Walks, Roasts and Relaxing Retreat at River Valley

Nailed it!

“Pull, pull, pull!” Robin shouts as we pass half way across the river with enough momentum to give us a boost up the other side. In the most fun and hilarious way, we make it across the river and to the start of the walk.

Zigzagging to and through the waterfall

It’s a steep zigzagging trail along the valley side starting with lush green vegetation well overgrown over a narrow track. Robin feels like a jungle explorer, palming plants out of the way as he goes, while behind him, Laura feels like she’s only here for comic relief by getting whipped in the face.

The source of this greenery becomes apparent as we see two planks of wood across a cascading waterfall. Making it across quickly, the rest of the walk quickly turns into a dry area covered in golden grass short enough to see how much height we have gained already and how incredible the river views are! The Rangitikei River is well below us now, winding its way into the huge mountainous landscape. What’s more, we get a whole new perspective of the River Valley Lodge and all its hidden areas. We didn’t know there is a vegetable garden behind our cabins? And how did we miss that huge campsite behind the lodge?!

Life by the river

We think we found the top

Walking while simultaneously looking at the view is a pretty tricky business on this climb though with dry gravel threatening to make you slide at any second. We have to take the crossings over slips cautiously too.

We know when to stop when a huge sign saying: “Attention! Hunting Area! If you look like a deer then you will definitely get shot!” Or… something like that…

Flattened down patches of grass indicate the nicest areas to plonk our asses down and talk about all life’s mysteries while looking upon the sensational river valley views. It was definitely worth staying around this little river retreat for moments like these.

A refreshing swim

Once back down the hill, we have the fun of getting across the water again. From there, we part ways for “me” time. Laura opts for swimming in the, ahem, refreshing waters of the Rangitikei River, while Robin does some work on the computer in the lodge. (You can tell who the fun one of the relationship is, can’t you?)