'The Bus' - Secret Bus Hideaway by the Rangitikei River

Lodge in Pukeokahu, Manawatū-Whanganui, NZ

100% Recommended•

2 people

No pets

A quirky and unique hideaway with a private bathroom. Stay in our unique converted bus! The bus sleeps 2 with a queen bed and a private bathroom with a bath and shower, which has great views and is open to the Rangitikei River!

Offering total privacy the bus is nestled in the bush, next to the Rangitikei river and has its own large, private deck, with stairs leading right down to the river. Relax and enjoy the spectacular views and the sound of the river.

The bus is located at remote River Valley Lodge, 32kms from the nearest town of Taihape. Tucked away at the base of the Ruahine Ranges and Mt. Aorangi, on the banks of the Rangitikei River, River valley lodge is the perfect escape from the stress of everyday life.

The lodge also has a restaurant and fully licensed bar, a short walk from the bus. The package price includes a 3 course dinner and breakfast for 2 in the lodge restaurant.

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Features and Amenities

1 bedroom

1 bed

1 bathroom

Bath

Heating

Hot tub

Details

Check in after 3:00pm
Check out before 10:00am
Weekday minimum booking: 1 night
Weekend minimum booking: 1 night

Cancellation Policy:

Receive a 50% refund of the total booking amount (minus service fee) up until 1 week prior to check-in.

Additional Information

For those looking for an adventure, the Rangitikei river also offers some of the best rafting in New Zealand. You can also explore the surrounding area on one of our e-bikes.

The lodge is family-owned and run. Being away from the main tourist centres, we have tended to develop systems and ways of doing things that are unique to us. This approach is holistic, whether it be Natural Horse Training at the Stables, growing our own vegetables, or doing things for the environment.

The nightly price includes a 3 course farm-to-table dinner, made with fresh seasonal vegetables from the lodge gardens, for 2 people. Breakfast is also included in the rate.

Rate includes:
- A night in The Bus
- A 3 course dinner for 2 people
- Breakfast for 2 people
- Complimentary wifi. There is no phone coverage at the lodge.

Prices

Base Price $530 / night

Finding fulfillment

Based on traveller reviews, these are the top fulfilling moments experienced while staying here. Learn more

Peacefulness

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Rejuvenation

Reviews (4)

100% Recommended

Jamie

27 Mar 2023

The bus was a unique and awesome experience. It was quirky, peaceful and very privately tucked away in the bush. It was everything I expected. The meals that came as part of the booking were delicious... and the staff are friendly and accomodating. I will definitely go back again and book activities next time :)

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Capri

10 Oct 2022

If you haven't stayed here you must! We are super pleased we found this. We will def be back. Not only the accommodation which is unique and feels like paradise right next to the river, snug in native... bush with the semi outdoor bath being a true luxury! Clean and fresh with everything you need. There are other amenities like the sauna and spa. River rafting, horse riding. A total relax or an adventure the options are yours. The staff are amazing! Friendly and funny and extremely welcoming. The food is grown on the land and is delish on the plate! Not a standard bar meal, the cuisine is seasonal and the cook makes the most delightful yummy food. We had an amazing time, still buzzing. Amazing value for money! Thank you team River Valley for sharing your beautiful place with us and making our stay one of the best! See you next time. 💜

Excitement

Peacefulness

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Self-discovery

Freedom

Spontaneity

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Juanita

5 Sep 2022

Highly recommended. Our short visit to this paradise has been great. From arrival and check in, the staff were friendly and lovely. The "Bus" accommodation was something unique. We have enjoyed the aw...esome comfort and still have the nice feel of being totally outdoors. The facilities are clean, neat and so private, even with other groups visiting. This has been a great visit. The food at the lodge was incredible, tasty and prepared with love. This is a favourite which we will certainly visit again, for a longer stay.

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Host

River

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Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand

2Listings

River Valley Lodge is situated in a beautiful location, beside the Rangitikei River on the central North Island of New Zealand. River Valley is a family operation, having first opened in 1982. River Valley Lodge has a variety of accommodations, café and bar, meeting rooms, saunas, and spa. Using the Lodge as a base, you can go on a rafting adventure, a horse trek, or explore some of the local rural back roads on an e-bike. Of course, you could simply relax beside the river and enjoy some delicious food, many of the ingredients of which come from the on-site organic gardens. Why not stay a few nights, put down some temporary roots, relax, explore, and soak up the atmosphere of River Valley.

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Adventures on the Property

These are the exclusive natural wonders and outdoor activities within the property boundaries.

Grade 5 Rafting On The Rangitikei River

This is a world class, half-day white water rafting trip on the Rangitikei River (recently voted in the top 8 rafting trips in the world by Red Bull!). With 10 major rapids on this 11 km run, plus numerous smaller rapids, there is plenty to get excited about.

Photo 1 for Explore the Countryside on E-bikes

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Explore The Countryside On E Bikes

Pukeokahu is a stunning part of the country and what better way to explore the many rolling hills than on e-bikes! We hired our bikes from the River Valley Lodge and explored the local back roads at our leisure, stopping frequently to admire the view.

Spa And Sauna

Included in your stay at The Bus is unlimited access to the River Valley sauna and spa! It's the perfect way to finish a day of adventure.

Visit The Farm Animals

One of the highlights of our stay was visiting all the farm animals including chickens, horses, cattle, sheep and a very friendly pig!

Outdoor Equipment Provided

Enjoy the outdoors with the following equipment included in your stay.

Bike (8)

E-bike hire is available for an additional cost.

Location

The map shows the listing location and awesome adventures nearby.

Listing location

Adventures nearby

Adventures Nearby

Here are some details about the adventures nearby. Refer to the map for their location.

Photo 1 for Whitewater Rafting on the Rangitikei River

Whitewater Rafting On The Rangitikei River

Rated as one of the top half-day Grade 5 rafting trips in the world by Red Bull, this action-packed trip is one for adventure lovers! We spent three epic hours on the Rangitikei river tackling grade 3-5 rapids in our inflatable raft. The experience is fully guided and all gear is provided, plus a hot shower at the end of the trip.