After leaving Taupo we stopped for a 2 hour return hike to stretch our sore muscles from the Tongariro Crossing the day before. We then had quite a long drive ahead of us before reaching our next destination, River Valley Adventure Lodge. This is best known for it's grade five white water rafting which you could take part in the next morning if you so desired. There was no wifi or phone reception at the lodge and accommodation was a 32 bed dorm room so naturally we all made good use of the bar that evening. There was also a roast dinner available which I've heard is fantastic but a group of us clubbed together to make a risotto accompanied by a lot of wine (obviously).
