Waitahanui Lodge

Top choice in Taupo


Ten kilometres south of Taupō, these five 1920s-style beach shacks are beautifully modern inside and ideally positioned for swimming, fishing and superb sunsets. Pick of the bunch are the two absolute-lakefront units (rooms 3 and 4), but all have lake access, sociable communal areas and free use of rowboats, SUPs and kayaks. All units have kitchenettes, or you can fire up the shared barbecues.

Fishing-rod hire is also available (half/full day $20/30).