Acacia Bay: Wake-up in the treetops
Just ten minutes from central Taupō, Treetops feels a world away. Perched above the bush in Acacia Bay, it’s a peaceful, off-grid hideaway where native birds fill the air and wide lake views stretch to the ranges. Affectionately known as the “tiny house of fantails,” this holiday home is unplugged, unhurried and designed for effortless indoor-outdoor living.
Soak under the stars, wake to birdsong, and spend your days breathing in fresh air and stillness.
Kinloch: A gem in the paddocks
Set high in the hills above Lake Taupō, near the village of Kinloch, this peaceful hideaway is surrounded by rolling pastures and big sky views — a place to detox from technology, breathe deeply, and settle into the quiet.
Guests describe it as tranquil, cosy and unforgettable — a tiny house that has been carefully curated and warmly hosted. From soaking in the wood-fired hot tub at sunset to curling up by the fire on cooler nights, every detail is designed for comfort and calm. It’s the kind of stay people call ‘worth every dollar’, and a restorative escape they ‘can’t wait to return to’.
Acacia Bay: Lake views for days
This stunning hillside retreat offers views that guests have described as incredible, phenomenal, breathtaking and ‘even better than the photos’. Cleverly designed like a deluxe treehouse, the home blends seamlessly with its tree-clad surroundings, letting you soak in the scenery through floor-to-ceiling windows.
Whether enjoying a morning coffee or a woodfired pizza on the deck, the panoramic vistas of Lake Taupō create an unforgettable backdrop for relaxation. It’s also just a short walk from the Acacia Bay for kayaking, paddleboarding, or a refreshing swim.
Taupō town: Luxurious lodgings
Neighbouring the ever-changing blues of Lake Taupō, Lake Terrace Lodge is more than simply a place to stay. Guests return again and again to the views — describing them as ‘worth the price alone’ and ‘absolutely incredible’. But it’s the feeling the home creates that truly makes it one of the best, not to mention the naturally heated geothermal pool.
Elevated, luxurious and deeply comfortable, families mention gatherings that ‘surpassed expectations,’ about evenings unwinding in warmth, and about a stay that felt effortless from start to finish.
Kuratau: Kickin’ back in Kuratau
Tucked above the valley in Kuratau, this beautifully designed cabin feels like a private window into nature, with sweeping views across bush, countryside and the Kuratau River. Guests describe it as ‘one of those stays that just hit the spot’ — peaceful, quiet and even better than the photos.
Wildlife drifts past the oversized windows, native bush walks begin at the back gate, and at night the stars put on a show best enjoyed from the outdoor tub. It’s the kind of place where the outside world naturally slows to match the landscape.
Five Mile Bay: The lake’s out the gate
At Drift @ 5 Mile Bay, it’s easy to do exactly that — drift into lake days, drift into slower mornings, drift into the kind of stay you don’t want to end. On the shores of Lake Taupō in the quiet enclave of Five Mile Bay, this character-filled 1930s retreat has been thoughtfully restored and once featured in New Zealand House & Garden.
Guests call it ‘so peaceful and relaxing,’ loving the way the home sits right on the water and say that it’s the kind of place which looks just like the photos, but somehow feels even better once you arrive.
Taupō: Cosy country cottage
If you’re craving a slower pace and a touch of nostalgia, this sweet country cottage just outside Taupō feels like stepping back in time. With its rural outlook and no-fuss but extremely comfortable charm, it offers a simple kind of vibe that guests describe as ‘super cute’ and ‘a beautiful place to stay’.
Guests have cooked full Christmas meals in the kitchen, settled in for quiet evenings, and appreciated the easy, unfussiness of a true Kiwi getaway — warmth, simplicity and the kind of laid-back stay that feels refreshingly genuine.
Tūrangi: 5-star lodge style
Step into Caddis Lodge and you immediately feel the charm of a bygone era blended with modern luxury. This lovingly renovated 1940s cottage, nestled on a quiet, tree-lined street beside the Tongariro River has guests raving about its homely yet sophisticated feel with thoughtful touches, from antiques to subtle fishing-themed décor, making every corner feel like a space you want to simply be.
Just a short stroll to the river trail, it’s perfectly placed for anglers, hikers, skiers, or anyone seeking quiet riverside serenity. Guests praise the lodge for feeling ‘better than home,’ whether enjoying morning coffee on the French-style porch, basking in the afternoon sun on the veranda, or returning after adventures in Tūrangi to a warm fire and a fully stocked, well-appointed kitchen.
Taupō: Villa One – Tatamoana – The Point Villas Taupō
Nestled within a private, fully secured estate and surrounded by native bush, Tatamoana at The Point Villas offers a holiday experience that goes far beyond a typical getaway.
What truly makes this retreat unique is the way every detail has been anticipated, so you can simply arrive and unwind. Guests often remark on the way the villas make them feel ‘completely cared for’ and ‘utterly relaxed’ with the design and surroundings combining effortlessly to create a sense of calm, luxury, and effortless indulgence. It’s a rare kind of escape where everything has been thought of.
Kinloch: Magic in Marotiri
Winner of the Airbnb Host Awards Best Nature Stay 2023, Kawakawa Hut is a small off-grid retreat, built from repurposed materials, blending sustainability with style.
Among rolling hills and grazing cows, guests love its quiet, rural setting, the sunlit interiors, and the special touches that make it feel like a private haven. But what sets Kawakawa Hut apart is its authentic connection to the land — steps from the vegetable garden, barn, and local farm life, those who visit can enjoy a genuine countryside experience in well-appointed, stylish hideaway.
Tūrangi: On the banks of the Tongariro
Tucked along the banks of the Tongariro River, The Fisherman’s Cottage is nothing like the name would have you think. It’s been recently renovated and guests rave about the ‘super cosy, beautifully decorated’ interior.
Step out the back door to the river trail, enjoy a morning coffee on the deck listening to the river, or gather with friends at the communal outdoor spaces. Reviewers consistently return, praising its comfort, style, and location — a perfect combination for fishing, walking, rafting, or just unwinding in a spot that manages to feel both fun and peaceful.
Tauranga Taupō: Classic Kiwi bach
Te Moe is the kind of classic Kiwi bach that feels instantly familiar and inviting. With panoramic lake views, a sunny deck, and a relaxed, welcoming vibe, guests love the way it combines timeless charm with being clean, cosy, and ready for a laidback holiday by the water.
Outside, it’s just a hop, skip and jump to the lake, a sandy swimming bay, and a boat ramp — offering endless opportunities for fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, or lakeshore strolls. And inside, the interiors have been laid out with everything you need and nothing you don’t, making it easy to unwind after a day of adventures.
