Lake Taupo Lodge

Lake Taupo Lodge’s creation was started 30 years ago by Gary and Shirley when they purchased 10 acres of wild bush in Acacia Bay overlooking Lake Taupo.

Both of them are keen gardeners and Gary has a particular love of wildlife so the native bush formed the perfect haven for his love of birds. From there they split it up into 3 lots retaining the 3 and 1/2 acre lodge site for themselves.

Having visited Chicago and many parts of the world Gary was impressed with the harmonious and geometric style of Frank Lloyd Wright and was inspired to build in a similar style, embracing the organic and unique features of the natural landscape.

A well known NZ architect Gary Dennison was employed to design their new home, which subsequently won a top New Zealand architectural award.

Gary and Shirley were involved in the fashion industry they owned and managed their own busy leading fashion label “Formula Fashions” for 30 years, in NZ and Australia. The high life of entertaining required a large venue which influenced the design of the new home hence the easy flowing spacious rooms and accommodation, all perfect for the future concept of turning this lovely home into a beautiful lodge. In 1996 Gary and Shirley took the plunge and turned their three storied 13,000 foot home into what is now Lake Taupo Lodge, and so began the journey.

More about this hotel

Facilities

Lake Taupo Lodge prides itself in the care and attention that we put into our guests. From the moment you arrive you can relax and let us look after you in style and comfort.

From the breathtaking lake and mountain views to the gorgeous gardens that surround you there is an overwhelming sense of peace and tranquility. Sink into the soft furnishings in the library in front of the fire or recline on a sun lounger in the seclusion of the gardens where native birds abound.

We have a full sized billiard table which is located in the bar; feel free to challenge fellow guests or your host.

All office functions are available with high speed internet access on the guest computer.

The Taupo region has a wealth of activities that we are very proud to support. Our focus is for you to have a personalized, unique and memorable experience using the best guides and activities that Taupo has to offer. Please see our activity section for ideas on what to do while you are here, whatever you choose will be great! After a rewarding day exploring the region you can enjoy a therapeutic massage then come through to the lodge for pre dinner drinks.

We are fully set up for small VIP Executive conferences with all up to date technology and have had some very successful meetings here. Taupo is ideal for pampering important people that need a retreat from the hectic business world. Wairakei Golf course is only 10 minutes from the lodge.

Small weddings, private functions and conferences are available but need to be a minimum of two night’s exclusive use of the lodge.

Spa

Taupo Hot Springs and Spa offers a truly unique experience. Enjoy a massage or facial, or bathe in the natural hot mineral pools. We also have in house facials, massages and pedicures that can be arranged for you in your suite.

Golf

Taupo has two of the most beautifully designed and popular golf courses in the country – Wairakei International Golf Course and the personally designed and endorsed Kinloch Club Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. If you are a golf fanatic these are a must!!.

Wairakei International Golf Course
Wairakei International Golf Course – rated by the Prestigious US Golf Digest magazine to be in the top 100 courses in the world outside of the USA in 2005.

Set amongst the spectacular scenery of the Lake Taupo region, this course was designed by Commander John Harris, Michael Wolveridge and Peter Thomson with the aim of producing New Zealand’s first internationally recognised golf course.

Kinloch Club Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course
Put your skills to the test on New Zealand’s only ‘Jack Nicklaus’ signature golf course. This unique ‘rolling links’ course offers stunning views of the lake and beyond to give you a truly unforgettable golfing experience.

Fishing

The first trout were liberated into the waters of Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake, in 1887. They were the Californian Brown Trout and the Californian Rainbow Trout.

With few natural predators, an enormous food supply and hundreds of kilometers of prime spawning streams and rivers flowing into the lake, they thrive. Today, with a self sustaining population of Rainbow and Brown Trout, the Taupo region has cemented its name as one of the world’s premier fisheries.

Within the Taupo fishery there are 5 lakes, 13 streams and rivers, four canals and more than 32 river mouths open to angling. A 12 month season applies not only to Lake Taupo itself, but also to the river mouths and large sections of eight rivers and streams, as well as one of the canals. While the fishable western tributaries and the eastern headwaters close for the winter, they are open from the beginning of December until the end of May and offer some of the best wilderness sight fishing in the world.

