Butterfly
Butterfly, Tongariro Street, Rangatira Park, Taupō 3351, New Zealand- Sculpture
English
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77% match
76% match
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About this hotel
Central Location and Vibrant Surroundings
Based by the Lake in Taupo offers a prime location near the lake and the town's bustling attractions, making it the perfect hub for entertainment and exploration.
Modern Accommodation with Free Amenities
Choose from dormitory-style rooms or private guest bedrooms, all equipped with clean, modern facilities. Enjoy complimentary WiFi, BBQ facilities, and linen, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Convenient Facilities and Exciting Activities
Relax on the sundeck with mountain views, utilize the shared kitchen, and explore nearby attractions like Aratiatia Dam and Huka Falls. For adrenaline junkies, the hotel can arrange thrilling activities like bungee jumping and jet boating.
Book your stay at Based by the Lake for a vibrant and adventure-filled experience in Taupo!
Nearby Attractions
Trout
Trout, Ferry Road, Nukuhau, Taupō 3351, New Zealand- Sculpture
Tongariro South Domain
Tongariro South Domain, Nukuhau, Taupō, Taupō District, New Zealand- Park
Sri Chinmoy
Sri Chinmoy, Ferry Road, Nukuhau, Taupō 3351, New Zealand- Statue
Ski Bunny
Ski Bunny, Ruapehu Street, Rangatira Park, Taupō 3377, New Zealand- Mural
Chinese Arch
Chinese Arch, Ferry Road, Nukuhau, Taupō 3351, New Zealand- Monument
Dog Head Hill
Dog Head Hill, Roberts Street, Rangatira Park, Taupō 3377, New Zealand- Sculpture
Ruapehu Rooster
Ruapehu Rooster, Ruapehu Street, Rangatira Park, Taupō 3377, New Zealand- Mural
Douglas DC-3
Douglas DC-3, Ruapehu Street, Rangatira Park, Taupō 3377, New Zealand- Historic
- Tourist Site
- Attraction
- Aircraft
Heartland
Heartland, Story Place, Nukuhau, Taupō 3351, New Zealand- Sculpture
Important Information
Please note that bookings for more than 2 guests in a dormitory room, bedding in the same room cannot be guaranteed.
Please note that Based by the Lake does not accept payments with American Express credit cards.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
A deposit may be required at the property.
Stay Details
Check-in from
02:00 PM
Check-out by
10:00 AM
Children
Not allowed
Pets
Not allowed
Amenities
WiFi available
Free WiFi
Non-smoking rooms
Restaurant
Heating
Hiking
Laundry
Luggage storage
Fishing
Cycling
Safety deposit box
Bar
Horse riding
Golf course
Facilities for disabled guests
Canoeing
Skiing
Ski storage
Mini golf
Billiards
Non-smoking throughout
Sun terrace
Daily housekeeping
Designated smoking area
Board games/puzzles
Shared kitchen
Water park
Vending machine - drinks
Toilet with grab rails
Adult only
Lower bathroom sink
Higher level toilet
Emergency cord in bathroom
Outdoor furniture
Staff adhere to local safety protocols
Laundry washed per local authority guidelines
Guest rooms disinfected between stays
Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
Physical distancing rules followed
Hand sanitizer in guest room and key areas
Cashless payment available
Fire extinguishers
First aid kit available
Guests can opt-out any cleaning services during stay
Smoke alarms
Key access
CCTV outside property
CCTV in common areas
Process in place to check health of guests
Face masks for guests available
Walking tours
Key card access
Live music/performance
Happy hour
Room Types
4 Bed Ensuite Dormitory - No Children
Up to 1 guests15 sqmBunk bed (Variable Size)
This dormitory room offers a bathroom and heating.
The rate is based on 1 person occupying a bunk in a shared dormitory.
Sleeps
Up to 1 guests
1 adults
Beds
Bunk bed (Variable Size)
Room details
15 sqm
In-room amenities
ShowerToiletPrivate bathroomHeatingLinenUpper floors accessible by stairs onlyToilet paperTrash cansSocket near the bedAccessible by liftSmoke alarmKey card accessEarplugs
Double Room with Private Bathroom - No Children
Up to 2 guests12 sqmDouble bed (131-150 cm wide)
This double bedroom features private bathroom facilities, tea and coffee and a TV. The rooms are street-facing and provide views of Taupo's bar and restaurant area.
Sleeps
Up to 2 guests
2 adults
Beds
Double bed (131-150 cm wide)
Room details
12 sqm
In-room amenities
Coffee/tea makerShowerTVFanToiletPrivate bathroomHeatingElectric kettleLinenUpper floors accessible by stairs onlyToilet paperTrash cansShampooConditionerBody soapSocket near the bed
Deluxe Double or Twin Room - No Children
Up to 2 guests12 sqmQueen bed (151-180 cm wide), 2 Twin bed (90-130 cm wide)
This deluxe room provides a King size bed, private bathroom, TV and tea and coffee. It also features lake and mountain views.
Sleeps
Up to 2 guests
2 adults
Beds
Queen bed (151-180 cm wide), 2 Twin bed (90-130 cm wide)
Room details
12 sqm
Mountain View
In-room amenities
Coffee/tea makerShowerTVFanToiletPrivate bathroomHeatingElectric kettleLinenUpper floors accessible by stairs onlyToilet paperTrash cansShampooConditionerBody soapSocket near the bed
Budget Double Room - No Children
Up to 3 guests12 sqmBunk bed (Variable Size)
This private room includes a private bathroom and tea and coffee.
Sleeps
Up to 3 guests
3 adults
Beds
Bunk bed (Variable Size)
Room details
12 sqm
In-room amenities
Coffee/tea makerShowerFanToiletPrivate bathroomHeatingElectric kettleLinenUpper floors accessible by stairs onlyToilet paperTrash cansShampooConditionerBody soapSocket near the bedSmoke alarm
Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room - No Children
Up to 1 guests16 sqmBunk bed (Variable Size)
Rooms are 16 square yards.
Sleeps
Up to 1 guests
1 adults
Beds
Bunk bed (Variable Size)
Room details
16 sqm
In-room amenities
ShowerToiletPrivate bathroomHeatingLinenUpper floors accessible by stairs onlyToilet paperTrash cansSocket near the bedSmoke alarmKey card accessEarplugs
Standard Twin Room - No Children
Up to 2 guests15 sqm2 Twin bed (90-130 cm wide)
This twin room features a private bathroom, a carpeted floor and lake views. The unit offers 2 beds.
Sleeps
Up to 2 guests
2 adults
Beds
2 Twin bed (90-130 cm wide)
Room details
15 sqm
Lake View
In-room amenities
ShowerToiletPrivate bathroomHeatingLinenUpper floors accessible by stairs onlyToilet paperTrash cansSocket near the bedSmoke alarmKey card accessEarplugs
Shared Dormitory
Up to 1 guestsBunk bed (90-99 cm wide)
1 Twin Bunk Bed
Internet - Free WiFi
Food & Drink - Refrigerator, shared/communal kitchen access, toaster, and cleaning supplies
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom and shower
Comfort - Fresh bed sheets (on request), fresh towels (on request), and daily housekeeping
Accessibility - Wheelchair accessible
Need to Know - Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
Non-Smoking
Sleeps
Up to 1 guests
1 adults
Beds
Bunk bed (90-99 cm wide)
In-room amenities
ShowerMini-fridgeRefrigeratorPrivate bathroomHeatingStovetopToasterWheelchair accessibleDaily housekeepingFree WiFiShared/communal kitchen accessBedsheets providedToothbrush and toothpaste availableToothbrush and toothpaste not availableChange of towels (on request)Change of bed sheets (on request)
Basic Triple Room
Up to 3 guestsBunk bed (131-150 cm wide)
1 Double Bunk Bed
Internet - Free WiFi
Food & Drink - Refrigerator, shared/communal kitchen access, toaster, and cleaning supplies
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom and shower
Comfort - Fresh bed sheets (on request), fresh towels (on request), and daily housekeeping
Need to Know - Toothbrush and toothpaste not available
Non-Smoking
Sleeps
Up to 3 guests
3 adults
Beds
Bunk bed (131-150 cm wide)
In-room amenities
ShowerMini-fridgeRefrigeratorPrivate bathroomHeatingStovetopToasterDaily housekeepingFree WiFiShared/communal kitchen accessBedsheets providedToothbrush and toothpaste availableToothbrush and toothpaste not availableChange of towels (on request)Change of bed sheets (on request)
Single Bed in Female Dormitory Room - Sanctuary - No Children
Up to 1 guests15 sqmBunk bed (Variable Size)
This female-only dormitory includes an private bathroom with a hair dryer and hair straighteners.
