Te Tara-o-te-marama
Te Tara-o-te-marama, Rotongaio Road, Waitahanui, New Zealand- Site
English
Hotels in Taupo9.2Exceptional(139 reviews) 
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Waitahanui Lodge
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About this hotel
Lakefront Property with Water Sports Facilities
Scenic Views and Outdoor Activities
Enjoy lake views, a private beach area, and activities like skiing, snorkeling, and canoeing. Relax along the beachfront and take in the picturesque surroundings.
Comfortable Rooms and Delicious Dining Options
Each room comes with modern amenities, including a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. Guests can indulge in an à la carte or continental breakfast while enjoying the serene atmosphere.
Book your stay at Waitahanui Lodge now to experience a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure amidst nature's beauty.
Nearby Attractions
Important Information
A deposit may be required at the property.
Stay Details
Check-in from
02:00 PM
Check-out by
10:00 AM
Parking
FREE
Children
Allowed
Pets
Not allowed
Amenities
WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Terrace
Family rooms
Garden
BBQ facilities
Laundry
Fishing
Cycling
Canoeing
Skiing
Snorkelling
Bowling
Mini golf
Darts
Private parking
Sun terrace
Beachfront
Grocery deliveries
Water sport facilities on site
Private beach area
Outdoor furniture
Sun loungers or beach chairs
Picnic area
Sun umbrellas
Coffee Shop on site
Beach
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
First aid kit available
Contactless check-in/check-out
Invoice provided
Shared stationery like menus, pens are removed
Guest room sealed after cleaning
Property cleaned by professional cleaning companies
Process in place to check health of guests
Access to health care professionals
Face masks for guests available
Walking tours
Bike tours
Live music/performance
Temporary art galleries
Pub crawls
Movie nights
Room Types
Family Room with Garden View
Up to 4 guests99 sqm2 Twin bed (90-130 cm wide), Queen bed (151-180 cm wide)
Guests will find a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and an oven in the well-fitted kitchen. The family room also has a barbecue. The spacious air-conditioned family room offers a flat-screen TV, a washing machine, a private entrance, a tea and coffee maker as well as lake views. The unit offers 3 beds.
Sleeps
Up to 4 guests
4 adults · 3 children
Beds
2 Twin bed (90-130 cm wide), Queen bed (151-180 cm wide)
Room details
99 sqm
Lake View, Garden View
In-room amenities
Coffee/tea makerShowerTVAir conditioningHair dryerBathrobeRadioMini-fridgeRefrigeratorSeating AreaToiletMicrowaveWashing machineHeatingKitchenPrivate entrance
Family Room with Lake View
Up to 4 guests45 sqm2 Twin bed (90-130 cm wide), Queen bed (151-180 cm wide)
Guests will find a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and an oven in the fully equipped kitchen. The family room also offers a barbecue. The spacious family room provides air conditioning, a washing machine, a terrace with lake views as well as an external private bathroom featuring a shower. The unit offers 3 beds.
Sleeps
Up to 4 guests
4 adults · 3 children
Beds
2 Twin bed (90-130 cm wide), Queen bed (151-180 cm wide)
Room details
45 sqm
Lake View
In-room amenities
Coffee/tea makerShowerTVAir conditioningHair dryerBathrobeRadioMini-fridgeRefrigeratorSeating AreaToiletMicrowaveWashing machinePrivate bathroomHeatingKitchen
Family Room with Lake View
Up to 3 guests88 sqmTwin bed (90-130 cm wide), Extra-large double bed (Super-king size) (181-210 cm wide)
Guests will find a stovetop, a refrigerator, kitchenware and an oven in the fully equipped kitchen. The family room also features a barbecue. The spacious air-conditioned family room offers a flat-screen TV, a washing machine, a private entrance, a tea and coffee maker as well as lake views. The unit has 2 beds.
