The 32 best hostels in Taupo

The hostel is decent. I stayed in a six-person dorm, and the pod-style beds were a highlight. They provided privacy and had enough space for storing personal belongings. However, the kitchen was often messy, more so than in other hostels I have visited. The shared bathrooms were frequently unclean, with only two showers for males and three washbasins for everyone. The atmosphere was relaxed, making it suitable for a short stay, but the facilities could be better maintained.

Very close to the centre. Clean Hostel and had our own privacy. Cool TV room with Piano, lots of games to play with and push bikes for hire. Really useful since Taupo is bike friendly. However most of the stove tops were not working and found it a bit difficult to cook food. I get that a lot of people cook all the time but this should be maintained frequently. All in all still liked it!

I’ve booked the female dorm. Room was big. I’ve appreciated the space inside the pod. Thank you for well cleaning. Even the kitchen was well cleaned with a real dish soap 🥹and cleaned towels. Staff were nice and very helpful. Location is not that bad. Plenty space for car park for free. There is a pak n save next to the hostel. Very convenient. And I saw and heard that there is a bus stop front of the hostel.

Stuffs are so helpful and kind always. I stayed there twice and if I will definitely go back again. The location a bit far away from the lake like 5 mins drive but rooms and the other things make it overlooked.

This place is great, the staff are so friendly, the kitchen is tidy and they even have a movie room with a guitar and a piano. They have free tea and coffee in case you forget them and Pak and Sav is only 5 minutes away and the lake is 15 minute walk away. The vibes are good and it’s so easy to meet people here. I will definitely be staying again

The room is clean and the staff services are good. The only problem in this season is that they dont have the heater in the room. The location is the center of the city

It was alright Rooms could do with a bit of love But the communal space was clean bit small Great location Thank you finlay jacks

Great backpackers, with clean facilities. Rooms were warm on arrival, especially when it was a -3degree overnight. Some frost in the morning did make some areas slippery, but that is expected. We had an 8 dorm bunk room, 5 dorm bunk room and a 4 bedroom suite. All had own ensuites, although very small and close to sleeping areas. The 5 dorm bunk was compact. Beds were comfy. Linen and blankets provided in all rooms, and only the 4 bedroom came with towels. So bring towels for other rooms. There are lots of stairs as well. Plenty of areas to entertain around. Check in was easy and staff very helpful. Note 8 dorm room is in a separate building to the 5 and 4 bedrooms.

Stayed two nights this long weekend. The staff were super friendly and helpful. The location is great, 10 minutes walk from downtown and not too far from the waterfront. The rooms are a little small, but warm and perfect if you're after a decent price for close proximity to town. The cooking facilities are clean and tidy. If you're bringing a car, there is a limited amount of parking on site, so be prepared to park on the street. Overall, a great experience and will be back if in Taupo again.

i found this place an exceptional place full of value and an experience in a sample camp style cooking arrangement it was great value for money being so close to a city-center WOW i was impressed. the staff are friendly and very attentive to any need or question you may have. i cut my stay short due to weather concerns i will be back in the future and WOW try for yourself the booking in procedure is excellent also. free internet a bonus. great views of taupo city and lake

It was okay - clean, but bathroom not that good, had hot water with good force but needs renovation of the walls as doesn’t look good patch up . Could hear the guest on top of our room dragging chairs and stuffs around -very loud so therefore not sound proof. No tea bags or coffee. Stayed for a night only so didn’t ask the reception. Moreover the receptionist was friendly and welcoming. Bedding was clean and neat therefore had a good sleep. Room was very warm which I loved it.

We got upgraded to the best suite and had a Beautiful view of the lake and it was nice and warm when we got inside. The Maori guy was Awesome to deal with and very helpful. Good vibes ❤️

We just stayed there for a night only. Good reception staff who took our reservation We just called directly before we reach there and she was very helpful to reserve our room. Many options for the rooms There is a large kitchen and dining area to use with full facilities The price affordable Neat and clean room

Beds were clean and well kept, however the ensuite shower tap kept dripping throughout the night. The kitchen was very tidy and came with all the appliances you needed.

Really great hostel. Location is not too far from the centre walking distance. Staff were really friendly, Ross at reception was really welcoming. Our dorm was an 8 bed but felt like staying at a friends house with bathroom and loads of space. The kitchen had an amazing selection of spices which is great to be able to use in cooking.

Nice place. Really enjoyed my stay. Nice people around, helpful staff, and good facilities. Bring earplugs tho, people tend to go out drinking so if you wanna sleep without getting woken up in the middle of the night, best come prepared. Really nice kitchen facilities with everything you need, and nice and clean toilets. Showers could use an upgrade though but they worked as they should so I guess I can't complain. Better than many other hostels 👍👍

You get what you pay for I guess. Our room was very clean and tidy and the staff friendly. The communal areas were shockingly dirty. The free coffee they had on offer looked like it would grow legs and walk away any day now (really really dirty). Great location to Taupo City Center. very affordable but would not stay here again.

Cute and well set up hostel Do not recommend unless you’re a deep sleeper. The walls are thin and people were talking (and not trying to be quiet) in the dorm hallway from 6am. You’d think it common courtesy to keep it down until 8/9am. We had a three bed dorm which and the beds were comfortable. The kitchen has two hobs which is good with many people staying here. Cleanliness is okay for a hostel. Loved to see the sustainability efforts they were doing. Actively reducing plastic wherever they can etc Also looks like they’re offering a variety of activities which would be fun for backpackers.

The room was great for the price! The owner is lovely and happy to help with anything. Free coffee in reception during reception hours. Bathrooms were clean. Good common area, although it could do with some more cooking equipment and cups, etc. And in need of a good clean, upgrade of furniture. But it's a backpackers so not being too hard on them. Gets 4 stars for the reason

Rob did a great job checking me in and showing the place. It's very cheap for a shared room with bathroom/shower for max. 4 people. Only $30. Of course the place needs lots of improvement...mainly kitchen and lounge. Everything looks tired and not very cleaned. But it's a charming place with nice rainbow versions everywhere.

Really friendly staff the bedrooms are great and the only place nicer than this would be a 5 star motel. Rooms smell really nice. The only downside is that the WiFi can sometimes be a bit unreliable and no live TV :) Kitchen and lounge facilities are cleaned very thoroughly. Ample off street parking. Room has a hole in the wall above the top bunk however.

One of the best National Parks I have been to. If possible, I would recommend the Tongariro Crossing if you have the fitness capabilities. It was the best day hike I have ever completed. Tama Lakes hike could be a nice alternative as well. All photos in this review were from the crossing. We took the first shuttle in the morning and I would really recommend that.

So beautiful place! Marvelous alpine crossing hike! We did it for 7 hour with a good speed but several chill breaks) It's one way trail, so you need to book a shuttle in advance

I've been here on 20th May 2025 with my friends. I’d been walking from 8:20 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. It was such a beautiful day. But I felt a little tired. haha On the way to the top of the mountain, I could feel the signs of autumn. The air was so fresh that I wanted to take deep breaths. The scenery was also stunning and vast. I felt like I was given energy by nature.

One of the best hikes to Tongariro Crossing Emerald Lake Lookout! Views are awesome! Fantastic panorama view, lakes, red crater and volcano mountain. Will never forget!

Only went up until devils stair case and return. It was a beautiful day and the views were amazing.

When I was in Taupō in July 2025 I visited Tongariro National Park. I was looking for a 2-2.5hr walk and the visitor centre suggested a few. I decided to do the Silica Rapids Loop track, and I was not at all disappointed. On the 7km loop track you move through many vegetation types (e.g., from closed forest, to open bogs, etc.) The interpretive signs along the way teach you about the adaptations that plants and animals have to survive the harsher, higher altitude environments. The views were breathtaking, especially when you come around the corner and the snow capped mountains suddenly come into view or you get to the Silica Rapids. This area has walks for everyone - they that range easy 40-50 min trails through to the Tongariro crossing. And if you’d rather just see snow, you can drive up to Mt Ruapehu and take the gondola up to near the top. Must visit when in the area!

Since we only arrived in the late afternoon, I hiked about 40 minutes of the Alpine Crossing before turning back while my husband went a little further. The terrain of the national park was so intriguing since three volcanoes make their home here. 🌋 There are restrooms along the way, and the path is entirely unpaved. We enjoyed checking out the visitor center too and getting some guidance from a ranger before setting out on a hike. The highlight was, of course, seeing Mount Doom.

Upon our arraival, we found that the door had been locked, and we had to call after hours to be checked in... at 7:15pm, as the on duty staff was upstairs napping. This was despite our prior call informing them of our arrival time just 2 hours earlier. The duty officer had then locked himself out of his room, and had to flag down other guests whilst we were waiting, to recode a card, letting himself back inside (whilst verbally permitting their drinking in an unliscenced business). Finally, the check in process began, in which the attendant found that although there was a keycard with our name on it, as well as the due balance written down, the booking was not on their digital system, and so he found himself unable to get us into our room immediately. After 20 long minutes, we were finally let into the room, advised we would have to pay for the room later. Totally understandable under the circumstances. Having just put down our bags, and gone to the bathroom, there was a knock on the door. We were then escorted back out of the room, as the issue had not been resolved (5 minutes later). We took our stuff, left our details should the issue have been resolved quickly, and proceeded to check into the Millennium Hotel down the road (who are fantastic!) We recieved a call at 8:30pm (1 hour and 15 minutes after our initial arrival) informing us the issue is resolved. We turned down the room. (Side note, I was called "Adrian" for the entire experience... not my name, not even the 7th time)

Top class hostel. I used to own a hostel so I like to think I'm an expert in this field. These folks have got it down to an art. Spotlessly clean, which is always the best way to start. Great staff at reception. It's a big place, 3 stories up. Lots of communal space, and a nice view of the lake from the kitchen and some of the rooms. Rooms are basically hotel standard, and the location is 2nd to none. Pubs right downstairs, restaurants and take aways right over the road (I highly recommended the kebab shop around the corner). Half a block from the lake. Kitchen is amazing. Pretty much a huge industrial standard space with all the appliances and multiple cooking and wash up stations. They even have a slow cooker! And its not specifically a "youth hostel." Many of the guests were older than me, and I'm in my 40's. Makes for a nice crowd to mingle with. Highly recommend this spot if you're staying in Tapao and enjoy the hostel vibe.

Great location, I booked really early so prices were decent. I wish it was a bit more clear that there is an elevator only to the first floor. Second and floor you need to use the stairs only. There is an opened kitchen area which was perfect t for my meal prep and it was clean either lots of signs to clean up after yourself. Communication to pick up my key at the bar next door was clear and concise. Happy as. Lucky to get a lake view this time around.

Simple from the outside, modern inside. We have got a clean bunk-bed room suitable for 3. Its en-suite bathroom is recently furnished. Compact but cozy. Kitchen is spacious with lots of utensils. Close to the lake front.

1 star is being generous.... Beware of the hostile receptionist. Good spot for a last resort option, but you won't be welcomed with traditional kiwi warmth so not sure if it's worth it in the end.

Homophobic man on reception. Was disgusted by his comments towards guests. Then learned it’s not just the lgbt community he doesn’t appreciate but also females he speaks down upon. Would never in a million years would recommend this place not even as a last resort. There needs to be come serious Company restructuring looked at or if he’s the owner he should probably move on as he will run this already shot business into the ground further.

I was shocked to witness the receptionist verbally attack another guest with profanity and derogatory language over a simple question. It was completely uncalled for and made the atmosphere uncomfortable for everyone. I won’t be returning — no one should be treated like that.

Actually loved our stay here. The guy at reception was lovely and friendly, and was more than happy to help me with any request or query I had. Rooms were tidy and smelt nice. Heat pumps heated the rooms well, bed was super comfy, and shower was really nice and powerful. Super gorgeous and friendly cat that visited us each day too. Would definitely stay here again.

I stayed in room 207. The man at reception was helpful and polite. I was not impressed with the room. It is very in need of a refurbish. The room had a weird stale smell, lots of badly repaired damage and walls, kitchen bench & cupboards not clean. Electric plug hanging out of wall and downlights damaged & not fixed. Everything very worn out looking and dreary. I had no cutlery, plates, tea towel and no milk for a cup of tea. Jug and teabags were supplied. Very average motel that is not worthy of the name Silver Fern. More of a back packer style hostel than motel. The hallways were dated, damaged and had pictures half hanging off the wall. The communal kitchen and bathroom on the same level made it noisy from the echo of children screaming, people yelling and a dog barking (it seemed there was a dog in someone's room). Luckily I had ear plugs. Some net curtains over the ranchslider would be good for privacy from the road - there was a heavy curtain though which blocked all light. Good for sleeping but not during the day. The bed was really firm which was great. Parking is excellent. I was supposed to stay a second night, but got a refund through booking.com with approval from reception. Would I stay there again.......no.

I recently stayed at this hotel for one night. Upon arrival, everything went smoothly — check-in was quick, and on-site parking was available, which was convenient. The room was clean and well-prepared, with fresh towels, extra blankets, and basic toiletries provided. However, the bed was not particularly comfortable. Our original plan was to check out by 10 a.m the next morning, the standard checkout time. Unfortunately, around 8 a.m., the power to our room suddenly went out. This meant the heat pump, kettle, TV, and power outlets all stopped working. It was an extremely cold morning, with temperatures hovering between -1°C and 0°C, so losing heating made the room very uncomfortable very quickly. We tried contacting the front desk, but no staff were available. We also attempted to call the hotel’s main contact number several times, but no one answered, and we never received a call back. With no heat and no assistance, we had no choice but to check out early at 8:30 a.m., cutting our stay short. I’ve attached a screenshot showing the temperature that morning and what the conditions outside looked like. While the first half of our stay was pleasant, the second half was quite disappointing and uncomfortable. A real let down after a promising start.

Bed and room appeared clean. Until I looked under bed and hadn't been vacuumed. Was old food or something under it. Looked out window of our room upstairs and there was rubbish from renovations all outside and weeds almost knee high. Passage/hall ways needed vacuuming as bits all over the carpet. Customer service lacking. No welcome or small talk.

HIGHLY DISAPPOINTING AND RUDE BEHAVIOR I had a very unpleasant experience when I called Silver Fern Hotel in Taupo to enquire about a booking. The man who answered the phone—an Indian guy—was shockingly rude, arrogant, and completely unprofessional. He spoke with so much attitude and even used inappropriate language during the conversation. I was simply trying to ask a few questions about availability, but his tone and behavior were completely unacceptable. Customer service like this is a huge red flag—especially when it comes to hospitality. I will not be considering this place for my stay, and I would strongly advise others to think twice before booking.

Hello, we have been overcharged and charged twice for the stay. Please check and refund us for the second payment. We stay for two night with total $192.78 however we were charged on 8/29 for $199. The second charged was on 9/4 for $124. Please refund the excess payment back to our bank/card account, thank you.

Don't waste your money. This is actually a hostel. Everything is dirty! No soaps in bathroom. Nobody at reception. Woken up at 6.30am by loud men. Rooms cold. No mirror in room, TV broken, furniture old and on its last legs. Walls paper thin, you can hear the next rooms conversations. 3pm check-in. Do not recommend at all

Have stayed here a few times always good clean and tidy but this time nobody was in reception so after phoning and waiting for someone to come he told me he was having his lunch . Strange way to treat your customers apart from that I would still go back

Always comfortable and good value for the spa rooms! Comfortable beds as well!!