Sleeps
Up to 1 guests
1 adults
Beds
Bunk bed (Variable Size)
Room details
15 sqm
In-room amenities
ShowerToiletPrivate bathroomHeatingLinenUpper floors accessible by stairs onlyToilet paperTrash cansSocket near the bedSmoke alarmKey card accessEarplugs
Ask about this hotel
Get answers about amenities, policies, and more — e.g. “Are pets allowed?” or “Is parking available?”
Guest reviews(1,909 total)
Provider-sourced guest reviews.
5/10
Reviewed Sep 20, 2026Convinced and view
Walking up the stairs
7/10
Reviewed Sep 17, 2026很有性价比。
其实临街有一点吵。
10/10
Reviewed Sep 13, 2026Best bang for buck out there, exceptional and delightful stay
10/10
Reviewed Sep 12, 2026it’s very close to town , everything’s walking distance !
4/10
Reviewed Aug 26, 2026Excellent location
Definitely get what you pay for, not clean, mold, lots of broken aspects to the place, very run down
5/10
Reviewed Aug 22, 2026Location
Staff
7/10
Reviewed Aug 17, 2026Right in the heart of Taupo
Across the road from a night club that played great music till 3am
9/10
Reviewed Aug 16, 2026Parking is a problem. Future planning is required. I have a suggestion for the management.
Overall it is good value 👌
8/10
Reviewed Aug 10, 2026Suited pur need, just right for us. Great location near everything we needed.
Stairs two flights up, no elevator. Otherwise was very good.
1/10
Reviewed Aug 7, 2026terrible. pub too close music on all night cannot sleep!!
8/10
Reviewed Jul 22, 2026Good location
Quite noisy at the night because of the pub at the side but still acceptable
9/10
Reviewed Jul 21, 2026Walking distance to the lake Taupō
Pub across the road kept playing loud music until late night, was difficult to sleep….
3/10
Reviewed Jul 14, 2026location
no main facilities such as towels, soap. heater needs to be turned on every 30 minutes.
1/10
Reviewed Jul 13, 2026Room was ok, clean and bed was comfortable too. Location of the room......towards the road...and what we experienced was bad
Noise. This hotel is directly opposite the pub. if you are looking to have restful sleep forget about it. The music across the road (and what will you expect from an open disco), was deafening. The cups in our room were literally vibrating. There was no question of being able to sleep. We asked the staff about the noise - they told us - and were straight forward - "God bless your brother". And, with such a noise, we were definitely not blessed that night. So we left the hotel at 12.30AM, and drove back to Auckland, slept at our own bed at 4AM, next day, the whole day, we were in hangover mode without the drink. If you are looking to go to disco yourself and crash drunk afterwards, may be it will be suitable, but if you are looking for peaceful stay, this is not the place.
10/10
Reviewed Jul 12, 2026I like the view from our room and kitchen. Clean room as well.
There's no elevator for levels 2 and up, there's no private parking area for guests
4/10
Reviewed Jul 10, 2026Located at the prime area Easy access to restaurants and places of interest
Very run down poorly maintained. Broken Toilet seat, Wall Hanger , window latch , Toilet's door, Main door lock. All broken
10/10
Reviewed Jul 10, 2026Great job
8/10
Reviewed Jul 9, 2026View of lake park had balcony, lovely receptionist, still hear music but central to club restaurants town. Hot shower heater good but had timing and shut off
Room was cold when heater shutoff, need getup turn back on, need extra blanket
10/10
Reviewed Jul 7, 2026Great location, right in the middle of town.
6/10
Reviewed Jul 3, 2026Kitchen to far away
10/10
Reviewed Jun 27, 2026Receptionist very pleasant, clean, handy to what we needed.
10/10
Reviewed Jun 20, 2026Location. Close to everything
10/10
Reviewed Jun 9, 2026I booked a double room with an ensuite, and the one I got had a balcony which I wasn't expecting! That was an amazing feature to have. The room was bright and clean. I liked the location, it was super close to the park and the lake. The front desk staff were very helpful and nice.
The bathroom was pretty small but met all my needs.
10/10
Reviewed Jun 3, 2026Love how central this accommodation is. And it's always clean and staff are welcoming. Have stayed here before and will stay again.
10/10
Reviewed May 30, 2026Lovely people and very helpful
5/10
Reviewed May 27, 2026I really liked the central location, with restaurants, cafés, shops, and plenty of activities all within easy walking distance, the friendly and welcoming staff, and the kitchen facilities, which made the stay even more convenient.
The main downsides were the noise, as the property is right next to a pub with live music and bands, which made it quite loud until the early hours of the morning. The room was quite run-down, with broken hooks, damaged paint, a damaged mirror, cracked tiles, soap scum in the bathroom, dirty carpet, and worn side tables and furnishings that looked well past their best. There was no on-site parking, although I was able to use a nearby shops car park over the weekend. There was also no lift to the third floor, and carrying a large suitcase and bags up on my own was difficult.
8/10
Reviewed May 25, 2026Staff were good. Great location. Rooms on the lake side dont get the street noise. Room was warm & bed was really comfortable
Hard to get the card to work to get into the room. Not having a lift to the 3rd floor
8/10
Reviewed May 25, 2026Great location and friendly service for my last minute change
Would have preferred lake side room.
10/10
Reviewed May 24, 2026Location
Close to everything
7/10
Reviewed May 23, 2026Location was great. Handy to all amenities
Bed was comfortabke but the pillios were to hard.
6/10
Reviewed May 15, 2026Location.
Room very small. No parking facility.
8/10
Reviewed May 10, 2026Mooie ruime kamer met eigen voorzieningen, prijs is prima
Luidruchtige gasten
8/10
Reviewed May 9, 2026La Ubicación es muy buena y la habitación donde me quedé excelente
No hay ascensor para los pisos 2 y 3, lo cual con maleta grande me dificultó la llegada a la habitación
7/10
Reviewed May 4, 2026Prijs/kwaliteit en dicht bij het meer
It was a small room
8/10
Reviewed May 2, 2026Just enjoyed the environment 👌
8/10
Reviewed May 1, 2026Location was 👍
Stairs to 3rd floor
7/10
Reviewed Apr 29, 2026Emplacement
Isolation thermique et phonique à revoir
10/10
Reviewed Apr 28, 2026De bereikbaarheid was super en de kamer had een mooi uitzicht op het meer. Ook een lekker ruime badkamer
De lift gaat helaas alleen maar naar de eerste verdieping
4/10
Reviewed Apr 24, 2026Access to event centre's walking distance very good
Had to walk up 3 flights of stairs carring luggage why didn't they ask if we were okay to climb the stairs the lower floors with a room would be suitable my partner has disability and dragged himself up those stairs not good
6/10
Reviewed Apr 22, 2026N/A
10/10
Reviewed Apr 18, 2026Central location, easy to find and access after hours. Beautiful view with fantastic food options within walking distance.
8/10
Reviewed Apr 15, 2026Shower and location
Toilet hard to flush
5/10
Reviewed Apr 14, 2026Room had a nice view
There was noise from the pub opposite - live band the room was neat but needed a good clean in the shower and some maintenance on certain parts (handle of balcony door) and a new coat of paint wouldn't go amiss as an older person the flights of stairs to get to the room was a bit daunting
10/10
Reviewed Apr 13, 2026Always love staying at base by the lake. Staff are awesome & are very copeative. Also love that they were very accomerdating if the storm came over & we were strandard.
Never anything i hate about base by the lake.
2/10
Reviewed Apr 12, 2026Unbelievable loud music from venue across the street from 10pm to 3am.window latches broken and windows couldn't shut
6/10
Reviewed Apr 10, 2026Convenient location, and easy to find free parking in the vicinity. Bed was comfortable, and we had a private bathroom with decent shower.
It’s above a pub, so be sure to bring ear plugs. The elevator didnt go up to our floor, and as my travelling companion was in her 80s this posed a bit of a problem — i didnt think to check these details when booking. Room was reasonably tidy but plenty of spiders in the corners. A few hooks to hang clothes in the room would not go amiss.
4/10
Reviewed Apr 10, 2026The central location
The noisy street, the loose toilet seat
8/10
Reviewed Apr 9, 2026Convenient location. Good facilities. Great staff. Easy check-in. We had a great and comfortable one night stay! :)
7/10
Reviewed Apr 8, 2026DE hulp van het personeel omdat we te laat waren voor inchecken.
In eerste instantie was de persoon via de telefoon niet bereikbaar. Na contacten heeft hij ons verder goed geholpen. Ik heb de mail niet gelezen dus mijn fout dat ik de code niet heb gevonden omdat ik geen wifi had.
2/10
Reviewed Apr 7, 2026Great location , walking distance to the lake and MCD , bed was comfy , toilet were clean, kitchen wee big and utensil were provided
The pub right next to hotel was super loud , blasting music until 3am totally cannot sleep , even hotel did provide earplugs but it’s not working at all
9/10
Reviewed Apr 6, 2026The property is right at the heart of the town. It’s a perfect location for a quick walk to the Lakefront of Taupo.
The only problem I had during my stay was the noisy crew who happened to throw recyclables glass and cans in the bin which is really annoying as it is right outside our room.
10/10
Reviewed Apr 5, 2026Absolutely outstanding, best view ever, value for money.
It was all very good
8/10
Reviewed Apr 2, 2026Great location. Comfortable. Great facilities and good price
Kitchen facilities were a little dirty as people weren’t cleaning up after themselves
3/10
Reviewed Apr 2, 2026Close to restaurants and eateries
had no parking and had to climb 3 stairs to get to room
10/10
Reviewed Mar 30, 2026Zimmer mit Seeblick im 3. Stock
Alles perfekt!
3/10
Reviewed Mar 25, 2026Tässä paikassa yöpymisen jälkeen kaikki muut paikat tuntuvat todella hyviltä.
Paikka sijaitsee baarin yläkerrassa ja on TODELLA meluinen. Korvatulpat eivät riittäneet ollenkaan ja nukkuminen oli mahdotonta, vaikka yleensä nukun hyvin lähes missä vaan. Huone oli todella kuuma ja ilma tunkkainen. Sängyn pohja oli hajalla ja painunut keskeltä, joten kyljellään nukkuminen oli vaikeaa. Oven lukon kanssa oli jatkuvasti ongelmaa, kortinlukija vilkutti toistuvasti punaista ja kerran en yöllä meinannut päästä sisään huoneeseeni. Respa oli päivisinkin välillä suljettu, vaikka sen olisi pitänyt olla auki. Maksoin viiden yön majoituksen, mutta poistuin paikalta kahden yön jälkeen, sillä en halunnut pilata lomaani.
8/10
Reviewed Mar 25, 2026The location was great - super close to the lake and near a cute irish pub and a bar. The room was clean and so was the bathroom. The kitchen was large and well stocked and the noise from the room wasn't bad, despite being across from quite an active bar.
The room was pretty small so not much space for all our stuff.
7/10
Reviewed Mar 24, 2026Lage, gemütliche Matratze, privates Badezimmer, Terasse neben der Küche
Küche und Bad waren nicht sehr sauber. Es wurde nur das nötigste gesaugt. Keine Privacy curtains
Guest Feedback
Feedback themes are sourced from guest reviews provided by our data provider.
What guests love
- •Great location
- •Helpful staff
Areas to consider
- •Noise from nearby clubs
- •Cleanliness concerns
Cleanliness
6.15/10Some reviews mentioned cleanliness issues, especially with shared spaces.
Service
8.15/10Staff was consistently mentioned as helpful and friendly.
Location
8.65/10Great location noted for proximity to bars and attractions.
Room Quality
6.65/10Rooms were generally clean but some mentioned issues with noise and space.
Amenities
6.15/10Limited amenities noted, especially regarding shared facilities.
Value for Money
7.65/10Good value for a central location, despite some cleanliness issues.
Food and Beverage
5.65/10Food and beverage options were not highlighted positively.
Overall Experience
6.15/10Mixed experiences with noise and cleanliness overshadow the positives.