Lake Taupo Lodge

This lodge is highly rated on TripAdvisor so I am hesitant to share our experience. Not sure what all the buzz is about. We booked the premium lake suite, which is basically an upstairs bedroom in a private home. Everything was a bit awkward for us and we almost felt like we were intruding in their space. Nothing was remarkable or special about the decor. Circa 1990’s. Maybe booking a room in the separate building is better? Sorry, it was our least favorite experience in NZ.

Amazing lodge designed in the Frank Lloyd Wright style- would give it 6 stars if I could (and there are only a few places worldwide that I would do that). The owners are so hospitable. Their home and this lodge has every detail a traveler could want. Upon arrival, Cliff showed us around. The house is gorgeous. We were staying here 4 nights and they upgraded us to the Lloyd suite, a large, airy room with a balcony overlooking the lake and a spectacular garden. At 6:15 there was a complimentary drink with homemade canapés every night. Breakfast with the other guests was at a shared table. It was wonderful and delicious. A spread on the counter of fruit and granolas etc; then the chef prepared a hot meal for us. The hospitality made us feel so welcome; the staff was amazing; the lodge was a delight to stay in. It was one of the best, if not the best place we stayed in during our 2 month trip to New Zealand.

What a wonderful stay! Gary, Shirley and Chris make you feel like this is your home. But better! The rooms are very well appointed with a view of the beautiful manicured gardens and the lake. Chris’ breakfasts and happy hour hors d’ouevres were tasty and always beautifully presented. Gary took care of dinner reservations at local restaurants. Their home/lodge has a wonderful history well worth taking the time to ask Gary about. We loved our stay there!

We felt as if we were welcomed into a beautiful home. Gardens were spectacular! Breakfast were 10/10! Thank you Gary, Victoria and Mike!

Lake Taupo Lodge is an elegant property designed in the architectural style of Frank Lloyd Wright, situated above the lake with magnificent views and a wonderful garden. During our stay, we occupied one of the suites in the annex. The room was generously sized and stylishly furnished, and the bathroom was also very spacious. The highlight, however, was the warm welcome by the owner. Gary showed us around the lodge and went above and beyond to make our stay as pleasant as possible. Since we had no dinner plans, he assisted us with restaurant recommendations and took care of the table reservations immediately. In the late afternoon, guests gather for a glass of wine and canapés, which further contributes to the personal atmosphere. In the morning, a rich breakfast is served that leaves nothing to be desired. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and felt it was a privilege to have been guests in this house.

We stayed all too briefly with Gary and his team at the Lodge in March 2026. The Lodge is boutique and like a house or home - and Gary and the team treated us like we were home. Breakfasts were a highlight and the Lodge's location and outlook over the lake itself were amazing. If you like a more comforting and welcoming "home away from home", without all the "new hotel" bells and whistles, then Lake Taupo Lodge is it.

The facility on Lake Taupo is amazing…beautiful rooms, beautiful grounds, and beautiful people. The owners Gary and Shirley make you feel so welcome and the staff enhance all aspects of the stay!

Our stay at Lake Taupo Lodge was truly special. From the moment we arrived, we were struck by how beautiful the lodge is — and the views and surrounding landscape somehow make it even better. The whole team made us feel genuinely welcome and cared for — nothing ever felt like too much trouble. Each morning’s made-to-order breakfast was something we looked forward to, and coming back in the evenings to wine and canapés after a full day out was such a thoughtful touch. Chef Chris was the highlight of our stay with his food, attentiveness and sense of humor! We wouldn’t hesitate to stay again, and we can’t imagine visiting Taupo without returning to Lake Taupo Lodge.