Situated only 7kms from the friendly town of Taumarunui, down the incredible Forgotten World Highway, lies Omaka Lodge, a boutique bed & breakfast in the heart of New Zealand’s Forgotten World. The short drive from town follows the Whanganui River and is a beautiful scenic tour at any time of the year. At the end of a tree lined sealed driveway, you’ll find Omaka Lodge and its beautiful mature gardens. Well positioned on the crest of a hill, with magnificent views of Herlihy’s Bluff and Mount Hikurangi, this wonderful venue offers total privacy and seclusion. Situated amidst working farmland, the Lodge and expansive gardens are surrounded by the sights and sounds of everyday country life, where sheep and cattle dot rolling green-pastured hills and valleys that echo to the sound of never-ending birdsong. We have three private guest rooms (two ensuite and one with a private bathroom), and a self-contained luxury suite. A continental breakfast is included in the standard room rate. We don't offer kitchen facilities for guests, but we can offer an optional cooked breakfast and/or 2-3 course dinner by prior arrangement - these must be requested at least 24 hours prior to arrival.

When you make the journey to Omaka Lodge, you’ll be met by the owners and hosts, Chris & Scott, and the resident pets – Spaniel Millie and cats Baz and Mrs Poo. A qualified landscape designer, Chris has many years experience in hospitality management, wedding planning and management and, more recently, interior design. Scott, meanwhile, followed up a History degree with nearly two decades in sales and marketing and, more recently, writing and administration. Given his landscape and interior design expertise, it’s only fitting that Chris spends his time maintaining the extensive grounds at Omaka Lodge, while Scott takes care of Omaka Lodge’s sales, marketing and administration – before joining Chris in the gardens.

Relaxing at Omaka Lodge is a true delight with so many options on offer indoors or out. Swim or sunbathe; play croquet or a game of tennis; read a book or magazine; watch TV; explore the garden or doze indoors; there really is something for everyone at magical Omaka Lodge. Slightly further afield, the surrounding Ruapehu District offers many attractions that may pique your interest. There are so many ways to explore and enjoy New Zealand’s Forgotten World: drive the unforgettable Forgotten World Highway; hop on a Forgotten World Rail Cart and experience the hidden countryside by rail; boat, canoe or kayak down the Whanganui River to the iconic Bridge To Nowhere. If adventure tourism is your thing, there are cycling, walking and hiking trails within easy reach, not to mention the mountains of the Tongariro National Park and its worldclass skifields. At the end of the day, Omaka Lodge welcomes you home. Enjoy a delightful dinner (if prearranged), soothing shower or spa-bath, and relax into a sumptuous bed. The beauty and warmth of Omaka Lodge will provide rest, satisfying and restoring a weary traveller. Omaka Lodge, a tranquil oasis amidst New Zealand's Forgotten World.