Name: River Valley Ventures
Address: RD 2 Mangahoata Road, Moawhango, Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand, Taihape, Taihape, Taihape, 4792, New Zealand
Rating: 8.8

Location

River Valley Ventures

We had a fun weekend away whitewater kayaking with friends, to celebrate a birthday. We stayed in the 6 person bunk room, which was spacious and cozy with all bed linen provided. Our evening was spent playing cards by the large open fire, and the friendly staff made us feel very welcome. We had access to all the facilities and enjoyed cold water river plunges and a warm soak in the spa. The lodge and other buildings have beautiful riverside views, making it a lovely weekend retreat. 

I was on River Valley Ventures Tussock to Dune  multiday bike trip in April 2025. What a fantastic trip! The accommodation was excellent, the organisers/ owners were wonderful, meals outstanding and attention to detail amazing. Friendly people, lots of laughs and a great way to see the central North Island area from a completely different perspective. What spectacular scenery! I would thoroughly recommend this trip, but don't forget they also run rafting trips on the Rangitikei River and multiday horse treks. All of which look like supercool adventures as well.

Tussock to Dune 4 day 4 night guided cycle trip.
An incredible experience with the cross country rides on “paper roads” being a highlight through fantastic countryside, never seen before, with extra challenges created by the light drizzle on Day 1. Expertly guided by Brian and Janey who had so much local knowledge, and backed up by Miranda, who also was the chef of fantastic farm-to-table meals. The accommodation was first class in a location of peace and tranquillity which has to be experienced to be fully appreciated. We will be back for the next adventure! Kevin and Jocelyn

Spent 2 days and nights here March 2025 and did 2 Burn the Breeze horseback rides for experienced riders. The accommodations were clean and comfortable and along the river. The meals provided were varied and home cooked with produce grown on the premises and were quite delicious.  The staff was friendly and helpful and went out of their way to make our stay enjoyable. Our horseback rides were great fun and the horses were wonderful, well trained and responsive. It was a learning experience to ride using Natural Horsemanship and ride without bridles and bits. Miss T was a joy to ride and did many lopes through gorgeous scenery.

River Valley Ventures Tussock to Dunes is a  200km multi-day cycle gem.  Starting in the depths of the Rangitikei, the four day fully guided and supported itinerary weaves through the countryside regularly dropping down and out of the spiritual river en route. 
This is a riders ride as the terrain ranges from some sealed roads to more regularly gravel backroads - always with climbs to another highpoint!  What makes this trip special is the unexpected links to the next portion of the route through paper roads - in partnership with local farmers which reflects the strong relationships that have been built up.
The route overall is special by virtue of these links - which are often steep and requiring good battery capacity in your e-bike.!  It is a Riders ride after all. 
Accommodation starts with two nights at the River Valley lodge and then two further locations, suits the small group ( a maximum of 8 riders ) ensuring new friendships are made.  The road side lunches and coffee breaks are special with great storytelling by all of the River Valley team.
Starting from deep in the rolling landscapes around Taihape, the finish is on the coast at Koittiata after a final day of downhill sealed road riding which creates a fitting finale to the trip.  Highly recommended!

We took the scenic rafting tour down the Rangitikei River. It covers 14 km of stunning scenery and is suitable for anyone as the rapids are just grade 1 and 2. Stephanie, our guide, was very experienced and informative.  Part of the river was filmed for Lord of the Rings. We also clambered up a side stream knicknamed Jurassic Valley because of the fossils there. Afternoon included delicious home baking and was enjoyed sitting on rocks at the side of the river. 
We stayed at Tarata in the newly built Treehouse lodge. It was impeccably clean and comfortable. We took advantage of the kitchen facilities but it is possible to buy meals prepared by the family who own the business.

Just completed an 8 day Globetrotting horse ride at River Valley - my best ever 😊. From the moment Brian collected us we knew we were going to have a ball. Nicola and Katie matched the riders and horses perfectly and the scenery was stunning. Miranda - the fresh home grown and cooked food was unexpectedly 5 star. The added benefits of sauna, spa and river swims made afternoon returns a pleasure. The white water rafting on the last day was SO much fun. I’ll definitely find a way back to River Valley.

We stayed at the lodge for 2 nights with friends and colleagues. The accommodation was excellent and the food exceptional. The food is sourced from the property and is amazing. The team couldn't have done any more to make us feel welcome and cared for. I would highly recommend the venue for groups and family's. Lots to do also with rafting options, horse riding and mountain biking.

What a wonderful experience.
Fantastic team looked after us every step of the way.  We stayed 2 nights and it exceeded our expectations.  We ate such beautiful home grown and cooked food.  Cannot begin to explain the love put into the cooking..beautiful!  Rooms are really comfortable, with the option of spas, saunas and a dip in the pristine waters of the river.  We went rafting and were very well looked after by safety conscious guides.   An amazing time.  Thank you so much!

Amazingly scenic lodgings. You are in the absolute middle of nowhere, the nearest town is 30km away. I am currently writing this after my wife and I went on the scenic rafting tour ($230 NZD pp for 4.5 hours of gentle rafting and a picnic lunch included). The views are absolutely extraordinary.
We arrived late the day before (6:50pm) but the welcome couldn’t have been warmer, it was like we were the last of the family group to arrive for a holiday. Janey was all smiles, immediately said to not worry about checking in or any of that “let’s get you fed”. While we were waiting to eat we had a couple of the team come over and explain what we could do activities-wise (rafting, e-biking, horse trekking, massages, hot tub) and then we had a mountain of food - all included. Genuinely one of the most welcoming places in a country famous for its warm welcomes.
We also booked the hot tub for after our rafting and that was sublime!
The one thing I would say is that this is not the Hilton or the Ritz. I suspect some of the poor reviews are from people who have been pampered! It’s an incredibly high standard for a rustic, out-of-the-way location!
Big thanks to Janey, Hannah and Lupa (enthusiasm so infectious you feel guilty leaving!)
Thank you!!

Taihape

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Weekend River Retreat

An adventure to remember

4 day 4 night, Tussock to Dune, fully supported, Cycle ride by River Valley Ventures.

River Valley Ventures

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