Lake Taupo Lodge

I booked for 2 nights at the Taupo Lake Lodge for my daughter who was turning 21. She decided she didn't want to spend her birthday there but rather go clubbing in Tauranga. So I phoned the owner/operator Gary to see if I would be able to cancel and get a refund or if I would be able to stay but that I had a 1 year old baby. Gary said it wasn't suitable for babies so I would have to cancel and he offered a 50% discount if I decided to cancel. I paid $2,150 for the two nights so this meant that if I decided to cancel, Gary agreed to repay 50% of that which is $1,075. I have been leaving emails and phoning since the beginning of April for an update on my refund, and asking that Gary phone me. He hasn't reached out yet so I phoned the office today and spoke to Shirley who said that while Gary offered a 50% discount, he doesn't have to honour it. As a business owner, this is one of the most disgusting behaviours I've encountered from a business owner and I will be seeking legal advice and pursuing a 100% refund. If you hadn't offered that discount I could have made plans to actually stay at the property. I do not recommend anyone stay here. I suggest you refresh up on Consumer Rights.

This accomodation is very beautiful and well designed! My husband and I came here for a long weekend getaway and thoroughly enjoyed! The hosts Gary and and Shirley are great and very hospitable. Their staff is also very friendly. Would definitely visit again and highly recommend this 5 star accommodation !!!Rooms: 5/5

We arrived one evening to a blacked out building as we arrived at 9pm. I rang the door bell a couple of times to be met by what came across as an angry man. asking me why I had not been in touch I advised him due to slips and the journey we have arrived late but he continued to ask why I didn't make contact. So we entered the lodge he then asked my wife the same question! The rooms are nice but dated, pink tiles and bathroom suite perhaps not my style. Breakfast was great although reminded again by the chief we were late the night before. We were then asked to move our car although parked in the only available space again because we arrived late. The dinning area and the grounds are stunning and the location is great. It just felt a little pretenciouse for my liking. For the price it's not what I would have expected I stayed at a number of properties over my 3 weeks in NZ and didn't feel this was the best value.

Absolutely stunning property! The views are to die for, and the garden sure is something to behold! The house was built in Frank Lloyd Write style with an interior to match it. Our room "Frank" was nice and warm thanks to the heatpump, and the underfloor heating in the bathroom. The bed is the most comfortable, the food great, thanks to the very passionate chef. Gary and Shirley were lovely hosts, and went over and above for us! This place is a must to visit!

An exceptional property with stunning views of Lake Taupo all tucked away within a beautiful & private garden. Our hosts Gary & Shirley gave us an extremely warm welcome and looked after us during our stay, our dietary requirements weren’t any issue for their wonderful Chef! Delicious breakfast! Gary even served up some very tasty canapés to enjoy with our wine before we went out to dinner. I highly recommend you experience Lake Taupo Lodge, all within a short drive to all of Taupo’s picturesque sights & epic experiences. #lovetaupo

Un superbe lieu, très bien placé et avec un service irréprochable ! Bravo au Chef best pancakes notamment! et merci aux propriétaires pour leur accueil chaleureux Food & drinks: Excellent Chef

Gary, Shirley, Chris and the rest of the team give a very warm welcome and look after you marvellously. The Lodge is stunning, with an amazing view of the Lake. We had a wonderful stay and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone.

Really nice people...warm and friendly. Breakfast was made to order. Decor was Frank Lloyd Wright. We loved it. Gary made us a fabulous dinner reservation and set up transportation. What more could you ask for?

Cannot recommend enough. Peaceful, quiet, private. We were so well looked after by host Gary, Gina who did our rooms, and chef Chris. Wow, the food!!! You guys make a great team and I can't thank you enough, we're home very rested and so spoilt!!!Rooms: 5/5

Nice facility, and Chris the Chef's canapés were phenomenal, not to mention stunning breakfast, but sadly it was all let down by clearly an owner who's prime motive was anything other than providing quality service, and for that matter, it really had a negative impact on the stay, and poor value for money in my eyes. Whilst it was luxurious if not dated it clearly lacked some basic things that are taken for granted nowadays at more modern facilities. There was WiFi but was so slow and weak that it might as well have not been available. Also no AC in the rooms... which was in dire need in the middle of summer. The showers also leaked/laked! All over the floor, which was a hazard... whilst nice, I won't be rushing back any time soon.