Sleeps
Up to 3 guests
3 adults · 1 children
Beds
Twin bed (90-130 cm wide), Extra-large double bed (Super-king size) (181-210 cm wide)
Room details
88 sqm
Lake View
In-room amenities
Coffee/tea makerShowerTVAir conditioningHair dryerBathrobeRadioMini-fridgeRefrigeratorSeating AreaToiletMicrowaveWashing machineHeatingDressing roomKitchen
Ask about this hotel
Get answers about amenities, policies, and more — e.g. “Are pets allowed?” or “Is parking available?”
Guest reviews(139 total)
Provider-sourced guest reviews.
10/10
Reviewed Sep 7, 2026Old style,Comfortable and cosy.
Nothing
10/10
Reviewed Aug 29, 2026Lovely location right next to the lake.
Water pressure in shower was a bit weak
10/10
Reviewed Aug 20, 2026Everything. I was, safe, warm and had the most amazing view!!
10/10
Reviewed Aug 11, 2026Great location, lovely hosts and still one of few places that retains the Kiwi hospitality
Need to go into Taupo for food which is arnd 10 mins
9/10
Reviewed Aug 8, 2026Amazing to be so close to the lakeside and wonderful views. Just a short drive to restaurants, cafes and shops. Clean and cozy. Very friendly and welcoming hosts.
8/10
Reviewed Jul 21, 2026I liked the friendly, helpful staff and the closeness to places to go fishing.
There could have been a heater in the bathroom which was cold to use at night.
10/10
Reviewed Jul 5, 2026Cosy.Old style.Spacious.
Nothing
9/10
Reviewed Jun 30, 2026The hosts are lovely and the room is great and original. Very clean and very comfortable. The views are incredible. We only stayed one night.
8/10
Reviewed Jun 8, 2026We had a lakefront room, sitting outside in the morning looking over the lake was stunning.
It was in a great location, easy to find 👍
10/10
Reviewed May 17, 2026Absolutely amazing, right on the lake, peaceful, super comfy beds, super clean, fabulous hosts.
10/10
Reviewed May 14, 2026Charming cottage on the lake. We only stayed one night but this is definitely a place to stay for a few days. Host walked us to our cottage, very attentive and available if we needed (which we didn’t - everything we needed was provided). Great value as well!
9/10
Reviewed Apr 12, 2026The owner was very useful and helpful about giving us spots on the local river, and all the flies to use. the amenties in the facilities were also very good and gave loads of value for the money spent. it is also in a very good spot, within walking distance of the Waitahanui river, a very productive fly fishing river. we went in to speak to the owner on our first day at the lodge after a tough days fishing and he gave us a very good spot to start and finish fishing, he also told us where the fish like to hangout and showed us multiple more access points than I thought there was.
Everything was great and they have no control over the weather.
10/10
Reviewed Mar 21, 2026Everything was excellent! Right on the lake, kayaks and boards plus life jackets, beach towels and beach umbrellas are available to use free of charge. You can walk from the accommodation straight into the water! What a place!! Beautifully clean, great beds and linen was crisp and clean. Was a last minute booking so was hoping it was as advertised..it was and more. Cant wait to go back! The sunset was a real treat.
10/10
Reviewed Mar 20, 2026Great location and very kind owner
If you are sensitive to bugs maybe isn’t the best place, but worth the spot to watch the sunset.
9/10
Reviewed Feb 28, 2026Super Lage direkt am See, sehr zuvorkommende Gastgeber, erklären uns alles und stellten uns sogar einen Sonnenschirm auf, schöne Hütten mit sehr guter Ausstattung
10/10
Reviewed Feb 13, 2026Anthony and Bron were lovely and the location and room were truly amazing.
10/10
Reviewed Feb 13, 2026Personality
10/10
Reviewed Feb 9, 2026The hosts met us and took us to the cottage. Extremely clean . Garden view but only 20 second walk to the water and you can see the lake from our cottage. What a little gem I've been driving past all these years. We will be back. Made to feel very welcome and at home. Had everything we needed. Had a peak at one lakefront and will try and book that next time.
That we didn't stay long enough!
10/10
Reviewed Jan 30, 2026경치좋은 편안한 숙소, 친절한 호스트, 매우 매력적인 숙소 입니다. 다음에 기회가 있다면 재방문 하고 싶네요.
