Why Cycle the Tussocks to Dune Trail?
Why Cycle the Tussocks to Dune Trail? The Gorges to See is a new cycle trail being developed by a group of enthusiasts in the central North Island's Rangitikei District. The River Valley version, called Tussock to Dune, follows the general route of what will be the Gorges to See Cycle Trail. The 200 km [...]
Reviewing 2024 as it Disappears in the Rear Vision Mirror
Reviewing 2024 as it Disappears inthe Rear Vision Mirror As 2024 slips away, I thought it might be timely to reflect on the year just gone at River Valley. Great Things All the 5-star reviews we keep getting. Thank you so much to everyone who took the time to write and share their experiences with [...]
Are You Coming Back? If Not, Settle Only for the Best
True Garden to Plate
True Garden to Plate In recent years, a vital part of the River Valley Lodge offering has been the meals prepared in our kitchen and served to guests. But this is not just any food or any old everyday meal. Instead, many of the core ingredients are grown right here in the Lodge organic vegetable [...]
There Is Always a Reason Not To
Whanganui Journey by Dory
Why Raft the Rangitikei River Rather Than ………….?
Why Raft the Rangitikei River Rather Than ………….? Over the years, I have lost count of the number of times I have been asked, “What is the best river to raft?” Whatever the best means. Is it scenery, or excitement, or remoteness? Or is it the most popular? Sometimes, these questions seek an answer on [...]
Winter is Waning, Spring is Coming
Winter is Waning, Spring is Coming It is fair to say that I am not a winter person, and with most of our adventure activities being orientated towards being in the outdoors, River Valley is not a Winter company either. Though, and this is a big, very positive though, the Lodge can be a wonderful [...]
Embracing Seasonality
Embracing Seasonality For much of River Valley's existence, we have fought the problem of seasonality. Why is seasonality a problem? Tourism, and adventure tourism, in particular, is generally a seasonal business. That holds true whether it is winter pursuits such as skiing or the myriad of summer outdoor activities that can be on offer. For [...]