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Ruapehu Accommodation and Whitewater Rafting Wanganui, New Zealand

River Valley Introduction

Imagine an outdoor lodge situated in stunning scenery. A world of outdoor experiences and fun are at your doorstep.

River Valley Lodge is our Ruapehu adventure lodge accommodation, situated next to the breathtaking Rangitikei River. Choose from a range of accommodation options at the lodge, and then step out of your comfort zone into our range of adventures, including:

• River rafting
• Horse trekking
• Other adventures

Ruapehu Adventure Lodge Accommodation

Our Ruapehu adventure lodge accommodation is a blend of traditional ski lodge or tramping hut type dorms, mixed in with more conventional bunkrooms, and tasteful, comfortable double rooms. There is really no where else quite like it.

• The main lodge building has a café for all your meal needs, a bar and lounge areas
• Beside the river is a lawn area set aside for backpackers and campers with tents
• A well equipped visitor kitchen is available for self-catering
• Our Ruapehu accommodation is a great place to meet people from all over the world or just hang out
• All our activities depart and return to the lodge
• The showers, food and bar perfectly round out a day of adventuring

Dorms – These rooms of our Ruapehu adventure lodge accommodation are traditional style tramping hut or ski chalet type. You can't be shy, but it is simply amazing the number of people who love these big rooms, and the outdoor adventure feel they generate.

These rooms are especially suitable for groups who want a bonding experience during their time at River Valley.

Terrace Rooms – Ruapehu accommodation options in this block range from small comfortable bunkrooms through to family rooms and double rooms. The view out each front door is stunning, with native forest, the Rangitikei River, and opposite, a waterfall that cascades several hundred feet.

Double Rooms – Within the main lodge we have a number of comfortable double and twin rooms. Each room opens on to an outside balcony, with views of the river and bush.

En suite Bathrooms – Enjoy a high standard of comfort at our Ruapehu accommodation after your days adventuring! Our newest addition to accommodation options at River Valley are double/twin rooms with en suite bathrooms. These units are comfortable and stylish.

Each unit features its own unique decor. Bathrooms are tiled, with under floor heating, while shower cubicles are full glass enclosures—not your typical plastic box.

Camping – The camping area of our Ruapehu adventure lodge accommodation is conveniently located adjacent to the lodge, set amongst gardens and trees. When camping you are able to use the customer kitchen, or have your meals prepared for you at the café in the main lodge. All other lodge facilities are available for your use, including laundry facilities, email, and telephone.

For further information about our Ruapehu adventure lodge accommodation please contact us or visit our Ruapehu adventure lodge accommodation Web site.

Meals and Bar

Meals – At River Valley we major in traditional country style cooking. This means roast meals at night, with a mix of seasonal vegetables. Entrees are often soups or fresh salads. During the summer, we have BBQ lunches served outside overlooking the river.

Breakfast is your choice of Continental or cooked. We are open for casual dining, but we do require you to book ahead.

The Fulcrum Pit Bar – Some great stories get told here. After a hard days adventuring, or an even harder one relaxing, this is the place to settle down for a couple of "quiet" ones. An extensive range of beers, wines and spirits are carried.

Check the "Shooter Board" for daily specials. The large central fireplace in the lodge offers a cheery sight, and comfortable atmosphere in the winter. All buildings at River Valley are smoke free.

For further information about our Ruapehu adventure lodge accommodation please contact us or visit our Ruapehu accommodation Web site.

Wanganui River Rafting

Scenic Rafting – Fun rafting for all the family. In association with Rangitikei River Adventures, we offer three different river trips suitable for all the family. These are the Sandstone Gorge and the Papa Gorge trips, both part day, and the Scenic Fun Day, which is more of a full day.

These trips are ideal for families, school groups and clubs or organisations where not all members want the full Whitewater Rafting experience.

Steep Creeking – Inflatable Kayaks (aka Rubber Duckies, Goon Boats, Go Boats), are an exciting option for getting on the river at lower flows. These boats are not really kayaks at all, rather they are more like a single or two person raft. So what happens?

• The scenic section is run the same as a scenic raft trip and is a fun relaxing day on the river. A picnic lunch is provided. Allow all day.
• The other option is steep creeking! Running the white water gorge of the Rangitikei is a challenging trip, with participants needing a "go get'em" attitude. After getting kitted up, you are given a short instructional session on how to manoeuvre your craft. The trip starts nice and easy, meaning plenty of time for practice. Then into the gorge for a series of exciting rapids.

White Water Rafting in Wanganui – This is world-class, white water rafting in Wanganui. River Valley have invested in two sizes of raft, several private access points, and excellent customer equipment. This allows us to run the grade five rapids of the Rangitikei White Water section all summer and winter long.

Raft famous rapids such as Max's Drop, Fulcrum and Foamy. In fact there are ten major Grade four-five rapids on this 12-kilometre run, plus numerous smaller ones, at our white water rafting in Wanganui.

For further information about white water rafting in Wanganui please contact us or visit our Web site.

Wanganui Horse Trekking

Horse treks at River Valley combine amazing scenery, the chance to feel the life of rural New Zealand countryside, and the opportunity to feel the exhilaration of a galloping horse. We have a selection of horses to suit many different riding abilities. There will be one just right for you!

Our expert guides can help you improve your horse riding skills during the two-hour trek, and will be happy to answer any questions that you have.

Australian stock saddles are used, which are like a cross between an English and a Western saddle. This type of saddle is comfortable and secure, giving a good smooth ride. Riding trails wind their way through patches of bush, and over hill country farmland. Each corner seems to open up a new vista of incredible beauty.

Overcoats, helmets and other gear provided by River Valley. The only thing you need to bring is your camera and a lot of smiles.

For further information about our River Valley Stables please contact us or visit our Web site.

Other Outdoor Activities

Multi Day River Trips – The Rangitikei River provides remote multi day river journeys suitable for people of all ages. Trips ranging in duration from a short overnight to four days, take you through spectacular passages of Sandstone and Papa Gorges and to quiet campsites nestled beside the gently flowing river.

During your time on the water you will experience numerous Grade two and three rapids and have options to explore avenues off the river. We offer you a choice of river craft for you to use, including Guided rafts, u-drive rafts, sit-on-top kayaks, inflatable kayaks and conventional kayaks.

Flying Fox, Bungy Jumping and Chairlift – Just down the road from the River Valley is the site of the Mokai Gravity Canyon. Ride the world's most extreme Flying Fox (180 metres high - 160 kilometres per hour) or jump the North Island's highest bungy (80 metres) day or night!

The unique water driven chair, after your jump, lifts you back up to the platform. No more long ascending walks. Set in a beautiful setting, Mokai Gravity Canyon prides itself on a friendly personal service.

Golf – Nine holes of fun. Great for regular players and first-timers. We have a pitch and putt course that is both challenging and fun. The course is wound around the entrance drive into River Valley, and is surrounded by bush and towering cliffs.

An awesome view to watch during your game! Perfect for all types of golfer! Clubs, balls and scorecards are available from the lodge. A round on the River Valley Golf Course is a fun activity for both groups and individuals, not to mention a load of laughs for everyone.

For further information about River Valley adventures and accommodation please contact us or visit our Web site.

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