Guest User
December 20, 2023
We are a married couple in our early 50s and stayed at the Tongariro Lodge from 7/11 – 10/11. This was our first time staying at this property, and we were in Chalet #6. Some notes re. our stay: * Location: The property is located ~3 km from the Turangi town center and is well-marked off the SH1. The GPS on our phone guided us in with no problems. It’s a bit far to walk from the Lodge into town, but is an easy 5-minute drive. * Communication: We’d a number of questions in advance of our arrival, and the Lodge was quick to provide detailed responses to our emails. They were especially helpful in arranging a shuttle to/from The Alpine Crossing, which was of tremendous benefit. * Parking: Plenty of secure parking at the Lodge property. There is single-car parking next to each chalet, and there are a couple of “over flow” lots available. * Lodge Décor: The Lodge seems to cater to guests who are there to fish, and it is evident in the décor. Lots of old fishing poles and photos of fishermen adorn the walls, and the construction is of dark wood. There is a wood-burning fireplace in the Lodge that is very inviting. It is “rustic” as opposed to “chic” but in a tasteful manner and nothing is over the top. * Onsite Restaurant: There is a separate bar where you can get a cocktail, as well as a “formal” dining room. Reservations are encouraged, but not required. The dining room is a bit small (~15 tables), the menu is somewhat limited, and we found it a bit pricey. But the food was very good and the portions sizeable. The “breakfast room” is well lit and airy, although the menu is limited. The Lodge offers a box lunch if you are hiking The Alpine Crossing (you need to arrange this in advance), and we took advantage of it. Large meaty sandwiches with plenty of protein-based snacks (fruit, granola, etc)…very good and fairly priced. * Room: We found Chalet #6 to be cozy and plenty big. It is equipped with a queen-sized bed, a single bed (perfect to lay an open suitcase), two (2) nightstands (one on each side of the bed), and a long dresser. A sizeable TV is mounted on the wall, and there are a number of heavy blankets and extra pillows available if needed. The wardrobe is large/spacious and had plenty of room for our items. There is a “nook” as soon as you enter the Chalet which is perfect for dirty boots, hiking poles, wet gear, etc. A large sliding glass door gives way to semi-private deck that overlooks some green space and allows for plenty of natural light. The room locks with private key, and a outdoor light is helpful. There are ample outlets. There is a min refrigerator and coffee/tea-making facilities. We don’t recall seeing a safe. All of the bed linens were fresh and clean. * Bathroom: The two items most important to us in a bathroom are 1) hot water, and 2) good water pressure. Both boxes were adequately checked. The bathroom is of average size with a toilet, a vanity sink with several large drawers, a wall mirror and a towel rack mounted