A huge thank you to the manager at Ascot Motor Inn. We made a big mistake and he went well above and beyond with us and handled what could have been a very stressful situation for us very professionally and with kindness. We made a mistake when booking, and thought we had booked two nights, but had only booked one. This meant we didn't checkout when we should have, and we couldn't do so when he rang us as we were at an event we couldn't leave. This meant the manager had to shift all our gear out himself (of which there was a whole heap for various reasons e.g. Murphy's law!). He could have rightly got very angry about this, or demanded we come back and remove our items ourselves straight away, but instead he just said no problem and sorted it for us. He even refused a gift of money from us for the inconvenience we had caused. So once again, a huge thankyou to the owner. We will definitely be back (and we won't muck up the booking next time!) I should also add that our room was very nice and spacious, and location was very handy.

The place was nice. Location is also so peaceful. We had a self check in. But the details were texted to us before checking in. Room was so well cleaned. Facilities were the more than expected. Totally recommended. No fault to say. We really enjoyed the stay. Thank you

First time staying here, great location, we stayed in a studio, was a great set up, very clean and modern, would definitely stay here again

Good place for a short stay with family,convenient walking distance to Lake Taupo and lake side restaurants.

We didn’t have a room with a view of the lake but the view of the hills and sunset was still gorgeous. Room and facilities were very comfortable, clean and super cozy. Great location, across the road from shops and super close to the town centre

The hostel amenities were all right but the hours/set-up were rather inconvenient - their kitchen closed at 10 pm and their breakfast didn't start until 8 am, past when we wanted to be out the door for a hike. These hours were also likely contributing factors to why the hostel felt so dead and unsocial in the evening. The second day when we got breakfast we realized that we didn't miss much - you have to get bowls/plates from upstairs then come downstairs to pick up bread and cereal. Another inconvenience was that the locked storage was located outside the rooms. Otherwise, the rooms were relatively clean and quiet.

Very friendly staff and nice rooms. The kitchen certainly needed an upgrade compared to some hostels I've been to. The location is great and overall I would recommend it to another backpacker. Free wifi was a huge plus... would've given five stars if the kitchen had some new cookware.

Decent hostel. We had the private room which was spacious. Bed were comfortable with a small balcony. Parking available. There is also some sort of breakfast which is a nice extra but dont book this hostel for the breakfast. Shower and bathroom alright. Room was not very clean.

Really nice hostel! We stayed here twice. Big bright kitchen, gets busy but still spacious, with multiple stove-tops and ovens. Lots of people leave free food which is awesome for backpackers. Common area is big and cozy, with lots of power points. Nice little outdoor deck area too! Good amount of showers and toilets. Beds are reasonably comfy but can be hit or miss. Definitely affordable, and it's part of the TBG hostel chain so if you've been to a TBG hostel bring your card from there for 10% off (when you book directly). Also shout-out to staff member Blaire for being a legend, she helped us out a couple times and was generally lovely. We'd definitely recommend this place!

A descent place to sleep for a night or two, but generally doesn't seem as much of a place for more. The free breakfast is basic but OK, the staff was nice. The kitchen closing early was a bit uncomfortable, and the minimal amount of power outlet was really a problem. 21$ was really cheap in my opinion, so a very good value for money.

Stayed here for one night on a road trip through the North Island of New Zealand. Location was great, very central to the town and nearby bars and restaurants. We were there only 2 in a 6 bed dorm which was nice as well. Beds weren't that comfortable however, they didn't seem to be real mattresses, just giant cushions. Check in and out was easy.

very nice hostel, i've been there three times and would always go there again. the kitchen is clean all day, the bathrooms are clean and the water has fantastic pressure, like a massage, staff is very friendly and helpful, beautiful view of the lake, city and supermarkets very close, breakfast included and wifi, although it is very slow. my favourite hostel in NZ!

TauPo Lake is big and maganamious like a sea. Waters are emerald blue and carry waves. A cruise, from Mine Bay shores to feel the water expanse and to visit Maori carvings were enthralling activity at this location. Most pleasing experience.

Well to be honest, it was the trip out i really enjoyed. We chose to go with Sail Barbary which is on an electric yacht. Nice and quiet on the lake. Our captain was great. Told us about the boat, the lake, the surroundings and the carvings. We had plenty of time to enjoy the sailing.

Only accessible via boat! Don't try drive there - you'll reach a gated community and the walking trail near there doesn't goto the carvings. This should really be in the description of the place on google / maps!

Great nature and marvellous beauty. Land and earth both amazing. Sail in an open boat here. Take a swim and enjoy lovely weather in summer.

Gorgeous on a sale boat!

Great carvings worth the visit if you have access to a boat. Watch out for the lizards and other carvings at the base

Warm water, beautiful and clean. One of Taupo's gems. Out of reach to the average jet ski....

Hotel is located close to the lakeside, with beautiful views. Staff are friendly and easy to deal with. I have 2 main issues here which ruined my experience: 1. The beds and pillows are overly soft and unsupportive. You literally sink into the bed and your head into the pillow. It was extremely difficult to get a good night sleep. 2. The shower was old and had so little pressure. This was also extremely annoying. I think if the owners invest in new beds and pillows would make a huge difference

Here with a social group-was warmly welcomed on arrival and made to feel at home. Rooms are spotless, warm and quiet! Restaurant and bar service excellent! Highly recommend this hotel - I'll be bringing another group of friends here in the months ahead.

August/2025—one night in a “standard” room I’ve written this review to help fellow travellers avoid disappointment. What I experienced was nothing like the Booking‑style photos or descriptions. Bed & bedding: The mattress was extremely soft and noticeably worn — very uncomfortable. The pillows were entirely flat, and no spare blanket was provided in cold weather. Shower: Very outdated fixtures with visible grout stains and mold. It felt unhygienic—clearly not regularly maintained. Housekeeping: The side tables and light switches were dirty, as though the room hadn’t been thoroughly cleaned before arrival. Lighting & amenities: Overhead lights were so dim they made the room feel dreary. There was no rubbish bin anywhere in the room, and no complimentary water—unusual for a resort, especially in remote or hot locations. Heating & noise: The heater was old, rattled loudly, and cycled on and off—quite disturbing at night. Security concern: Room keys could apparently open multiple doors on the same floor—an alarming lapse in guest safety. Service: no service available there is no telephones or any kind of contact to the receptionist as the main building is far away. Spa Bath: False Advertisement Overall mismatch: The facility shown online bore no resemblance to reality. Even the resort grounds felt neglected, making me wonder if many recent reviews have been scrubbed or suppressed. I believe transparency is important: this was my personal experience. I wrote a detailed, factual review on Booking.com soon after departure, but it never appeared—only generic positive reviews did—which made me sceptical about the authenticity of the feedback I read there.

Not the greatest. Broken bed bases, stained mattresses and bedding. Dust on the shelf and side table drawers. Bath tub was dirty, shower pressure was pitiful and not much hot water. Wifi is very weak. I wish I read the reviews before agreeing to the booking. They’re all true.

Disappointing Stay - Recurring Issues Unaddressed I recently stayed at LakeLand Resort Taupo and was extremely disappointed with the condition of the room. Despite reading previous reviews detailing similar problems, it appears nothing has been done to address them. The room was dirty, with a noticeable layer of dust on everything. Most concerning was the state of the bedding; the sheets had blood stains, which is completely unacceptable. Beyond the cleanliness issues, the room had several other problems. There was no bathroom fan, and the heater was so weak that it failed to adequately heat the small room for two people. What is most frustrating is that these aren't new complaints. After reading through other recent reviews, it's clear these issues have been brought to the owners' attention months ago, yet they continue to be ignored. It's concerning that management has failed to act on customer feedback, especially regarding basic sanitation and safety standards. I cannot recommend this resort given the current state of its accommodations and the apparent lack of concern from the management.

All our previous stays have included a lovely cooked breakfast. Our most recent stay did not include a cooked breakfast although we had paid for one. There was no price adjustment as we were told we had booked through Booking.com. We did not. This booking was done by phone directly. If we had been told there was to only be weetbix ,fruit and toast, breakfast would have been taken elsewhere. While accommodation numbers determine the level of breakfast service you provide it should also be reflected the price you charge . We left your establishment with a sense of disappointment.

the room was pretty basic with not a lot of anything, Shower was old and unit was pretty tired no soaps etc but the service was 100 percent,also great food and richard absolutely made our night awesome!! thanks again team!!

