About Us

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Proudly New Zealand Owned & Operated Since 1993

Our story, our place, our people

Plateau Lodge is proudly New Zealand owned and operated, and has been part of Waimarino – National Park Village since 1993.

We’re Andrea and Zeus Messenger, and together with our children, Abby and Cody, we’re the family behind Plateau Lodge. Our kids represent the third generation to grow up exploring this incredible backyard, and it’s a place we’re deeply connected to.

As locals, we know Waimarino and National Park Village inside out. From easy adventures for families with small children to activities that suit teenagers and more adventurous travellers, we’re always happy to help guests find experiences that match their energy and interests.

Local owners, local knowledge

Plateau Lodge is fully owned and operated by Ruapehu locals, and we genuinely believe Waimarino – National Park Village is one of the best places to visit when escaping everyday life, whether you’re travelling from elsewhere in New Zealand or overseas.

Community matters to us. We actively support and are involved in:

• Local business networks

• School and education committees

• Nature and conservation programmes

• Community groups and charities across the region

Plateau Lodge isn’t just where we work — it’s part of who we are.

A family business that’s grown with the times

Plateau Lodge began life as a backpackers and has evolved over the years into the modern, welcoming accommodation it is today. We now proudly offer 24 rooms, including:

• Fully self-contained modern two-bedroom apartments

• King Studio Pods

• Private lodge rooms within the original main lodge

The main lodge remains a central hub, now featuring private rooms connected to an open communal lounge and kitchen, perfect for relaxed, social stays.

Featured amenities at Plateau Lodge

Guests staying at Plateau Lodge enjoy a wide range of practical, family-friendly amenities, including:

• Breakfast and lunch packs

• Celebration packages

• Free Wi-Fi

• Local brochures, trail maps, and hiking & biking information

• Trampoline and table tennis

• Toys, books, and magazines

• Gardens and picnic tables

• Walking distance to all National Park Village cafés, bars, and restaurants

• Mountain bike maps, storage, and wash-down area

• On-site knowledge for snow play and skiing

Shuttle services & transport support

To make exploring easy, we offer:

• Shuttles to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, departing between 5:45am and 9:30am, with return services from 1:30pm to 5:30pm

• Shuttles to the Tongariro Northern Circuit

• Free car and baggage storage for guests using shuttle services

• Daily shuttles to ski areas and Tongariro National Park (seasonal)

Our commitment to sustainability

At Plateau Lodge, we’re committed to protecting the environment and caring for the place we call home.

We actively work to reduce waste, energy use, and our overall environmental footprint, and we are progressing toward a Zero Carbon future. Sustainability is an ongoing journey, and one we’re genuinely excited to be part of.

We align with the New Zealand Tourism Sustainability Commitment, which aims to see every New Zealand tourism business committed to sustainability.

We work only with certified and accredited manufacturers who can confirm their products are sustainably produced.

Plateau Lodge is Qualmark certified, meeting the Sustainable Tourism Business (STB) criteria recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).

Accessibility & guest facilities

Plateau Lodge offers a range of accessible and practical facilities, including:

• On-site and van-accessible parking

• Wheelchair parking and accessible rooms

• Accessible vanities and adjustable hand-held shower wands

• Some rooms with bathtubs

• Free guest parking

• All linen and towels supplied

• Apartments with full kitchens

• Communal lounge and kitchen (self-catering, open 24 hours)

• Open fire in the lounge during winter

• EV charging stations nearby

Check-in: 2:00pm
Check-out: 10:00am
All rooms are smoke free.

EV charging & sustainable transport

Waimarino – National Park Village has over 15 EV charging stations, located at the Park & Ride on Findlay Street, just a 2-minute drive from Plateau Lodge.

For sustainable transport options from Taupō, Tūrangi, or the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, we recommend My Waka Your Waka.