YOUR Home ON THE TONGARIRO RIVER

Secluded, luxurious and affordable. Close to the very best of the central plateau mountains, lakes and rivers.

Now accepting bookings for April to October 2024. Enjoy luxury for real value as the riverside seasons change. 

Check availability at Holiday Houses NZ 

THE LODGE

One of the original homes on the Tongariro riverside, Waimarama Lodge blends the character of the past with the conveniences of the present. The Lodge is superbly equipped for self-catering travellers wanting a special base from which to fish the rivers and streams that feed the great Lake Taupo, and to enjoy all the other activities and attractions of this fascinating region of New Zealand.

FLY-FISHING

Waimarama Lodge overlooks two of the most famous trout fishing pools on the Tongariro River, the Major Jones Pool and the Breakfast Pool. Made famous in the classic 1920s writings of Zane Grey, both pools are within a very short walk of the Lodge. The whole of the Tongariro fishery is within easy reach and other fishing rivers and streams, such as the Tauranga-Taupo, Hinemaiaia and Waitahanui are just a short drive away. Whether you are an adept fly-fisher or a hopeful fly-caster, the Lodge provides a wonderful base for your endeavours on the water.

ATTRACTIONS

If fishing is not your thing, there are many other activities and attractions you can enjoy from Waimarama Lodge. During winter the ski slopes of Mount Ruapehu are close by and, during warmer months, the alpine Tongariro crossing is a great adventure. Hiking, biking, rafting and all manner of activities occur in the region. There is also great shopping in nearby Taupo and fine dining at several top quality restaurants close by. The Lodge is a great base from which to experience all of this.

GUEST BOOK

We have been lucky to welcome guests to Waimarama for almost twenty years. They have been generous in their praise of the Lodge and we hope their messages might assist you in deciding if this is the place for your visit to the Tongariro riverside.

GALLERY

We’ve put together a collection of pictures which provide you with a little taste of the Lodge and its surrounds. Whether bathed in the brilliant summer sun, surrounded by russet autumn colours or an oasis of warmth in winter, the Lodge has a special beauty and tranquility, which we hope you’ll enjoy. If you have luck on the water, we’d love to include a shot of you and your catch. Just email it to us and we’ll add it to the gallery.

 

HISTORY

When you book time away at Waimarama you get to enjoy a piece of Tongariro riverside history. We’ve tried to retain the look and feel of the original homestead that was for many years a focus of riverside social life. The rough sawn, black stained kauri weatherboards and rimu matched lining interiors are from days long gone. The open fires may be environmentally suspect to some, but they are an indelible part of the Lodge’s charm.