Booked and paid in advance, but when we arrived just after 8pm, the reception was already closed and we had no way of getting in. We tried calling multiple times but couldn’t reach anyone, and ended up stuck in the car with a tired toddler — not an ideal start to our stay. Thankfully, a lovely guest staying at the property knew to push the emergency button, which brought someone down to help us. It would be really helpful to have clear instructions either on the website or posted outside reception for late arrivals. That said, the room itself is clean and comfortable — we’re very happy with it overall.

Our stay at Beechtree Motel was so good, I really wanted to leave a review. My daughter and I stopped for the night in Taupo on our Auckland to Wellington trip, and it was by far the best motel experience of the 30+ times I've stopped in Taupo. Very well designed, super comfortable beds, clean, great bathroom - and a spa bath! Very friendly team, lots of parking, handy to town. Definitely give it a shot!

Beecher met many of our expectations and exceeded a few as well. Scott is great, we had arrived a little less than an hour early and just wished to familiarize ourselves with the property pre-check in. When he asked about our reservation we ID'd our daughters name whom would arrive in another hour and he warmly offered our key to check in early. Outstanding, haven't had that experience but a few times. Good covered parking ( ample sized doubles ) and direct access to the stairs. No elevator , ok, we have ( 2 ) 23 kg. suitcases from our Summer in America and need a forklift to raise them. So needless to say I got my exercise 🤣. The great news is the 2nd floor was worth the climb. We have a direct view of Lake Taupo and Acacia Bay nearby. We are just several hundred metres from the waterfront walkway ! Yes there are many properties on the waterfront yet this proximity coupled with a fair view was fine. Our stay is three nights and the large guest room kitchenette suited us fine. Refer, sink, plates, utensils, microwave, all allowed for breakfasts in and takeaway meals brought back to the comfort of our space. The best bed in terms of comfort for both my wife and I and two heater elements which came in handy for this late spring rain, hail and mist ! The women/ young women that comprise the housekeeping staff are kind, accomodating, neat in appearance , immaculate/ clean and well organized. Their diligence, quiet, calm is greatly appreciated as we would leave our guest room a little later , mid morningish - well after others had already left. One final thought, we apologize to Scott as he was unaware that he gave us our daughter & grandaughters lakeview room which was advanced book by John. Our room should have been #34 , not #13 as we would not know our exact travel plans until much later. This mishap led to an argumentitive & heated call by John which was not warranted. Again apologies, we did everything imaginable to surrender our room to our grandaughter & daughter and they would not. Ironically , the weather would prevent lake views anyway 🤣 , so all was equal. We will give John 13 lashes when we see him 😉, sorry Scott 🙏

The motel is great. The beds are phenomenal. The room is specious, warm and cozy. Scott, who manages the motel is great and a heart warming guy. He helped us to reach our bus so we wont miss it. We greatly appreciate it .

Good rooms, comfortable beds, great location, very reasonable price.

A really comfortable room that was very clean, well appointed with a spacious bathroom. We would stay again if the opportunity arose.

Old hotel, terrible service. The staff is rude to every guest. I've never seen such rude treatment. If you want to save your nerves and money, don't book this hotel.

Amazing view. We where upgraded by Booking.com and had a two storey chalet with a spa bath. Great space to relax after long day chasing waterfalls. Lots of noise at night with guests talking after 11pm

The room was really, really clean and during our two-night stay, we even got room service. The annoying thing was the traffic noise which already started at 5:30 a.m., but that‘s what you get when you want lake front view. The owner was really nice. The upper rooms were really comfortable. It was nothing special but absolutely okay for 2 nights.

My gosh a spa at $140nz per night, what a bargain. We are 100meters from Lake Taupo, awesome. I let the Mrs have the upstairs room tonight, as I snore a bit. This is one of our better nights accommodation here. Off street is a bonus too.

Not sure how or why this motel is 4 star. The rooms are incredibly dated and worn out. In fact two blocks of wood held the vanity up! Very small tv with sky and no netflix etc. The bed was hard, the heat pump was really noisy. Road noise was terrible so clearly not double glazed windows or insulated. The location however is perfect being very central and amazing views of the lake.

Adequate rooms, but dated. Great location, awesome view (If you get rooms 1-6) TVs need up dating, can't stream on them, shower roses need replacing, walls are thin, windows are not double glazed, so you can hear everything outside. Staff are super friendly and it's really great place to stay if you're in Taupō for a Marathon or the Ironman!

Clean rooms, however, very tired. Close to everything we were up for in Taupo, that was a plus. The shower was amazing. However, felt it was expensive at nigh on $300 a night.

The rooks were clean and tidy and great value, possibly a bit dated but still very good Awesome view across the lake. Handy to bars, cafes and restaurants under a ten minute walk. Beds were comfy. Enjoyed our stay.

I rang very late looking for last minute accommodation and Peter answered the phone and booked me into a lovely upstairs room, what a surprise when I woke to see the beautiful view of the lake. The heating was turned on when I arrived, and this room was super clean, a bonus of a comfortable bed. I travel a bit for business and this gem of a place will definitely be starred on my favourites list. Not sure who Peter is (the owner maybe?) but he was so welcoming on the phone, and his happiness reflects in how well kept this place is.

A Stellar Stay at Anchorage Resort Taupō Our stay at was nothing short of spectacular, and it’s easy to see why this resort stands out as a top-tier destination. From the moment we arrived, the exceptional facilities and outstanding service made it clear we were in for a treat. The units are modern, impeccably clean, and thoughtfully designed with everything you could need. The kitchen was a standout, fully equipped with an oven, microwave, and fridge, making meal prep a breeze. The bedrooms were a haven of comfort, featuring plush beds with electric blankets that ensured a cozy night’s sleep. The spacious bathroom offered an adequate shower experience, complete with an abundance of soft, fluffy towels. The inclusion of a split air conditioner kept the temperature just right, while the sleeper couch and carpeted rooms added a touch of homey comfort. A flat-screen TV provided entertainment, and the abundance of power points throughout the unit was a godsend for charging devices and working online seamlessly. The service was exemplary—prompt, professional, and delivered with genuine warmth. The housekeeping staff deserve special praise for their friendliness and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring our unit remained pristine throughout our stay. If you’re lucky enough to snag a lake-view room, prepare to be blown away. The views over the lake are breathtaking, elevating the entire experience to another level. The resort’s amenities are equally impressive, with a heated pool maintained at a perfect 28°C and an even hotter spa pool, both offering stunning lake vistas that make it hard to leave. Everything about the units felt fresh and well-maintained, as if they were brand new. This resort truly ticks all the boxes—luxurious facilities, top-notch service, and unforgettable views. We were reluctant to leave and would have extended our stay in a heartbeat.

This place is amazing! Beautiful views, family suite was spacious, clean and comfy. Spa bath was the best! The host was amazing super kind :). Disappointed we only booked for one night but would definitely stay here again, a little longer too. Thank you so much for a great stay

Awesome little motel/resort . Great value for money and clean and tidy. We stayed at the anchorage for two nights over school holidays as a small getaway from Napier. Its a no thrills motel not trying to be anything other than what it is. Nice spacious rooms, tidy and clean , warm and good amenities. The heated pool and spa pool was an added bonus and something that elevates the experience. This place has a good aura and feel which not doubt reflects the owners as they are super welcoming and friendly. My only negative was The pull out sofa bed probably needs to be discontinued as a sleeping option in a room as its virtually springs with little to no mattress but next time I’d just get a two bedroom unit. Thanks for your hospitality.

Booked the studio room with spectacular view of the lake. Peter (the host) is really friendly, easy to talk to and takes care of your needs. Fresh linens, room tidied daily, basic necessities are all covered + heated pool and spa pool made it perfect to cap our holiday. Will definitely be back in the near future.

