Our story
Meet your B&B hosts, Scott and Ula, at Two Rivers Ohakune
Having fallen in love with Ohakune's natural beauty and community spirit, we've created a place that feels both peaceful and inspiring...
The mountains called to us. Adventures on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and the local ski fields drew us back to the region time and again, eventually inspiring us to relocate to Ohakune, purchase Two Rivers, and create a place where guests can explore, recharge, and feel genuinely well looked after. Below, we'd love to share a little of our story and the history of Two Rivers.
Your hosts
We are Scott and Ula Tansley, and we're delighted to welcome you to Two Rivers. Our goal is simple: to offer a place of privacy, serenity, and eco-luxury where every guest can rest, reconnect, and create lasting memories of Ruapehu.
Our story began in Europe, where we were both born and raised, before moving to New Zealand in 2011. After spending thirteen years living near Wellington and making regular trips to Ruapehu, we eventually decided to make this remarkable region a bigger part of our lives.
We are passionate about Ohakune, its mountains, rivers, and people. Whether it's recommending a favourite walk, introducing you to local businesses, or simply ensuring you feel at home, we're always happy to help.
“If you have any special requests, please let us know. We’re here to make your stay as comfortable as possible.”
Scott and Ula
Two Rivers Ohakune - an award-winning B&B
Two Rivers Ohakune won the Rising Star B&B of the Year Award, which recognises businesses that have operated for less than two years, at the 2026 Vision Insurance Bed and Breakfast Excellence Awards.
"Owners Scott and Ula Tansley impressed judges with the rapid development of their business...
Their strong community engagement and commitment to environmentally responsible operations demonstrated the growing importance of sustainability and destination partnerships within the accommodation sector." source
A short history
Number 44 Burns Street is a traditional timber home built around 1910, set on generous grounds in a semi-rural location. From the gardens, you'll hear the Mangawhero and Mangateitei rivers flowing past, with Mt Ruapehu rising in the distance. For more than a century, this residence has been a cherished family home. Since 2010, it has undergone continuous restoration and expansion, always with care to preserve its original character and elegance.
Inspired by the rivers and mountain views, Two Rivers Ohakune opened its doors to guests in 2018, blending heritage charm with modern luxury. We purchased Two Rivers in 2024, and since then our focus has been on continually improving the experience we offer our guests.
Since purchasing Two Rivers, we've continued to enhance the guest experience, gained recognition from Tourism New Zealand, and received industry awards. Most importantly, we're committed to exceptional guest experiences, continual improvement, and creating something truly special for everyone who stays with us. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do.
A sustainable stay
Two Rivers holds a Qualmark Gold Award for sustainability, reflecting our commitment to caring for both people and place. From thoughtful design and careful waste reduction to working with local suppliers, we strive to ensure your stay leaves a light footprint while still delivering comfort to the highest standard. Solar panels, battery storage, and solar-powered EV charging were added in 2026.
Committed to excellence
At Two Rivers Ohakune, luxury and sustainability go hand in hand. Our Qualmark Gold Sustainable Tourism Business status is incredibly important to us, but our Qualmark assessment also includes a quality rating of 4 Star Plus. For us, the two belong together - our sustainability and accommodation quality are assessed by the same independent body. As an extension of that commitment, we are also proud to be part of the B&B Association NZ Quality Assured programme.
Since purchasing Two Rivers in 2024 and welcoming our first guests, every improvement has been designed to care for both our guests and the environment - from restoring native riverbanks to generating solar power and providing EV charging. Each initiative helps protect this special place while creating an unforgettable stay.
We invite you to experience eco-luxury and join us in caring for Aotearoa New Zealand for future generations.
Our Tiaki PromiseWe commit to caring for New Zealand and ask you to travel responsibly.
B&B Association NZWe are members of an exceptional community that Assures Quality and encourages best practices.