This place gets its own special page because it was my favourite place in the north island for sure.Kiwi Experience are brilliant because they take you to all the big places, but every couple of stops they take you somewhere abit obscure to stay.My favourite of these places was River Valley Adventure Lodge.We arrived here, and it is set alongside the stunning Rangitikei River.You have to walk down a steep dirt track down to the lodge, which is stunning and in the middle of nowhere.The river runs literally outside the lodge's front door, and is used for fabulous white water rafting.The reason I loved this place is because it was stunning, and because it was only us there.The evening was just so much fun - us guys, and all the staff had the most hilarious night of playing 'Threeman' - the dice game I love, and staying up talking to the early hours.Its just lovely because there is nowhere else to go.It must be a fabulous life living here - there are just so many things in the world that you wouldn't have to worry about when you live here.The next day we had a really late start so we used this crazy old pulley crossing bridge (look at the photos for an explanation) and climbed the side of the valley to get the most fantastic views.The we all sat around in the sun on the river waiting for the rafters to return.Such a fabulous day and a definite recommendation!!