recommend highly to anyone looking for a nice stay near the National Park. …
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
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.
Helpful
Everything about this stay was perfect. My husband, toddler and I spent 3 nights in the luxury cottage while we hiked through Tongariro National Park. The cottage is beautiful- modern appliances, heated bathroom floors/towels, beautiful furnishings. It really is exquisite. Multiple times I took notes for when I build my own cottage. The owners are wonderful, they even made up an adorable floor bed for our toddler(which she LOVED) and had fresh, delicious breakfast provisions included in our stay. Can’t say enough good things.
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Date of stay: September 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.
Helpful
We visited from Auckland for a weekend fishing. The accommodation and fishing is absolutely first class and the hosts are very generous with their time and hospitality. We stayed in The Cottage which is a luxuriously appointed, fully self contained house right next to the lodge. All in all a wonderful weekend getaway and I look forward to when we can visit again.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip 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.
Helpful
I booked this hotel months in advance with Amex and pre-paid the reservations. Our reason for booking this hotel was their expertise in guiding across the Tongariro Crossing. Spoke to the owner months in advance about the trip, guide, equipment etc. Was literally notified by the owner as we were boarding our plane to New Zealand that there was no guide available to make the crossing after months of having this planned. Tried to get a refund on the property but was told no and only got a partial refund. I understand this is a great property but be careful on booking policies and guide availability.
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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.
Helpful
Response from Jason Bleibtreu, Owner at River Birches Lodge
Responded 29 Jul 2023
We do know how important the Tongariro Crossing was for you and your daughter. Your trek was scheduled for the middle of winter. The Alpine winter environment is truly beautiful, however it is also unforgiving. Three days before your trek the guide we chose for you became unwell and there were not back up guides available for the crossing. There are only a select few who are qualified to guide the crossing in winter conditions. We did offer you a guided trek to Tama Lakes which your turned down. Tama Lakes is stunning alpine trek adjacent to the Tongariro crossing but with more forgiving weather conditions. Your room booking was an Expedia non-refundable booking that you placed via Expedia through AMEX. The Expedia conditions were non-refundable, but we chose to provide a refund of 50% despite this. We are sorry that the crossing was cancelled and that your expectations were not met.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed one night in the Cottage. The cottage is wonderful. It was configured for three bedrooms. Beautiful cottage with tons of space and comfortable beds. Right next to the river walking trail and fly fishing. They left us a stocked refrigerator for breakfast and the service was just wonderful.
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Location
Service
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.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
This is another lovely lodge with fantastic hosts but, to be honest, it is crazily expensive. Our room was very nice and private but the other rooms were not very private, with people walking passed your French windows all the time. It is beautifully decorated and very peaceful. The gardens are fabulous and the breakfast was great.
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Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
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.
Helpful
Response from Jason Bleibtreu, Owner at River Birches Lodge
Responded 1 May 2023
Canbird, thank you for sharing your views. Honestly, not everyone is budgeted for luxury. We are glad that you found your room to be very private and we are thrilled you enjoyed your stay. We do hope that you can come back one day soon.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PRICE RANGE
US$503 - US$994 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
New ZealandNorth IslandWaikato RegionTaupo DistrictTurangi
NUMBER OF ROOMS
4
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Frequently Asked Questions about River Birches Lodge
Which popular attractions are close to River Birches Lodge?
Nearby attractions include Mount Ngauruhoe (0.6 km), Southern Lake Taupo Adventure Mini Golf (0.9 km), and Pihanga Art Gallery (1.1 km).
What are some of the property amenities at River Birches Lodge?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free parking, and airport transportation.
Which room amenities are available at River Birches Lodge?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, blackout curtains, and a desk.
What food & drink options are available at River Birches Lodge?
Guests can enjoy breakfast, complimentary tea, and free instant coffee during their stay.
Is parking available at River Birches Lodge?
Yes, free parking and a parking garage are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to River Birches Lodge?
Conveniently located restaurants include The creel tackle house, Turangi Tavern, and Hydro Eatery.
Does River Birches Lodge have airport transportation?
Yes, River Birches Lodge offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Is River Birches Lodge located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 1.0 km away from the centre of Turangi.
Are any cleaning services offered at River Birches Lodge?
Yes, laundry service and a clothes dryer are offered to guests.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at River Birches Lodge?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Spanish.