What Is Tui Lodge in Turangi?

Updated

Tui Lodge is a purpose-built luxury bed and breakfast in Turangi, New Zealand, with four spacious super-king ensuite guest rooms. It sits on 1.5 acres of garden about 500 metres from the Tongariro River, and it is run by hosts Ian and Frances Jenkins. It suits travellers who want a small, hosted lodge rather than a hotel or motel — particularly holiday makers, artists, anglers, and company team-building groups.

What the lodge offers

The property is built around a small number of rooms, so the experience is closer to a hosted guesthouse than a large hotel.

  • Four guest rooms, each with a super-king bed and its own fully equipped ensuite.
  • Ensuite features include a heated floor and heated towel rails.
  • A private guest lounge for guests, with an open fire, tea, coffee, nibbles, Sky TV, artwork, a library, and fresh flowers.
  • 1.5 acres of garden surrounding the lodge.
  • Tongariro River about 500m away, which the lodge highlights for fishing.

Because there are only four rooms, the lodge describes itself as designed to give guests privacy while also offering the chance to be part of the family.

Where it is and who runs it

Tui Lodge is in Turangi, which the hosts describe as the adventure centre of the North Island. The Tongariro River is roughly 500 metres from the lodge.

The hosts are Ian and Frances Jenkins. Their background explains the character of the place:

  • In 1999 they sold their dairy farm for a lifestyle change and moved to Turangi, drawn there by Ian's long-standing passion for fly fishing.
  • Ian and their son Andrew set up a trout fishing guide business, while Frances worked in restaurants.
  • Tui Lodge was purpose built to a high standard in 2004 as a luxury bed and breakfast, and the hosts moved in during 2005.
  • They then established the gardens and lawns themselves.

Who it is a good fit for

Traveller type Why it fits
Anglers 500m from the Tongariro River; hosts with a fly-fishing guiding background
Holiday makers Garden setting, guest lounge, small hosted atmosphere
Artists Quiet garden property with a lounge and library
Company team building The lodge explicitly names team building as a use for the grounds
Guests wanting privacy plus company Private lounge and ensuite rooms, with hosts on site

If you want a large hotel with many rooms, a front desk, and extensive facilities, this is a different kind of stay. Tui Lodge is a four-room hosted B&B, so the scale and the personal hosting are the main differences.

Practical points before you book

  • Rooms and rates are listed on the lodge's own site under "Rooms and Rates" — check there for current pricing, since the available information does not state rates.
  • Booking is handled through the site's "Booking" section, with "Contact" and "Directions" also provided.
  • Local attractions are covered on the site, useful if you are planning around Tongariro River fishing or other activities in the region.
  • The lodge invites guests to get in touch directly, which is the most reliable route for questions about availability and specific room details.