At last an exciting new development is planned at Tongariro River Motel.  The existing motel was originally developed as a village shop and caravan park over sixty years ago. It morphed into a motel which is now being replaced by a more modern concept for individually owned apartments.

The first stage involves seven apartments to be developed on the vacant land along Taupahi Road.The design provides for a variety of accommodation from studio to one, two and three bedroom units.

The architect, Roger Walkerfrom Wellington, is awaiting planning approval from Taupo District Council.  The architectural brief specified apartments reminiscent of his ageless Park Mews in Wellington, updated to Tongariro River Mews in Turangi.

3D-Plans-from-North 3D-Plans-from-North

The layout is similar to a small retirement village complex but does not have any age barrier.  Comparisons to a small retirement village is inevitable but there are significant advantages.  The usual retirement village is owned by the developers who issue “licences to occupy”.  Apartments in TRM will be owned individually by the residents who also own a pro-rata share of facilities including the village community centre.  Residents will also share future capital gains.

The target market are anglers fishing the Tongariro River.  Some may wish to become residents, others may only need a holiday home.  A major design feature is security.  The complex will be managed with one point of entry from Piri Road.

Stage 1 also provides for a community centre cafe on the main road corner.  The completed project will be similar to cohousing - more and more people have discovered that the cohousing concept addresses their needs better than traditional housing choices.  This project will redefine the concept of neighbourhood combining the autonomy of a private apartment with the advantages of secure community living.

For plans and more information enquire at TRM reception or phone 07 386 8555.