Anchorage Resort is always our 'go to' on our way or to meet family. Have stayed 5 times now. Peter and the team are exceptional, go out of their way to make your stay memorable. I love the quiet location, lake views, heated pool, spa, well kept landscaping, accessible parking off the road, safe storage for bikes and clean, warm immaculate rooms. Have never heard others next door. Highly recommend to stay and enjoy pizzas and drinks at 2 Mile Bay Sailing club just across the road. Always look forward to our stay.

Our stay at the Anchorage Taupo was great, we loved everything about this motel. The hosts were lovely, super welcoming and helpful. The unit was excellent, as was the whole facility. We will definitely book here again.

Unfortunately If you want a goodnight sleep don’t choose the rooms with the spa bath. We had a neighbour filling theirs up at 11:30 and then put the jets on even though it says not to after 10. Also can hear through the walls… very awkward. Spa bath was the reason we choose this room and it was really good !! The view was nice but condensation in the morning makes it hard to see. Good kitchenette. Staff were friendly. Also if you stay in these rooms, shut the blind in the bathroom at night. You can see right through with the lights on.

Friendly greeting from reception. Room was large with decent bathroom and courtyard was nice. Single bed was very uncomfortable. Good shower pressure. Tv was way too hard to get going.

Stayed here on 1st November for 1 night with my partner and was greeted by a warm friendly receptionist. Loved the room, it was perfect and they swiftly accommodated to my needs requesting a ground floor room due to pregnancy and making it more accessible for me to our vehicle. Really love the privacy of carparking at this place, you feel secure and safe here as well as your vehicle not being exposed in full view to the street. Loved the cleanliness of the room, will definitely stay again.

Took way to long to check in..given room with spa. Went to the room to find other ppls suitcases in the room. Back to reception and the lady assigned a other room with spa. The room was spacious and clean, bed comfy but the main reason we were there was to relax and have a spa. The spa DIDNT WORK..we were disappointed 😔

Check in process was reasonably quick and the location is decent enough. The rooms are okay although some things looked quite dated ie. TV but still works fine. I'm not a fan of the shower design as the shower curtain does not stop water splashing below it which means wet floor everyhere around it which includes in front of the toilet as well as the sink. Parking was also not the best as. I needed the disability spot and it was very hard to get to it as space was quite narrow and combined with people who can't park properly, made it impossible to manouver to it.

Great spot to stay in Taupo! We booked a king room with a spa bath and it was amazing! The view of the lake off the balcony was an extra treat and the bed was super comfy. Great price, would highly recommend :)

Perfect location, really nice rooms, just not soundproof at all lol but other than no soundproof the place is a perfect 10

Staying for work so can’t comment on price I didn’t pay for. The service is excellent, very helpful with my late check in and despite its central location is very quiet. The rooms are very clean, albeit a bit dated, which mostly reflects in the bathroom/shower (which somehow did not have a hand towel holder by the sink) but the TVs are modern, which is nice. They are upfront about the slightly lacking kitchen facilities so if you want bench space and meals cooked on a stove, this is not the place to be (but Taupo has many great restaurants!). All in all not perfection but I’d have no problems returning.

Perfect stay. The gentleman manning the desk and checking us in (possibly the owner?) was engaging, fun and a delight. The location is basically perfect. The rooms are ever so slightly dated but perfectly warm and functional. Couldn't recommend this place more highly, mostly because of the staff. There's secure storage for bikes too.

Awesome place to stay, highly recommend! The man at reception was so helpful with recommendations for dinner. The room was spacious including the bathroom. It was warm and had cosy electric blankets. TV was a bit hard to figure out. Plenty of parking. Quiet area. Only recommendation for improvement would be to have a little curtain or blind over the window on the doors to block the light. Nice place to stay made even better by the kindness of the staff.

These people need a course to learn talk less and give good customer service. My children played in the room and they came to my door to ask be quiet !! Morning I wanted to drive out and there was a note on my car's door , You cannot park in the Disability parking lot. I went to office and I asked him, you did not see my permission Card for using Disability parking area? The reception guy told it does not matter at all, here is a private area and parking ,so you need to have our permission . I was really speechless to explain to such a nasty person .

Very poor service with booking. I booked a room here and the day after I received a voicemail that it has been cancelled. Called them 15 minutes after their voicemail and was told they emailed me but didn't respond and they just went ahead and cancelled the booking. I was told "well we can't hold the room forever". Well, this was barely 24 hours since I booked the room, I never asked the room to be held for me, in fact I was quite happy to pay if it meant securing the booking. He explained that they emailed me but I didn't respond (it went to my spam) and that they called but I didn't answer (this was the voicemail that they left, missed it because I was at work), before I could pull up my emails to check guy on the phone hung up on me. Just overall very rude and not helpful. I could forgive not being given enough notice to secure the room but the way that I was spoken to was very off-putting.

Great stay again. Rooms are always warm and well presented. 5 min walk away from central Taupo. Excellent.

Highly recommend. Clean rooms receptionist very helpful close to town definitely stay again

Not the best kept place, what looks like blood on the walls could easily be cleaned and this couch is disgusting. Our shower was broken so we couldn't shower. The extractor fan is filled with dust. No mattress protector on bed but thankfully the mattress is newish but bedding stained. The decor is pretty dated and the lobby smelled like old fish. I think at $150 we paid too much. I asked for compensation and the manager never called! Disappointed.

Great little place to stay. It’s got a confusing African tribal hut decor thing going on but that just adds to the charm. Reception staff are great and very accommodating. The room was clean and spacious with tea making facilities included. Shower was good. Use of the hot tub was included and was pretty good for relaxing after a hard day of relaxing. Location is indeed on the waterfront but a good half mile from the shops and bars etc but this makes it a nice and quiet place away from the touristic bustle of the town centre. Hop over the road and chill on the “beach” at night for decent stargazing as there is little light pollution

I've stayed here a number of times but the last stay, which was only this weekend gone, was a terrible rip off. I was charged $140 for my son and I. We were bitterly disappointed, mould around the shower and on the ceiling directly above. The room itself smelt musty and the noise from the above floors was horrendous! Value for money? Certainly not. Clean and hygienic? Absolutely not. Couldn't get out of there fast enough! Does not deserve a one star rating but will not post without it.

Cheap and clean... Which is good. Low quality -bed of a very poor quality, bedside tables shaky and unstable. Old style fan heater - noisy. Fan in the bathroom sounds like plane at the take off. No sound proofing at all - can hear heighbours fart! Overall - just a roof over the head at night time. On a positive note - take away fish and chips on site - great value for money! Huge piece of fish for $4.50!

Clean but pretty basic. It was quite noisy for us being in a double room on the ground floor. All the plumbing from above you can here and bathrooms fans. If on a budget and like confined spaces this should suit. On a positive note the shower pressure was good and water stayed hot.

A nice and affordable find literally across the street from Lake Taupo! After checking in, I went on a walk along the promenade in front of the lake and then hiked down to actually soak my feet in the cold waters with the gorgeous panoramic views! The room I had was nice with a comfortable bed, lots of pillows, in-suite bathroom with excellent water pressure and included shampoo, body wash, and lotion, hairdryer, and an electric kettle w/nice assortment of teas. The décor of the hotel itself is great and the room had a cute, charming nautical ambiance. The noise from the stairwell my room was next to was only bothersome in the evening when the foot traffic picked up and in the morning when people were leaving, but other than that, it was quiet. There is a restaurant on site w/takeaways and the check-in/check-out process was very fast, which I always appreciate! The parking is a limited, but I was able to find a space easily. There is also a water dispenser in the lobby to fill up your water bottle.

Our room was looking a little tired. Very firm mattress, but good pillows. The cooked breakfast was served in the restaurant at 7.30 with no other time options. A continental breakfast to the room was available for those who prefer to eat earlier/later.

This Backpackers is up for sale (Jan 2022). The pandemic has hit it hard, but it is still a great place to stay. Very central and handy to everything. Kerry, the owner was very friendly and helpful. The price for a room seemed high for a backpackers, but then this is a very clean place in a hugely popular tourist location.

