Tongariro River Motel

I was looking for a base for Hiking, Dog Friendly and great local dining- and 2 out of 3 is no bad thing, expecially when one of the ticks is dog friendly. Decent size clean studio rooms with everything you need as a base. The hotel will set you up for fishing, biking and hiking. If you want a day long spa, full body massage and mud face pack then Taupo is just down the road, although the owners are exceptionally accommodating and Ross could probably arrange a mud bath in a nearby river. There's a New World Stupermarket a few minutes walk away and a Tavern nearby that would not be out of place in a Crocodile Dundee movie. Taupo is a 30 minute drive if you want to go posh for an evening. Hiking, riding and fishing opportunities are simply world class. A great base run by Ross and Pip, nicer (and funnier) hosts you could not meet.

My score is based on total experience. Situated in a sort of park this is a very quiet place. Everything is built around fishing. We did not fish but had nice walks in the area. Comfortable beds and dining options. 30 min walk to town where you find all basics.

The Tongariro River Motel is an ideal place to rest. A comfortable lodge with very good facilities. Pip and Ross are very friendly owners. A very good memory of Turangi Isabelle and Bruno (French cyclists)

The decor is very dated throughout the Unit; the shower was very weak, I would not have been able to wash my long hair effectively; the double bed was uncomfortable, we ended up rolling into the middle. The pillows were like bricks. The single bed was noisy when rolling over. A general lack of plugs to charge up phones.

Great stay. I was part of a family reunion - over 30 people. When we needed something from hosts they were more than happy to find, sometimes from own pantry. Thanks Pip and Ross. I was expecting smoked trout. Instead I’ve never enjoyed so many crayfish so far from sea:) Motel is older but very clean snd tidy for its age. Gardens are lovely. It has own kitchen in each unit - including oven. Beautiful Tongariro River is short walk away and hire bikes to ride Tongariro River Trail - awesome and very exciting but still manageable for anyone. Ross encourages everyone to go fishing and it is really a fishing motel. Maybe next time.