7/10
Reviewed Jan 26, 2026The owner was nice and the location was right on lake Taupō and they had free kayaks for us to use.
It was a bit old but that is understandable and it was right on the highway so you could hear trucks passing at night
7/10
Reviewed Jan 25, 2026Location is lovely and the hosts are super friendly. Love the homemade biscuits on arrival.
Our usual room was booked so we stayed in a different room. We were disturbed at night by a noisy pump outside the bedroom window (not sure what it was for - maybe water) and the beds were very soft. Felt the room was dated and could do with an upgrade.
10/10
Reviewed Jan 15, 2026タウポ湖の目の前で、とても癒された！周囲もとても静かで心からリラックスできた！本当にお勧めです。(ガーデンビューではなくレイクビューをお勧め！) オーナーさんの気遣いもとても素晴らしかった！是非また利用したい！
なし。
2/10
Reviewed Jan 13, 2026near the water
10/10
Reviewed Jan 9, 2026The location right on the lake was absolutely stunning, and Bron and Anthony the hosts were incredibly friendly and welcoming. Everything we needed was provided, from convenient amenities to a great barbecue setup. The highlights of our stay were borrowing the kayaks for a paddle on the lake, and enjoying a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear water. We'd love to come back —next time to try the SUP on the lake!
Nothing at all!
10/10
Reviewed Jan 9, 2026Location 12 out of 10! Everything on hand and view fabulous!
We wished to have stayed longer.
9/10
Reviewed Dec 27, 2025Beautiful location, all rooms a stones throw from lakes edge. Super freindly hours, all basic needs catered for
Nothing we didn't like. Its an older place so you need to accept that.
9/10
Reviewed Dec 24, 2025It was an old style cottage with a lot of charm. The owners were super attentive and helpful. Nice views of lake Taupo.
Nothing
10/10
Reviewed Dec 22, 2025The host was very friendly and helpful. Seeing my elderly mom, she made arrangement to change another unit which is more accessible. The delicious handmade cookies is a nice personal touch.
10/10
Reviewed Dec 12, 2025客服很热情，非常好👍
请继续保持！非常美好！
8/10
Reviewed Nov 30, 2025Beautiful spot on the lake to just sit back and take it all in.
8/10
Reviewed Nov 28, 2025Lodge confortable et propre avec une vue directe sur le lac. Très calme. Accueil sympathique.
Le lave linge, situé dans une buanderie, est commun à plusieurs lodges et ne peut fonctionner qu’avec de l’eau froide.
10/10
Reviewed Nov 27, 2025Absolute waterfront. Clean, comfortable, incredibly relaxing. Anthony and Bron are warm, charming hosts.
N/A. It was all good.
6/10
Reviewed Nov 25, 2025Vriendelijke eigenaren.
De accomodatie ligt aan een drukke we, niet alle huisjes hebben het meeruitzicht en het beperkte aantal dat het wel heeft, heeft de badkamer buiten het huisje. Dat betekent middel in de nacht je aankleden om buiten naar de wc te gaan. De waterpomp staat achter het raam van het huisje nummer 5 en dat is behoorlijk vervelend ‘s nachts als je wil slapen. De foto’s op de site zijn enigzins misleidend en komen niet helemaal overeen met de werkelijkheid, vooral wat het meeruitzicht betreft.
10/10
Reviewed Nov 17, 2025We stayed in the unit on water so beautiful
Nil
9/10
Reviewed Nov 3, 2025Well as a above we were meet by the staff who were expecting us and had turned on the heating prior to our arrival . As it was cold and we had driven a long way. Although old it was very clean and welcoming. We Really enjoyed that first cup of tea.
Well we would have loved to have had a few nights there not only one. Planning for summer so we can enjoy more of the outdoor activities
10/10
Reviewed Oct 6, 2025Right on the shore of the lake. Beautifully appointed chalet. Everything thought through so well. Homey touches like cookies with a note from Bron and Anthony made it extra special and personal. They greeted us with open arms. So warmly. It’s a little gem of a place. I wish we could have stayed longer.
Nothing about it jarred.