Good location, fair price and seems to be tidy enough. Rented a room good for 5 people and we had our own toilet. We were able to cook our own food, play pool (2$ per game) and their is laundry available if needed. Only negative thing was a lot of insects/bugs flying in the room. I think they were attracted to the light. They was a certain coming off the A/C too but gradually disappears.

I really liked the place with friendly staff and country-like climate in the bustling centre of the city. The room was clean and the beds were comfortable - no signs of the bedbugs. Only disadvantage is that you cannot bring your own alcohol and the pub closes at 9 pm, so you really can't grab any beer in here.

Such a cute well laid out place! The room was very spacious with a lovely view of the lake with very clean facilities and an excellent kitchen. Having designated free parking was a huge bonus as well. Will definitely be back!

Friendly staff, handy location, clean, earplugs provided . Wifi was very fast. However if you are a light sleeper you will notice the walls seem very thin and can almost understand what people are saying in the next room. Later on at night there was a noisy vibration similar to a heavy vehicle idling outside but appears to be a fan vibrating the wall. If earplugs work OK for you its a good cheap stay. by isolating the fan heaters from the walls, and modifying the interior walls it would be 4/5

Not bad. Room was a little hot and something bit me all over my feet during the night. More of a party hostel then I expected - bar, beer pong, stag parties - but it wasn't too loud from the rooms and the bar closes pretty early. Bathrooms were fine, staff was really nice. Was a little strange to not be able to bring beer in due to their licensing.

Met Chris and Kerry, Great hosts/owners and will help get your accommodation sorted out no wuckers👍they are located in the perfect spot with great outdoor area to sit. It's a good and clean hostel.

We just spent an amazing weekend at The Village Resort. They really have thought of everything when setting up these rooms for a comfortable stay. The staff were so friendly and welcoming. The beds were super comfy with extra blankets, pillows , electric blankets provided. Great location with being only a 10 min walk into town. We will definitely be back!

I recently had the pleasure of staying at The Village Resort for work, and I can confidently say it was a remarkable experience. The staff were genuinely wonderful—always accommodating and friendly. The apartment exceeded my expectations, boasting all the amenities needed for effortless self-catering. The spacious rooms provided ample comfort, and the facilities were truly outstanding. Without a doubt, I highly recommend The Village Resort and look forward to my next stay!

10 minute walk to town centre. Views of the lake. Really roomy 2 bedroom apartment with super comfy additional pull down bed in the lounge. There were bikes to use for free as well as tennis rackets for the court for free use and really friendly welcome and staff. The heated pool was great even in the middle of winter and nice spa with lake view. We were really happy with the resort.

We stayed in a one-bedroom suite that was so spacious, modern and clean. Paul and Carol were exceptional hosts and very informative. We rented the free bikes to get into town which was very close. The pool was heated which was nice. Daily housekeeping service offered. Overall we will absolutely be back to stay again soon.

The Village Resort in Taupo is nothing short of exceptional and easily one of the most memorable stays we’ve had in New Zealand. The highlight of the property is its unbeatable location—Lake Taupo is literally a stone’s throw away, and waking up to those serene, sparkling waters is an experience in itself. It truly feels like the lake is part of the resort. The rooms are incredibly spacious, immaculately clean, and well-maintained. Every detail—from the plush bedding to the modern decor—has been thoughtfully considered. The amenities provided in the room were top-notch: a fully equipped kitchenette, washer and dryer, comfortable lounging area, and even heated flooring in some units. It felt more like a well-appointed apartment than a hotel room. The on-site facilities are equally impressive. The heated outdoor pool was a hit with the kids, while the adults loved soaking in the large, well-maintained hot tub after a day of sightseeing. Everything about the resort—from check-in to check-out—was smooth, warm, and professional. The only downside? It’s quite expensive, and understandably so given its premium location and offerings. You’ll also need to book well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. Overall, if you're looking for comfort, convenience, and a front-row seat to Lake Taupo's beauty, The Village Resort delivers in every way. Highly recommended.

We Stayed here while on holiday with our whanau (2 adults, 3 teens) and the place was outstanding. Walking distance to town, our apartment had a full functional kitchen, beautiful dining table, lovely day chairs that we could see the lake from (we had a garden view) the master bedroom was perfect. We had a laundry and 3 toilets, 2 bathrooms. Service was awesome and staff were so friendly. Loved the spa with the beautiful big window and view of the lake. We 100% will be booking here again.

We stayed in a one bedroom apartment for 3 nights recently and it was great. The apartment was spacious, clean and ideal for our needs. The private spa & heated pool were neat. Walking distance to Taupo central and the local market.

Fabulous stop in Taupo, with really friendly owner and great location. We stayed with our two girls and one small dog. Room was humble but very clean and had everything you need. We had to change our travel plans because the weather turned hazardous, but the owner was really understanding and tried to help us out. Can't recommend enough for classic Kiwi hospitality, we will definitely be back.

Happy we stayed here a night. Thought it would be noisy with the road so close but it's really quite quiet. Right across is the Lake Taupo and you can walk along it for miles. Sunset is great here. Rooms are OK and it looks like they just upgraded the toilets. Wished they'll install sensor lights in the carpark though cos it's quite dark. Owner is very helpful and friendly with a lot of information for tourists.

Great place, very clean rooms. It is on a major road towards the downtown but surprisingly quiet. You also get a small personal green space with a picnic table. Can literally walk across the road to the lake pathway with a few restaurants walking distance. Really friendly staff, I would stay again. Downside would be if you want to be in the heart of downtown it would be about a 20min walk.

Basic but excellent value for money. We stayed on a quiet night and slept like a log. Friendly managers and tidy units. Dog is welcome in some rooms.

Amazing location and service. Ross, the owner, is an amazing host. Incredibly handy location. Great spot for an overnight stay (or a few more nights if you want). Would definitely come back. A plus is that the place is dog friendly.

I have to say. The host Ross is lovely. The rooms clean and serviceable. The dog friendly option is brilliant and a off leash park directly behind. I can't recommend it enough for pet people. Thank you so much.

Very nice small motel. Reasonably well appointed although our aircon was slightly damaged. Very friendly staff who were very helpful.

Fabulous stay. The rooms were immensely clean and well-kept. Being located near Lake Taupo, the location is also perfect for a quick stroll or to sunbathe when the weather's good. If you're into kayaking, kayaks are also available for rent. If I had to pick an issue with the accomodation, it would be that it's a little far from the centre and if you're not driving, Ubers can be pretty hard to find in Taupo. That said, the hotel reception is more than happy to assist you with finding a taxi!

Was bliss to be able to relax and unwind after 6 days on the road different places different motels. Was wonderful to sleep in wake shower and head off not wake up shower and get ready for our next stage of racing or driving ex amount of km's to get to next stage.. However Cottage Mews is lovely clean and peaceful.. Thank your for the wonderful stay . Highly recommend

Lovely spacious room with private courtyard. Large in room spa bath. Well equipped kitchen. Great pressured shower. Good access to lakefront. Lovely stay.

Stayed there on the 18th October 25.Beautifully clean and tge room was very nice,we had our little dog with us she’s blind and there was a lovely little courtyard off our room where she could wander around.A very cosy place.

A great dog friendly motel at a reasonable price situated close to the beach. Older rooms but clean and tidy. Certainly recommend.

I really do not know how this got 4.6 rating. As for me it is .05 rating. My toilet at home is better. Carpets are so old and the furniture is for sure from the salvo's uncluding the beds. As we opened the door it was very heavy cleaning product which they claimed natural product.no resons use so much unless they arevtring to over come the old carpet smell We checked in opened the front and the back doors to get rid of the smell. Found another place with 2 hrs we were out of that dump. Also the guy at the reception was very unfriendly looked very unhappy. my husband booked this for us. We lost the money. We are in a clean pleasant place tonight. This is an very old out dated dump. Beds were uncomfortable we only sat on it. This is certainly not us. Very thing was wrong there oh boy. 0

Stayed here a few times its so nice. Well priced, everything you need, great location. Thank you for being pet friendly.

