No matter what you love, there’s something in Taupo for everyone. Lovers of art and culture may want to visit the Lava Glass Sculpture Garden, learn about Maori culture at the Taupo Museum, or visit the Ngatoroirangi Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings. Those who want to see the sights may enjoy the Waipahihi Botanical Reserve or take a cruise on Lake Taupo.
There’s no shortage of options like cycling, hiking, skiing, and dozens of water sports for visitors who want action.
Many of the water activities happen on Lake Taupo, the 237-square-mile (516km²) lake nestled in the caldera of the Taupo Volcano. Lake Taupo is a popular location to take a cruise or go for a boat ride. Kayaks and jet skis are common to see on the water, and the lake is the perfect place for freshwater fishing.
Lake Taupo is not only a hub for activity and adventure, but the lake itself is beautiful. For travelers to Lake Taupo, a view of the lake and the mountains beyond it are a must when booking their accommodations. Luckily, Taupo is not the only town on the lake, and there are plenty of towns with beach houses perfect for travelers.
Below, you’ll find some of our favorite lodging options on Lake Taupo that are perfect for your next lakeside retreat.
Lakefront Villa
In Waitahanui, a town on the shores of Five Mile Bay on the east side of Lake Taupo is Lakefront Villa. This open and airy Tuscan-style villa is the perfect getaway for family or friends. Large windows surround the living room, filling the first floor with natural light and allowing guests to take in the picturesque view. Glass doors open onto the spacious deck, perfect for group meals or watching the sunset.
At two stories, this spacious villa can sleep ten people within its five bedrooms. At two and a half baths, each floor has a bathroom with a shower. Not only is there a fully-equipped kitchen and outdoor barbeque pergola, but the villa is only an 11-minute drive to the shops and restaurants in Taupo. There’s no shortage of options to feed your group!
There’s no shortage of options for activities, either. The water is steps from the outdoor deck, allowing guests access to fish or swim. The property also boasts an expansive lawn perfect for outdoor games. Pets are welcome as long as they stay outside, but no smoking, please.
Ani Miria Lakefront
You’ll find Ani Miria Lakefront in the town of Tauranga Taupo on the southeastern corner of Lake Taupo. The outdoor deck of this cabin-style lodge is the perfect place to watch the sunset over the lake. With four bedrooms and the capacity to sleep eight, Ani Miria Lakefront is the ideal location for a group getaway.
Kids will love the bunk beds in the upstairs loft, while the adults can relax in the two rooms with queen-sized beds. The two bathrooms are on the main floor, both with a shower and one with a bathtub.
Ani Miria Lakefront offers WiFi, but you might not have time to use it. Guests can swim in the lake or use one of the property’s two kayaks. Those who like to fish will find themselves with several nearby rivers to choose from, while skiers can take a day trip to one of several locations within a few hour’s drive. Taupo is only a 30-minute drive away for those interested in more activities.
Breachmor
Like the Ani Miria Lakefront, Breachmor is in Tauranga Taupo. With many similarities to the Ani Miria Lakefront, Breachmor offers guests an eclectic charm along with its beachfront location. Eight people can sleep within the single-story cabin’s five bedrooms, three of which offer queen beds and the others with two twins. Even pets have their own place to play in the fully-fenced backyard.
Large windows in the kitchen allow natural light to fill the rest of the open floor plan. In the back, a beautiful garden is a perfect place to watch the kids and dogs play, relax with a book, or utilize the provided WiFi. The 30-minute drive to Taupo means plenty of activities nearby, but with swimming, kayaking, and onsite boat parking, you may not need to leave Breachmor.
Fenworth
If the heart of the city is more your style, Fenworth is the place for you. This Tudor-style property offers four bedrooms and accommodations for eight people. The first floor has one room with one queen and one single bed, and one bathroom.
The other bathroom is on the second floor with the kitchen and living room, and both bathrooms have showers. The remaining three bedrooms flow through each other on the third floor. The third floor also includes a balcony, where guests can drink in views of Lake Taupo and use the WiFi.
The property is not situated on the beach itself but instead across the street. Regardless, the view of Lake Taupo is unobstructed. If you cross the street and walk along the lake, you’ll arrive at the city center in just under 15 minutes. Fenworth’s location in Taupo means you’re conveniently located near all of Taupo’s events and attractions.
Paradise Found
Located just south of Taupo on Four Mile Bay is Wharewaka, and within it, Paradise Found. Looking for a more romantic retreat or something for you, your partner, and the kids? You’ll find it at Paradise Found. Between the two bedrooms, Paradise Found can sleep four. The first bedroom offers a queen-size bed and sliding glass doors opening to a private deck and views of Lake Taupo.
Bedroom two holds two twin beds that you can push together to make a king.
While Paradise Found doesn’t sit right on the beach, the reserve separating the two features a playground for kids as well as biking and walking trails. The property has room for boat parking and also provides a kayak. You may not want to leave this little retreat, but if you need to, you can reach the city center of Taupo in about ten minutes.
Conclusion
Taupo offers a little something for everyone, whether you’re looking to relax, looking for action, or looking for culture. However, nothing is quite like Lake Taupo. However large a group you’re traveling with, there’s a rental option for you. Don’t miss the chance to spend your vacation beachfront on the beautiful Lake Taupo.
