Located in Ruakituri, this lodge is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Gaiety Theatre is a local landmark, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Te Urewera National Park and Onepoto Bay. Kayaking and fishing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and hunting nearby.
The Ruakituri Retreat offers a secluded escape with 70 km of world class trout fishing. A place where you choose your own pace. Perfect for a break away to seek adventure and tranquility.
The Retreat is nestled deep in the Ruakituri Valley which meanders its way beneath the spectacular Huiarau mountain range. The retreat offers a unique opportunity to experience the pristine scenic beauty of New Zealand's rural and wilderness countryside.
Set on 15 acres of private rural land the Retreat is surrounded by exotic and native bush. The property offers private river frontage with serene river views of the famous Ruakituri River from the rooms and grounds.
The Ruakituri river offers approx 70 km of arguably some of the best rainbow and brown trout fly fishing in the world. All trout are wild, which when combined with the rugged river environment they live in makes for world class fly fishing. The Ruakituri is an internationally renowned trout fishery with scenic beauty, large stretches of fishable water and the chance to catch a magnificent trophy trout!
As well as stunning scenic beauty there is the opportunity to experience wilderness hiking, fly fishing for large wild rainbow and brown trout, recreational painting or relax and enjoy the friendliness of the local farming community.
The range of hiking trails and bush walks accessible from the Retreat are sure to satisfy all fitness levels and ages. From a gentle stroll around the grounds or down to the river, a full day trip to Waitangi falls, or a 4 day trek around beautiful lake Waikaremoana, this area offers stunning scenery parallel to any in New Zealand.
The retreat is approx 1 hr drive from the famous Eastwood Hill Arboretum.
A great place to take the family to fish, swim, hike, picnic, canoe and just enjoy the tranquil setting.
The 3 minute journey from the river view veranda to the home pool to catch a 5lb trout virtually off your front lawn is fantastic! Special conditions: A cleaning fee of $80 applies to all bookings. Smoking is not allowed inside but is allowed outside only.
Dishwasher should be put on before guests depart.
House is ideal to accommodate families and is well set up to cater for traveling fly anglers to use as a base to fish the Ruakituri River and surrounding region.
The small organic orchard beside the house offers a range of seasonal fruit which are free to be used by guests during their stay.
Please email for all booking inquiries
Extras: Cleaning (Required, NZ$80.00 per stay); Linen (included); Additional cost per person/per night for more than 3 people (Required, NZ$25.00 per person)
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
House Rules
Check in after 1:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events
No events allowed
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Pets
No pets allowed
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Property # 20002596
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit
Frequently asked questions
Is Ruakituri Retreat - Serene river frontage pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Ruakituri Retreat - Serene river frontage?
As of 12 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Ruakituri Retreat - Serene river frontage on 25 May 2026 start from £115, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Ruakituri Retreat - Serene river frontage?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Ruakituri Retreat - Serene river frontage?
Check-in begins at 1:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Ruakituri Retreat - Serene river frontage?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Ruakituri Retreat - Serene river frontage located?
Situated on the waterfront, this lodge is within 32 miles (52 km) of Alexandra Park, Gaiety Theatre and Standring Park. Lambton Square is 32.2 mi (51.8 km) away.
Ruakituri Retreat - Serene river frontage Reviews
Reviews
8.2
Very good
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
This house is a lovely home-away-from-home. Check-in was easy and the house had everything we needed including nice warm beds. We had a very relaxing and peaceful stay. The kids didn't want to go home, which says everything really. We would definitely come and stay again.
We really enjoyed our stay. My sons had lots to do, hiking around in the area and going to waterfalls, fly fishing and just relaxing in general. We enjoyed the stunning view and tranquility. It may not be for everyone, as it is fairly secluded, and takes at least 30 minutes to drive to the nearest town. It will be better to plan your meals before you get there. The house is spacious, and we had everything we needed. This is really a place to escape the day-to-day hustle and bustle.
We really enjoyed our stay, great surrounding with river access from the back of the property
Frankie Y.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020
Verified
6/10 Okay
CANDICE K.
17 Jan 2020
Liked: Listing accuracy
Quiet and serene
This property was beautiful. It is very remote and therefore requires proper planning for your stay. The house was comfortable with beautiful views. The towels and linen which were provided were hotel quality which was amazing. I would suggest bringing your own fans in the hotter months. Well stocked, new kitchen but could do with some new crockery as there were many chipped cups etc. Seating areas were comfortable and allowed for hours of relaxation. Overall was a lovely, relaxed stay in a beautiful house. Thank you for sharing your bach with us.
Ruakituri was an amazing retreat to stay at and wind down. The home is well situated and set up with a new kitchen, basic but exactly what is required to enjoy and ‘switch off’, and upstairs bedrooms with a view to top it off.
It’s situation is outstanding, overlooking the beautiful Ruakituri river and hill country beyond from the veranda of the house. This view alone makes the trip worthwhile.
Fishing in the river is brilliant, hills to walk, though you have to cross the river, and walks up the valley road are all to be enjoyed, Our kids disappeared into the hills literally!
Thanks for an amazing stay
Was very surprised of how tidy and clean this house was compare to our previous stay which was not good. The owners did an awesome job renovating the place and especially the kitchen
We have had an awesome time can't wait for next visit 😅
Peggy P.
From a partner site
6/10 Okay
Lesley W.
8 Mar 2018
The lodge is in a perfect location for anglers and provides perfect solitude for non-anglers.
The lodge is in a perfect location for anglers and provides perfect solitude for non-anglers. The grounds need some attention - access to the home pool below the lodge is difficult and the orchard trees are out of control. The lodge was comfortable, kitchen well-equipped, comfortable mattresses- but dining chairs need replacing and upstairs bedrooms would benefit from fly screens. The verandah was a great place to relax with a wine in the evening.
Lesley W.
Archival
8/10 Good
5 Apr 2017
Ideal spot on the river, shame about the extreme weather we had!
Ideal spot on the river, shame about the extreme weather we had! Some confusion over where the key was going to be left but was organised by the cleaner very quickly! Thanks for a great stay.
Archival
8/10 Good
1 Mar 2016
Despite a few issues with the water supply which the owner very quickly resolved, my family and I en
Despite a few issues with the water supply which the owner very quickly resolved, my family and I enjoyed a very peaceful and relaxed stay in a beautiful location. While we are not fishermen, and the lodge and river are obviously a perfect place to stay if you are into fishing, the kids just enjoyed exploring and playing in the river and we enjoyed sitting out on the veranda with a glass of local wine drinking in the wonderful scenery. Would recommend.
Archival
6/10 Okay
29 Feb 2016
Didn't feel it was as attractive the second time as the first, the house really needs some work done
Didn't feel it was as attractive the second time as the first, the house really needs some work done to it, beautiful setting though, love the peace and quiet, ended up with a beautiful 3 pound brown trout as well, made my 12 year old boys day, you should have seen the smile.
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