Top Tips

As an adventure lodge in a remote rural location, there are some things we thought it would be helpful for you to know before you arrive, both to help you with your journey here, and to get the best from your stay with us. We very much welcome your feedback, so if there is anything else you would like added to our Top Tips list, please let us know.

Getting Here

  • We are 90kms or approximately one hour's drive in good conditions from Taupo on State Highway 5. We are 65kms or 45 minutes drive from central Napier.

  • We have two blue signs on State Highway 5 coming in either direction, so keep a look out for them. The first in either direction is 5kms from the end of McVicar Road.

  • When you turn off State Highway 5, Mountain Valley is 5kms along McVicar Road, which is unsealed and can get bumpy and corrugated. Please drive slowly along McVicar Road as it becomes very dusty in dry conditions and our neighbours have small children and animals regularly using/crossing the road.

Fuel

  • We strongly recommend you fuel up before leaving Taupo or Napier, as there is no petrol/diesel on the Napier-Taupo highway.

Bedding & Towels

  • Linen and towels, and tea & coffee making facilities are provided in all but the Kingfisher bunkhouse rooms.

  • We do not service rooms during your stay, but if you are here for more than three nights we can arrange for clean towels on request.

Self Catering

  • Both our cottages and chalets have self catering facilities. Guests staying in lodge rooms normally opt to eat in the restaurant. There is a self catering kitchen currently located at the back of the Conference room however we are in the process of installing 2 camp kitchens for your use.

Bar & Restaurant

  • Our bar & restaurant is open most days for a casual selection of Burgers, Toasted Sandwiches, Fries etc.  If you would like a Restaurant meal please book evening meals by 4pm each day to ensure we are prepared for you. We can send you a menu with our prices and what is on offer to help you decide what you would like to book.

  • Our 'standard' dinner is a 2-course meal with complimentary tea and coffee. Unless you specify otherwise, we will assume that you are happy with this. Breakfasts can be either a full cooked meal or a continental option. Lunches are either provided from a menu in the restaurant or we can offer a packed lunch for you to have at a time and location that suits you.

  • Breakfast is served at 8.00am, lunch around 12.30 and dinner at 7.00-7.30pm. For groups we can arrange meals at times which may better suit you, provided you give us at least 24 hours notice.

  • Please make sure we know of any allergies or special dietary requirements at least 24 hours before you arrive. Procuring extra or 'special' ingredients involves a 130km round trip, which we are very happy to do provided you give us sufficient notice.

Shopping

  • If you plan to self cater, please make sure you arrive with all the provisions you require for your stay. We do have some basics - Bread, Milk, Ice and snack foods available.

  • The closest supermarket for provisions is in Napier, 60kms from Mountain Valley.
    Laundry Facilities

  • A coin operated washing machine and dryer are available for use in the lodge beside the toilets. The washing machine takes a $1 and a $2 coins ($3 per wash) and the dryer takes 2 x $1 coins for a light load and 4 x $1 for a heavy load so we recommend if you are staying for a few days, that you bring a small supply of coins. We may also have change in the bar or at reception. We can also provide washing powder in the lodge or at reception at a cost of $2 per sachet. The laundry room is located on the deck area in Mountain Valley lodge beside the toilets.

Doctors/Hospital

  • GPs, and a 24-hour accident and injury clinic are available in Napier.

  • The closest hospital facilities are in Hastings, just south of Napier, and a one hour drive from Mountain Valley.

Fishing

  • If you enjoy fishing, we have good access to the Mohaka river from our lodge, and several other points along the river within a short walk or drive.

  • Fishing licences are available from reception.

  • We have a limited supply of spinning rods and tackle for hire, so suggest that you bring your own with you.

  • A full selection of fishing tackle and equipment is available from Hunting & Fishing on Prebensen Drive, Napier, or from various stores in Taupo

Walking & Running

  • We have a variety of beautiful, easily accessible walks or runs around the property ranging from 2-5kms. Maps of the property are available from reception, where we are very happy to recommend a route/s for you.

Guided Activities

  • Please let us know what activities you would like to book prior to or on arrival.

  • Our white water rafting expeditions require a minimum number (see below) - so please let us know well in advance if you want to book a white water trip so that we can accommodate you.

  • Please note our minimum numbers for activities as follows:

    • Horse Treks - 2 people
    • Grade 2 raft & kayak trips - 2 people
    • White water rafting - 6 people
    • Multi day raft trips - 6 people
    • Raft Fishing - 1 person
    • Other activities or specialised packages - on request

Fires

  • Due to the proximity to large areas of commercial pine forest, a fire ban is imposed on all residents of the area during the dry summer months. It is however sometimes possible to have a small camp fire or to use the fireplace outside the lodge.Please ask about this before your arrival so that we can let you know the latest situation.

Pets

  • By arrangement prior to arrival.

Shooting

  • We do not allow shooting on the property, unless as part of a supervised activity organised by Mountain Valley.

Quads/Motorbikes

  • For safety and insurance reasons, we do not allow our guests to bring ATV's or motorbikes (unless you have arrived on one!).

Payment

  • We accept Eftpos, Visa & Mastercard, or cash and require accounts to be settled prior to departure.

 

Mountain Valley Booking and Cancellation Policy

• Please note that Mountain Valley reserves the right to postpone or cancel any activities in the event of operational issues such as weather and/or weather and land conditions. In this event you will be offered an alternative date of your choice subject to availability. If you are unable to change the date of your activity you will be eligible for a full refund.
• 10% non-refundable deposit charged to credit card on confirmation of booking.
• Acceptance of these conditions is for the numbers stipulated in your booking.
• Please see cancellation fees below for any reduction of numbers, or cancellation of the entire booking.

• 48 hours – 100% of fees (if unable to on-sell)
• No show with no notice – 100% of fees (if unable to on-sell)
• Postponement – please apply to us to waive the fees

To download Mountain Valley's 'Top Tips' Document, click this title: Mountain Valley Top Tips Click to Download Reader