Business trip - long day and very tired. Gayle (and two lovely Labradors) met me as the sun was setting and showed me to a beautifully furnished cabin with a very welcoming glow from the woodburner in the corner. I hadn't booked dinner - so Gayle produced a meal which could have rivalled many that I have eaten in upper class restaurants, brought to my cabin so that - with my cold - I didn't have to venture into the chilly night air.
A truly blissful night's sleep. I woke to the view of Mt Ruapehu in glorious late autumn sunshine with the snow sparkling in the morning light. Breakfast was just as good as dinner.
The public areas of the River Lodge encourage guests to sit and chat, whether indoors in the cooler months, or on the decks in the summer. I left refreshed and invigorated by the comfort, the setting and the kindliness of the hosts. Gayle told me she wanted to ensure that every guest could receive her personal attention. If you want a beautiful setting with peace... more