This place was a happy suprise for us, clean and fresh smelling. Quick night stop over. The manager was all ready for us with lights and heater going making out late night check in after a long day so pleasant. Thanks we will be back.

My best friend and I have traveled to many countries around the world and stayed at many different places. This hotel was so cute and simple. One of the only places in the area with Air conditioning. It was clean, had a small kitchen with everything you need to get the job done. Luis who works the front desk was so kind and so very accommodating. I would give this five stars all day. Family friendly as well.

As noted by someone else, there is a strong Hitchcock vibe to this campsite. It was dead quiet when we visited, with large towering oaks, an open kitchen with a leak from the roof, and pretty run down and ramshackle buildings. Bates Motel. That being said, everything worked, we were comfortable enough at our tent "site" (acres of space). Some nice walks and hot pools in the area too.

Very well priced, clean and tidy, really happy with our experience staying here.

I got a flat tire on a Wednesday night and needed somewhere to stay until a replacement could be sourced. Called several other places who were either closed or booked out. Managed to get a hold of the manager here, who said he would stay up until I could get the car towed into town (This was around 10:30). He even gave me a later check out time the next day so I could continue working whilst I was waiting for my tires to get changed. Amazing service and good value for money. Would definitely stay here again.

Very friendly & helpful host who gave us tips on a terrific nearby lakeside walk. I’d stop over here again. Everything very clean. Communal kitchen includes necessities for basic meals. Plenty of space for vans, tents, etc. We stayed in an 8 bed unit with toilets/showers next door.

I am writing this review solely as a wheelchair user . My Husband and I did not pre-book our stay, it was a last minute decision, and what a great decision that was. What a wonderful place. The unit was totally wheelchair friendly, easy access into the unit, bathroom set up to perfection, great height for the loo, shower etc. Great bonus was all cups and other crockery was easily accessible not in high cupboards that you can't get anything out. The Owner/Guy who checked us in could not have made us feel more welcome, it was like being greeted by a friend. We will definately stay here again without hesitation and encourage anyone who is in a wheelchair to stay here as well. Just Brilliant.

It is very apparent that the owners do the bare minimum to keep this motel running. There is no reception at all. Rooms are adequate for 1 night. Bed and pillows very uncomfortable, cheapest options purchased no doubt. Bathroom window was left open slightly (not by us) and we were overrun with bugs at night all throughout the room, kitchen and bathroom. Toilet paper is 1ply or maybe half ply if that exists? Bathroom smelt like bleach and the fan did not do anything at all to get rid of condensation. The kitchen was basic and had 1 item per person. The plug was in a very poor position and dangerous, it was right above the elements. Other plugs sockets were coming away from the wall - very unsafe. TV was a decent size and had many channels. Overall, would I stay again - nope, it is extremely overpriced for what they offer and there are many other options available within that price range. I hope the owners read this review and make the necessary changes.

I think this motel should be 3 star, not 4. Location is great by the lake but a bit of a walk to the restaurants. The bed is old, the pillows not very comfy. It said on the site that guest laundry is available but no. The booking arrangement was strange, no reception and despite booking through hotels.com we had to give them a credit card over the phone. Twice. They should have emailed code and details, but no. Service is non existent- at the place or online. On the positive side is the location and if you as we are on the second floor you can sit on the balcony and enjoy the sunset. We had a morning swim in the lake - super nice!

We came as a family as booked in by my husband...you have to give e-reception your credit card details, room is very small, pillows are way too hard and thick and spa in room doesn't work properly. Quite a disappointment

An e motel, no reception, confusing to access where to get they room key, no instructions, were almost going to knock on the next room when we got it opened. Very tight carpark when full with a bigger vehicle. I would of thought been a e motel it would reflect in the price however was more pricey than others we have stayed in , in Taupo. Was thankful to get a room on a Saturday night however wouldn't be my first choice in Taupo in the future.

$250 a night for this is a joke, not 4 star more like a 2. It's Easter weekend but I don't think places like this can warrent uping their prices. Rundown, internet connection poor quality so Netflix etc doesn't work, and beds slightly softer than sleeping on the ground. Can't open our windows to air the place out or enjoy the "patio with lake view" for a drink as seem to be our neighbors smoking perch through out the day. Looks to be part of the furniture in this joint as leaves his ciggies and butts on the table for all to enjoy.

Checking in process is very confusing- not on-site and have to call to get access to your room but this is not stated anywhere and I had to talk to another guest to figure it out. Would make it a lot easier if they would send an email beforehand with instructions. Rooms are a bit shabby but clean. Location is great.

Pity the spa bath was working as advertised but that aside lovely venue

Excellent regional airport that checked our bags all the way through Auckland through to Melbourne. You don’t need to arrive earlier than 1hr prior to departure. The car hire was the easiest we have ever done.

Wow, this place is tiny! But with this micro airport comes a super friendly atmosphere. The little cafe with yummy cakes, the 1 and only gate...it’s a novelty for foreigners used to massive airports and all the stress that entails. This was a really nice place to fly from.

The down side to this airport is the cold air-conditioning. It is cold enough out side with out having to endure more cold inside. It is far from comfortable and there is no seating to escape the air con vents. Really, Taupo Airport you can do better.

A great regional terminal. Parking is really efficient with pay wave as you exit, really convenient. The Cafe was excellent with the staff very helpful and super friendly. A fogs selection of food and great coffee. A short but enjoyable visit.

This is how provincial airports should be; friendly, welcoming and small - a happy experience!

Brand new airport, very comfortable with a superb cafe.

Lovely modern airport. Only visited to pick up and drop off. Can watch the luggage being loaded and unloaded. Can watch passengers arrive and depart. Has a neat luggage conveyor belt on the left as passengers enter the ARRIVAL doors. The arrival doors for passengers are the second lot of sliding glass doors a few metres along from the first lot of doors.

Clean, basic, cheap, and best of all, when there was nowhere else available for 2 mature women at 11.30pm, who just wanted somewhere safe to sleep, the wonderful manager got out of bed to give us a room. Very much appreciated! A million thank yous!

We had the en suite, it was spacious and clean. Free WiFi available, laundry and dryer at a fee of $5. Kitchen is quite spacious and bathrooms and clean. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Great place to stay at if you are heading for the Crossing, as it is a short 25 mins drive away.

The best backpackers we have ever been to. The staff was super friendly. Very reasonably priced rooms and facilities. If we ever come back back that side, this will be our first choice. Very clean, I liked how everything, was kept ready for us at a short notice, including our entry code late that night...God bless!!!

I loved this place! By now, one of the best hostels I've been. Coat, the manager, has amazing energy to make you feel like you are at home! Thanks for these two nights and for the fish! The dinner was so great! 😊

Great hostel with good facilities. Good WiFi, kitchen, and living space. BBQ available too,close to new world and petrol station. No laundry service available though. The room was very nice with comfy beds and the lady who runs it was very nice and friendly. Also very accommodating upon us adding an extra night allowing us to pay after we returned from the crossing. Only a 20min drive from shuttle pick up point for those doing the tongariro crossing. There is not much to do in the town though. Very quiet.

Stayed just a few days here.Spacious,clean,well equipped kitchen but wouldn't really recommend it. Unavailable & not to welcoming staff (think actual owner wasn't around that's why maybe?). The laundry is all the time closed eventhough it's in the opening times and when we tried several times during the day to reach the staff to use the laundry we couldn't find them. We were hiking so would have been good to wash our stuff.. Searched,text,called but no reply.

Terrible service. Arrived during check in hours and reception was locked. After ringing buzzer and knocking on the front door a worker opened the door to door. She was dressed like she was going to bed. Didn't know of my booking. I asked when they close and she proceeded to go on about how she doesn't get paid and the only people staying here are long term tenants . When she found my booking she handed me the key. No info or instructions about facilities. Room was clean but old and musky smell. Room was freezing. Heater provided was broken. I wouldn't recommend staying here. Your car would be alot more comfortable than this place. Save your money, don't go.

