Lakeside settlements
Lakeside life, quietly unfolding
From Kuratau to Tokaanu, these peaceful villages hug the southern lake’s edge. Unwind with the simple joys - fishing, boating, or a sunrise coffee with the lake as your canvas.
A visual journey through the lakeside settlements
From lakeside decks to secret swimming spots, come capture the quiet rhythm of holiday life. Each photo tells a story of still mornings, golden light, and unhurried days.
Top things to do around the lake
Discover hidden lakefront gems - swim in quiet bays, cycle scenic trails, picnic beneath native trees, and unwind in peaceful pockets like Kuratau, Pukawa, and Hatepe - pure, relaxed Taupō at its finest.
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Hiking
Taupō’s Best Hiking Trails for Every Explorer
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Skiing
Taupō’s Best Hiking Trails for Every Explorer
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Hot Pools
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Geothermal
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Kinloch: Where calm meets remote adventures
Tucked into a northern bay of Lake Taupō, Kinloch is the kind of place you stumble upon—and never want to leave. A favourite for those in the know, it blends glassy waters, forested trails, and world-class golf into one quiet, scenic escape.
Omori & Pukawa: Bush walks & lake views
Tucked into bushy hillsides, these villages boast stunning lake vistas, tranquil walks, and a relaxed pace perfect for families and couples.
Kuratau: Lakeside calm & country charm
A peaceful bay on western edge of Lake Taupō, Kuratau offers serene lakefronts, a welcoming community, and the delightful Floating Rock Vineyard & Café.
Tokaanu: Thermal springs & lakeside serenity
At the southern tip of Lake Taupō, Tokaanu offers geothermal wonders, historic wharfs, and rich Māori heritage surrounded by peaceful natural beauty. A quiet escape with stories beneath the surface.
Motuoapa: boats, bush & bay views
Once a holiday village, Motuoapa now charms visitors year-round with its scenic marina, bush walks, and welcoming community.
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Lakeside settlements’ unforgettable finds
Sunrise coffees, thermal walks, and lakeside swims - the villages in Taupō offer simple pleasures with heart.
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Hiking
Taupō’s Best Hiking Trails for Every Explorer
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Skiing
Taupō’s Best Hiking Trails for Every Explorer
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Hot Pools
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Geothermal
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Lakeside settlements — secret gems, magic and mysteries
Steam rises, birds call, the lake glows - hidden corners where time stands still.
Top deals in Lake Settlements
Hidden gems, lakeside homes, and private retreats - the lake settlements in Taupō offer special stays and local perks. Find your perfect patch of calm with value to match.
Plan your trip to the southern end of the lake
Whether you’re planning a family getaway or a romantic escape, planning your stay in these quaint lakefront villages is all about space, stillness, and slow-living adventures on your own terms.
Displaying 6 of 20
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Riverside Retreat
Pataka Lookout Apartment
Tucked privately below the main dwelling (which will not be occupied during your stay), the apartment features an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area, providing everything needed for a relaxing and enjoyable stay. With a flexible bedding configuration, plus a sofa bed in ...
$400.00 - $650.00 NZD
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- Business
Hoani Honey - Kuratau Holiday Home
Bay Bliss - Lake Taupō Holiday Home
From the moment you turn into this quiet cul de sac you’ll know you’ve chosen the right spot for a peaceful, family-friendly lakeside getaway. The central park and playground make the perfect foreground to the stunning lakeview you’ll find when you head upstairs. Decorated with ...
$305.00 - $748.00 NZD
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Lake Luxe Apartment
Ultimate Lakefront Location
With three bedrooms each with Queen beds, fully equipped kitchen, two big screen TV’s, SKY, WIFI, front and rear decks as well as a spa pool you will think there is not much more you could possibly want, but wait there's more - the ultimate entertainer’s outdoor area including ...
$570.00 - $625.00 NZD
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Hoani Honey - Kuratau Holiday Home
Hatepe Haven - Hatepe Holiday Home
Best described as a quintessential Kiwi Bach (holiday home), you’ll have no trouble switching to holiday mode as soon as you set foot into Hatepe Haven. Settle into your dreamy escape by firing up the BBQ, reclining on the outdoor furniture with a chilled drink & raising a ...
$212.00 - $511.00 NZD
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Lake Luxe Apartment
Nga Roto Retreat
This ex showhome is beautifully designed and built, with modern features throughout, including underfloor heating, gas fireplace, air-conditioning, high-ceilings, spacious designer kitchen, walk-in showers in both the main bathroom and master bedroom ensuite, deep bathtub and a ...
$690.00 - $800.00 NZD
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Riverside Retreat
Retreat on Kiwi
The nearby shopping centre offers a fantastic 4 Square, Heritage Meats artisan butcher, and Tui’s Nest Café - famous for its homemade food and unbeatable cheese scones. For an easy dinner, the local Chinese takeaway is just steps away, and the Brantry Restaurant is a 2-minute ...
$300.00 - $550.00 NZD
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Hoani Honey - Kuratau Holiday Home
Puketapu - Kuratau Holiday Home
This central plateau holiday home is a hidden treasure that's a must-see - Welcome to Puketapu. Thoughtfully decorated and furnished with an eye for comfort, you can't help but feel welcomed and relaxed from the minute you arrive. Spread across two levels, Puketapu offers ample ...
$513.00 - $1,047.00 NZD
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Tongariro Raft-Fishing
Tongariro Raft-Fishing
Rafting New Zealand are proud to offer the ultimate Raft Fishing Tongariro fly fishing trips. Fly Fishing and Rafting on the spectacular Upper Tongariro River is the ultimate Fly Fishing adventure. This water opens for angling and fly fishing trips every year on the 1st of ...
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Charters and Transfers
Scenic Flights
Have a front-row seat to the North Island’s most breathtaking landscapes with our mountain scenic flights, offering unforgettable aerial journeys over the Central Plateau, Tongariro National Park, and beyond. Operating an AS350 helicopter with spacious seating and panoramic ...
$4,000.00 - $10,000.00 NZD
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Views on Victory
Views on Victory
Set in a safe & quiet residential street this private guest suite has it's own entrance, deck, and self check-in. Features quality linens, ensuite with toiletries, air con, and smart TV with streaming. Kitchenette includes fridge, microwave, toaster, kettle, tea, coffee and ...
$220.00 - $250.00 NZD
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Taupō Pedal Boats - Water Bike Hire
Stand up paddle-board (SUP) Rental
We have 7 SUP's which are suitable for children and adults. They are easy to operate and a fun way to explore the Lake. Easy for beginners, although you may get wet. They are a great activity for all ages and makes for some pretty cool stories and photo ops. