River Valley - North Island - this is for Andy

When our son, Andy went to New Zealand he spent about half of his year there working at River Valley. Even 5 years later he continues to rave about the place and the people - and therefore it had to be on our route.

It was pouring again when we disembarked from our Interislander Ferry, so we didn't bother to stop in Wellington and headed north to a place called Bulls... a funny name, but really quaint and not far to reach Taihape, which meant we arrived at River Valley late morning. We introduced ourselves - only to learn that Andy had emailed and they were expecting us! Not only that, but there was a bit of a family/friends reunion on and we were included with the party... even signed up for the "scenic cruise" on the river in the afternoon.

Now we have never done any white water rafting at all, so to find ourselves kitted out and ready to go for mini white water at the Grade 2 level was quite enough for us!

But Andy is right. It is about the Spirit of the River. A very special place and very special people. We can now fully understand why he speaks so fondly and sometimes wistfully.

Andy, these shots are really for you and you won't need any explanation of who or where, but we have added a few comments for everyone else.

River Valley is a lodge located in the centre of North Island, south of Lake Taupo, in beautiful green and rugged countryside, with significantly high hills or small mountains, most of which is sheep farming. The lodge is on the Rangitikei River about half an hour's drive to the east of Taihape. They specialise in outdoor and extreme activities - from walking to horse trekking to bungy jumping to white water rafting... Accommodation varies from bunkhouse style to very, comfortable sparkling new ensuite facilities... needless to say we stayed in the bunkhouse (not)!

After only 24 hours in this enchanting place we left with a little sadness .... we too would have loved to have spent longer there in the beautiful scenery with kind and generous new friends. We left a little of our hearts there too and hopefully brought a little of River Valley in our hearts away with us. The owners want the place to be an experience for all ages, physical abilities, all nationalities and backgrounds, unified by the Spirit of the River.... we believe it achieves its goal.

Here is the welcoming entrance














which leads to the main lodge




and on into the main recreational/dining facility. Now take a close look at the mural on the wall behind the sofa depicting some of their favourite activities.



Well I never ... could that be an upsidedown Andrew Howe? And what is more if you look around the bar area there are a large number of "fun nights" photos - and probably half a dozen of them feature Andy... he is remembered fondly! Though we couldn't get the staff to expand too much on his activities.


















Here's a few shots around the site to give some idea of its setting.

Our ensuite facility.

This will be the Rangitiki River then and there's a few rafts already ready for use... and who are these nice folks? Brian and Nicky who run the Lodge and are going to take care of us for the afternoon.

It all seems quiet enough and very picturesque.

Well it seems the dog is happy enough which inspires Diane with confidence.
Look at the pair of old twits .... in all the gear! Doug liked the colour of the helmet so much he is thinking of having a blue rinse when we get back.


Doug decides to take a shower in one of the waterfalls with a new playmate!

And Brian and Nicky think it's a hoot taking us out on the river... but we did have a good time and might try something a little more challenging another time, but probably not there as the next stage would be Grade 4's and 5's! Which is as tough as it gets.

But now it's time for dinner and a few jars and Andy will recognise lots of the faces in these next few pictures. Fatdad and Mam as they are affectionately known were the original proprietors, and then daughter Nicky and husband Brian took over.... now Janey, who is Nicky and Brian's eldest daughter is also fully involved being responsible for the horse trekking but also a fully qualified river guide. The place was buzzing with young backpackers playing silly bar games, some other not so youngs and of course us. Probably 60 people sat down to dinner that night. There's a big team working there to ensure everyone's comfort and safety.



Fatdad said we had to take a look at his wife's beautiful garden just up the road.... and we did. It was wonderfully woven into the natural scenery.