There is not much to see in terms of recognizable archeological evidence here, but the information boards are helpful. It also provides a brilliant view of the lake and island and Tongariro ranges.

Interesting historical beautiful pa site. Great views

What a lovely view out over the lake. We could hear bellbirds calling, and finally saw one. It was a really easy walk in to the building. It was not what we expected, but in super happy to read about the restoration of the whenua, to reestablish a pataka kai.

A hidden gem, visited this place twice and at both times deserted, much to my delight! I explored the bush quietly and come up close and personal with several Kererus or the NZ mountain pigeons . Such beautiful, gentle, plump looking birds. They occasionally glanced at me but they quickly lost interest and tolerated my presence. Breathtaking views of Mutuopuhi Island and Lake Rotoaira, which on a calm day, the water is still as glass. Lots of swans, ducks and other birds. This place is historic and is designated as a Maori reserve site. It is also the birthplace of the now famous Haka.

2 min walk. Best views of the crossing from far. Highly recommended, look for little pathway down the grass verge for another point of view. Must stop.

Awesome views over lake and mountains, worth a short walk

Disappointingly little about the history. No sign to show where the post holes are. Some areas overgrown and indistinct. Some nice views. For history the Porere Redoubt is more interesting, and not too far.

Stayed for a night only, so can't give a full review of the place. Came in towards the end of the evening and checked out early as per busy weekend schedule. Room (Twin with ensuite) was very clean and tidy. Got an excellent night sleep. Wasn't immediately apparent from the booking site (was a last minute, 'night before' booking), lodge is predominately wholly a Back Packers (has no separate motel style units), Visitors are encouraged to leave their mark on the walls (like a guestbook), etc adding to the unique Character of the place. Has food for sale on site, (as I came in relatively late, somehow missed it, would have perhaps eaten there if I knew about it) with apparently fairly reasonably prices. Only issue was perhaps the smoke getting in through the window in the early morning from the adjoining deck. When I closed the windows, smokers, realizing that there was a room there, politely moved away. Overall, an older style, eclectic, unique place. Can't reasonably fault it as a back packers.

Stayed for 3 nights. The hostel is old but has sufficient facilities. The bathroom was dirty when we arrived. We discussed this with the owner. He said that the bathroom was only cleaned when the room was empty. We were in an 8 bed dorm. This meant it was not to be cleaned during are stay and at least for 5 nights as there were still people staying when we left the hostel. We also commented that we noted a staff member not changethe duvet sheet between stays. This is common practice he said and that they try and change it every other person. We found that the hostel was generally dirty and tired looking. There were a lot of flies in the kitchen although it appeared clean. The wifi was dodgy and switched off and on. When I mentioned to the owner it wasn't working, his comment was, "you should get a new computer". My laptop is a couple of weeks old and the wifi wasn't working on my phone either. This could be a really good hostel if facilities were tidied up and the owners cared about hygiene and cleanliness. I'm sure most people will agree that they don't want to sleep in other people's sheets.

Great place to crash and chill for a while. The owner is a great guy, friendly and helpful. Lots of local knowledge and suggestions and very accommodating. The lodge itself is great. Clean quiet and spacious rooms. En suite facilities more than adequate with a great shower. Communal areas good, with a lounge, huge kitchen with multiple stove ranges, dining room and games room. Netflix included and WiFi was good enough. Decent quality mountain bikes are available to hire at a competitive price. The lodge is located very close to all the adventure things like the bungy and the falls and hot spring etc but that does put it about a mile away from the town centre and lake front. Various activities can be booked through reception such as the shuttle to tongariro crossing. Would highly recommend this place.

Very kind staff, quiet rooms, and close to everything while still being affordable. From here you can walk to the lake, the spa park, and Huka Falls. There is a fish and chips shop just up the street as well. Kitchen is a little small compared to other hostels, but the atmosphere more than makes up for it.

I booked a twin bed in the 3 person room. During check-in I was downgraded to a 4 person single bed. I cant recall the guys name who served me, I think it was "Brett". His tone in my opinion was firm and not sympathetic to my situation considering I was being ripped off by this business and their simple inability to transact in a fair and transperant way to what they were advertising online. He also said that as I was staying only 1 night it made sense to put me together in the 4 person room. He wouldnt give me the room I prepaid for 3 weeks ago. And I was forced to go in the 4 person room with single beds or my booking would be cancelled. It was a bad experiance and it didnt seem fair to not get what was paid for. Also its not a very nice looking venue. It generally looks in a state of disrepair. The mens toilet for example was broken and just had a "do not use" sign on the door. I wouldnt recommend you spend your money at this venue as Taupo as many better alternatives.

This was my favorite Hostel on the North Island! Tim was awesome! He helped us make our way around and told of us of all the great local spots for food, hiking, and Leasure! Great fellow! Super friendly and always in a good mood. A real pleasure. It's a cool way to meet fellow travellers or to relax. If you are travelling New Zealand on a backpackers budget or a Holiday with a bit of extra cash. I would 100% recommend this place! 2-3 mins from Downtown, the Actual Lake, Thermal Spa Park, and many others. Favorite Hostel hands down!!!

Four of us occupied a dorm last weekend. Mattresses are too soft. Water flow in toilet is too slow to refill. That made the toilet frequently doesn't have enough water to flush and has a smell. Second floor above us make noises when people walking. Do not recommended.

This is a truck stopover accommodation. There are only two toilets and bathrooms, which are shared by the entire building. There are always ants on the bed in the room. It is not very clean. Be careful when booking accommodation.

Wasn’t aware and didn’t state anywhere that this was a truck stop when booking. Very hard to find with no signage.. as stated in other reviews didn’t feel too safe so we pretty much walked in and then back out to book somewhere else as we were a bit uncomfortable with the vibe and room. The bathroom also didn’t seem to be too clean as there were orange pubes under the toilet seat.. yuck. That’s what you get for cheaper accom I guess eeek always check the reviews before booking.

This was a newly renovated block. The rooms were comfortable and spotlessly clean. Pin code entry was fine. The only downside was that although there was a communal kitchen with microwave, kettle and toaster, there was no cutlery or crockery so I took a quick trip to Warehouse to buy my own (which I will travel with in future). The only other issue was no batteries in the tv remote in the communal area. I'm sure these are teething problems as the stay was very comfortable and very affordable. Will certainly use it again.

ITS A TRUCK STOP!!!! BEWARE. Very uneasy feel to it. not comfortable. we couldnt even bring ourselves to stay here. very poorly advertised. hallway is dark and gloomy.

Had an awesome experience staying here for two nights. Easy booking and such a great quiet spot to relax. Thanks for the stay.

Diner closes far too early

Not a good experience...

Lovely place to stay. Thankyou for your hospitality... see you again in 4 days. Would of loved to have a small kitchette with a sink. Not used to filling jug for a coffee in the bathroom 😄

A real find. So comfy yet unobtrusive. It is tucked away close to the town centre. I scored Room #4 and what a find it is. The bed is super comfy and the presentation of the room is flawless. Warm and private. I left my watch behind . Doh. Within a couple of hours I received an sms asking if it was mine. They offered to ship it to me and posted it within an hour!. Brilliant helpful Kiwi hospitality. I will be back!

Went here last week as a last minute booking (12pm) when I couldn't drive safely home (too tired) lovely room, comfy bed and friendly service when my tired brain couldn't figure out the entry instructions were emailed to me... Had received some negative feedback from another place earlier in the night and was tired and frustrated... The Inn owners were amazing Pet friendly room which was a bonus as my cat and dog were welcomed in to stretch their legs!

Travelling late we made a last minute decision to book a room the host made our stop n stay real easy... Clean tidy an comfortable rooms Thank you much appreciated

Cute wee motel. Clean, modern, comfortable and a quiet location. Very pleased with our stay

Excellent pet friendly unit compact and clean great internet

Although it was a bit more expensive it was a great motel