Some of these tributaries have difficult access, but don’t let that put you off. If you make the effort there is an excellent chance of catching late and early run rainbows and large browns, and it’s quite likely you could have a whole day of fishing without seeing another angler.

Shopping and Cafes

The town of Taupo is relaxed and friendly. It offers boutique specialty shops, art galleries, and a wide range of restaurants and cafes, both outdoor and indoor.

Geothermal Parks

Taupo is at the centre of New Zealand’s volcanic plateau. The area contains numerous parks where you can wander among geysers, mud pools, and colourful pink and white terraces formed by the silica in the thermal water.

Waitomo Caves – famous for its black water rafting and glow worms.

Tongariro National Park – a World Heritage Park and home to three volcanoes and many beautiful hikes, including the Tongariro Crossing, one of the most spectacular one-day hikes in New Zealand.
Hawkes Bay – famous for its wine as well as the art deco architecture of Napier and several beautiful beaches.

Rotorua – New Zealand’s version of Yellowstone, with active geysers, mud pools, mineral spas and Maori culture.

Waimangu – Enjoy the geothermal activity, hot springs, geysers and mud pools.

Wai-o-tapu – a truly distinctive and unique experience with the famous ‘Lady Knox Geyser’ that erupts daily at 10:15am. – A thermal wonderland waiting for you.

Wairakei Terraces in Taupo is a special Maori cultural experience incorporating costume, food, music and detailed tours and history.

Whakarewarewa / Te Puia – Set amidst a landscape of erupting geothermal activity, hot thermal springs and hot bubbling mud pools is the Living Maori village of Whakarewarewa situated in Rotorua, the heart of the North Island.

Adventure

The Taupo area offers many exciting outdoor adventures. Try gliding, tandem sky diving, rafting, kayaking, sailing, 4-wheel driving (off-road), mountain biking, snowboarding or skiing, abseiling, bungy jumping, a rope assault course, rock climbing, jet boating, parasailing, water skiing, horseback riding, to name a few, all of which are only 15 minutes from Lake Taupo Lodge

Treks / Walking

The world famous Tongariro Crossing is a 6 to 7 hour trek where viewing volcanic lakes and mountains takes on a whole new meaning. There are also a variety of shorter walks that take 1 – 2 hours along rivers, native bush and mountain trails. Information can be obtained from Lake Taupo Lodge.

Airborne Experiences

Take a trip in a fixed wing or float plane or helicopter over the Lake Taupo region and view the live volcanoes, in the Tongariro National Park.

Horse Treks / Farm Experience

There are several horse-trek companies operating in Taupo. Whether you are an experienced rider, or keen for a gentle walk, they will have just the horse for you. Trek through native bush and pine forest with lake, mountain and township views.

Accommodation

All our suites have private outdoor patio areas with table and chairs where one can listen to the birds and soak up nature’s beauty and the magnificent lake and topiary garden views.

The three executive suites “Frank” “Lloyd” and “Wright” have been inspired by the same Frank Lloyd Wright architectural design (hence the original names!).

All the executive suites have super king beds or king singles.

The ensuite bathrooms have under floor heating and five of the executive suites have large baths as well as walk in showers.

Fresh flowers, seasonal fruit, milk and homemade cookies are in the room every day along with a selection of teas and coffee.

Gastronomy & Bar

We believe that the dining experience whilst traveling through New Zealand should be a memorable one. Our two five star chefs focus on the use of fish and game and the finest local and seasonal produce including fresh herbs picked from the Lodge’s organic garden.

Share an intimate dinner for two in the main lounge with the lights of Taupo twinkling in the distance or share fascinating stories with fellow guests in the main dining room overlooking the beautiful Lake and mountains.

As a prelude to dining we have pre dinner drinks and canapes about the bar where there is an infectious conviviality and it is easy to make friends from all over the world.

A sumptuous four course dinner follows so if you have any preferences please let us know and the meal will be designed with you in mind.

A lavish buffet breakfast awaits you in the morning to prepare you for your days activities ahead.

There are a variety of lovely places in Taupo for lunch which we are happy to recommend.

We stay in touch with the world in a special way through the perspectives of interesting people who stay overnight with us to share stories, dine, drink and sleep well.