River Birches

The private Tongariro Alpine Crossing guide is well worth considering. We couldn't have completed the hike without the gear Jason and Rebecca lent us, and our guide, Jar, was experienced and excellent. It was one of our favorite parts of the trip. Jason and Rebecca were also a delight, going out of their way to make the stay special. They had delicious breakfasts ready each morning, helped organize rides to and from dinner, and Jason even pumped up our flat tire so we could get safely to the tire shop. With just a few rooms, River Birches felt private while still being warm and inviting, thanks to the owners' personal touches. A lovely mix of a luxury hotel and B&B, and we highly recommend it.

Rebecca and Jason clearly take pride in looking after the property and their guests. The lodge and room were clean, warm and had everything we needed. Having a private cedar hot tub outside the room was a real treat on a cold evening. Service was top notch, including the extra care to make sure I had gluten-free breakfast options. We had a lovely stay, and I'd recommend it to friends and family.

We really enjoyed our stay, and this was one of the best lodges we experienced in this part of New Zealand. A few small things kept it from being a five-star stay for us. Justin and Rebecca were warm and attentive without hovering. The Duchess Room was cleverly designed, if a little small, and its large semi-walk-in wardrobe gave us plenty of storage. The minibar was well stocked, communal areas had lots of room to relax, and the gardens were beautiful and calming. Breakfast was excellent, especially the granola, the best we've had. It's an ideal base for the Tongariro Crossing, with transport and packed lunches easy to arrange. Privacy in the Duchess Room was reduced a little by the large windows facing a seating area and walkway. Evening food options nearby are limited, and the lodge wasn't serving dinner during our stay. After a long day on the crossing, even a simple in-house meal like pizza at a set time would have been welcome. Evenings are very quiet, which is lovely, but it does mean planning dinner ahead. A relaxing, well-run place for comfort, attentive hosting and easy access to the crossing, especially if you're happy to sort out your evening meals in advance.

The annex was lovely and comfortable, and the lodge itself was absolutely stunning, such a special place. We were traveling with a big family group, so having both places worked perfectly. They’d stocked the kitchen with so many good things too: granola, trail mix, local manuka honey, jam, bread, yogurt, juice, milk, eggs and bacon. We felt like we’d landed somewhere beautiful.