10/10
Reviewed Oct 5, 2025Warm welcome from the hosts and little extras in the accommodation making our stay that bit extra special.
10/10
Reviewed Oct 5, 2025Friendly owners, went out if their way to make sure we were comfortable and had everything we needed. Highly recommend.
9/10
Reviewed Oct 5, 2025Friendly service
8/10
Reviewed Sep 29, 2025Had a very good overnight stay at this property with my family. Anthony had kept the heat pump on and the entire place was warm upon arrival. Very comfortable bedding with electric blankets on all. Definitely recommend.
10/10
Reviewed Sep 28, 2025The location of this facility is right on the lake, absolutely beautiful. The owners Bron and Anthony could not do enough for our family and gave us fantastic dining recommendations along with really helpful and interesting local info.
I didn't like that we could only spend two nights there, a week would have been better!!
9/10
Reviewed Sep 13, 2025The hosts are exceptional nothing was too much trouble The location, view from the lounge is amazing The heat pump warms the whole unit.The bathroom 5 steps undercover is exceptionally clean and pleasant with a great shower The location feels miles away from civilization but in reality only 5klm from good shops and eatery.
The weather!
10/10
Reviewed Aug 5, 2025Honestly the entire experience was lovely, from the warm welcome at 8.30pm of the owners, to them setting the heat pump. Beautiful linen, incredibly clean and a great unit which was right in the lakefront.
The price was above average for the Taupō area for something similar.
10/10
Reviewed Jul 27, 2025Activities and the location, foremost the hospitality was wonderful.
Nil
10/10
Reviewed Jul 22, 202510 minutes away from city center. Away from wondering traveller's soo perfect when you want to relax in the cabin admiring the lake views. Ant and bron are a major factor for our stay.
It's annoying that we didn't start longer. I was told to wear a life jacket with one of their kayaks just in case I drowned.
8/10
Reviewed Jul 12, 2025Super friendly helpful hosts, beautiful right by the lake, cosy kiwi bach vibes, yummy home made biscuit treat thank you :) nice and warm even in the winter, our room was warmed prior to our arrival which was awesome!
This is more for the hosts because it wasn’t an issue, I forgot to say the bathroom light kept turning off, I’m not sure why.
10/10
Reviewed Jul 10, 2025Everything.
Couldn’t fault it
10/10
Reviewed Jun 29, 2025We went there for a weekend break for my husband and son fishing at Waitahanui River. Great location, accords is very nice, tidy and clean, also great hospitality from the owners, Anthony and Bron. We are lucky to have lake view cottage. We will definitely go back again.
10/10
Reviewed Jun 10, 2025The bach vibe and the location on the waterfront
10/10
Reviewed May 17, 2025Very clean, very welcoming. Great location and breakfast
Nothing
9/10
Reviewed Apr 30, 2025Worked really well for our family wanting to stay right next to and play on the lake. Great to have access to kayaks and paddle boards. Staff were lovely and super helpful. Very clean and comfortable.
A little cold in the morning but heat pump warmed it up.
7/10
Reviewed Apr 21, 2025Staff were very helpful and accommodating of our very late check-in and very early check-out. Would have been a superb view if we’d seen it in the light.
Bathroom separate to main living room/bedrooms. Living space small for four people.
9/10
Reviewed Apr 15, 2025Set right on the lake edge out of town. Quaint old styled units but we had one of the lake facing units and we sat outside and watched the beautiful sunset before enjoying a walk along the lakefront. Wonderful hosts.
On the main highway so truck traffic noise.
8/10
Reviewed Apr 13, 2025The location on the lake was wonderful and the owners, Bron and Anthony were welcoming, kind and helpful.
10/10
Reviewed Apr 12, 2025We absolutely loved our stay at Waitahanui Lodge and wish we could’ve stayed longer. NZ has the friendliest people in the world and this was no exception. Our hosts greeted us with a warm smile as soon as we arrived and challenged us to take a swim in the lake- which we did! Perfect location with access to the water, and it’s not too far out of town. The rooms were very clean and spacious. Will definitely be back again.
