Firstly, this is NOT in Taupo, it's a good 1hour drive from Taupo. We found it a little difficult to book our stay a few months ahead, emails not ebing responded to initially but it all came together in the end. The gardens and rooms are amazing. It's an absolute paradise. My partner and I felt that we were being... more

River Birches was exactly what I was looking for after a busy two weeks on the south island. A place that I could come and relax when I wanted to and great base to get out and participate in the many activities that the area has to offer. Originally I had booked two nights, but enjoyed the tranquility and the... more

My boyfriend (of the time) and I had an incredible holiday at the River Birches. We found the lodge incredibly cosy, with luxuriously sleek modern finishes (such as heated bathroom tiles, spa baths, a mini fitness centre and mini business centre), adorned by subtle thai hints that made it impossible not to feel relaxed very quickly. The lodge is surrounded... more

This gem of a property is everything the discerning traveller could want. The rooms are stylish and comfortable, the garden divine, the communal space clean and modern and the hosts are gracious and discreet. I loved every aspect of my stay here.The dinner on site was superb, with the hosts organising to drop us and pick us up from a... more

My wife treated me for my 50th birthday with a wonderful stay a this lodge in Turangi. I am keen on fishing, so being right next to the Tongariro river was great. The food, service and surrounding were just perfect. I am sure we will be back. more

I found out about River Birches through the Trip Advisor website and contacted the property directly. We booked the Majors Room even though it was above our budget but it was sooo worth it! The room was large, wonderful and bright, a clean bathroom with both bath and shower, with a porch/deck to the beautiful garden. The lodge itself is... more

We stayed at the River Birches for 3 wonderful nights. The house is elegant and modern, with beautiful gardens, the river a few steps away. The place is comparable with a very top end hotel, but much more enjoyable because it's small, personal, and cozy. The hosts prepare delicious breakfast (to order), and can prepare dinner (which was especially nice... more

My husband and I have recently returned from our 11 day stay at RB. We were absolutely blown away by the property, the location and just the entire ambiance of the place! We were lucky enough to have the place to our selves for our entire stay! Anthea (the host and manager) was helpful with her knowledge of the surrounding... more

I had a wonderful stay at River Birches in April 2008. My room looked out onto the beautiful grounds and my bath looked out onto a small private garden. The Tongariro is just behind the house. In the evening, all you could hear were the sound of the running river. Anthea, who manages River Birches, was the perfect host. Nothing... more