10/10
Reviewed Apr 11, 2025Wonderful location, right on the edge of Lake Taupo. Perfect to watch a sunset over the water. Bron and Anthony were very welcoming with great suggestions of places to visit and eat. Very clean and comfortable facilities. Thank you.
For our particular unit the bathroom was outside, so not convenient at night. The other units have inside bathrooms.
10/10
Reviewed Apr 6, 2025Beautiful stay, really relaxing and comfortable Host were lovely
9/10
Reviewed Mar 29, 2025Wonderful owners/staff. Loved the old style bach. Great location.
10/10
Reviewed Mar 28, 2025We had the perfect little lodge house right on the beach of lake Taupo. Great to see the sunset and be in a tranquil spot. The property was very clean and comfortable and had everything you could need. Bron the host was very welcoming and helpful. Couldn’t have asked for a better spot for the night.
Nothing
10/10
Reviewed Mar 25, 2025Great location. Has everything you need. Quiet. Good coffee and a very helpful and friendly owner.
Maybe screens on the door to prevent the moths coming in but not an issue.
10/10
Reviewed Mar 20, 2025Lovely welcome and yummy breakfast and treats
10/10
Reviewed Mar 19, 2025The owner was very kind and hospitable. The location of the cottage was excellent, Lake Taupo was right in front of us. I would definitely stay there again.
Nothing
9/10
Reviewed Feb 26, 2025Location was beautiful, just by the taupo lake. The building was there since 1932, but it was well maintained with all the modern furniture fitting. The kitchen has all the necessary utensils. The beds are comfy. I will come back again. Cheers.
A free welcome cold 🍺 beer!
9/10
Reviewed Feb 12, 2025The location was superb. Lovely friendly hosts.
Just make sure you have beach shoes as the sand is sharp!
9/10
Reviewed Feb 2, 2025We liked the hole place. Apartment maybe a bit old fashioned but very clean and well equipped. Directly at the lake, with a beautiful view and lots of seating. Even if it was very windy, we spend to hole time outside.
The beds are a bit short for tall people. A bit of loud traffic on the road.
8/10
Reviewed Jan 23, 2025Location: lakefront & direct on the beach . The very friendly owners. Very comfy bed. A little apartment on the beach.
Don’t expect very stylish interiors; it’s a bit dated.
10/10
Reviewed Jan 12, 2025The location was amazing and the hosts very friendly. The accommodation was spotless. Being right on the lake's edge was incredible.
8/10
Reviewed Dec 30, 2024Great spot on Lake Taupo Wonderful staff and amenities Felt very welcome
No insulation so lodge was very warm during the day and quite cool at night
8/10
Reviewed Dec 2, 2024Lovely place, quiet and fantastic location. Managers were lovely and units were spacious.
9/10
Reviewed Nov 19, 2024Location location location ! Just 15 mins outside taupo, it’s a beautiful, quiet, idyllic find right on the water front with stunning views of the lake and a gorgeous afternoon sun that you watch into a sunset. The huts were beautiful and well cared for with a rustic nature that made you feel cozy and comfy.
N/A
Guest Feedback
Feedback themes are sourced from guest reviews provided by our data provider.
What guests love
- •Beautiful location
- •Friendly service
- •Comfortable accommodations
- •Helpful hosts
Areas to consider
- •Shared bathroom access for some rooms
- •Mixed feelings about room views
Cleanliness
9.16/10Generally very clean, welcoming atmosphere, except for some concerns regarding shared bathroom access.
Service
9.63/10Hosts described as super friendly, attentive, and accommodating.
Location
9.67/10Beautiful lakeside location with calming views, though some reviews uncertain about specific room views.
Room Quality
9.12/10Rooms are comfortable and well-appointed, though some older aspects acknowledged.
Amenities
8.65/10Basic needs catered for, though some conveniences shared with others.
Value for Money
9.11/10Overall a good value considering location and service.
Food and Beverage
9.16/10Personal touches like cookies noted positively, but limited mention of food options.
Overall Experience
9.13/10Overall a delightful experience with excellent hospitality and beautiful surroundings.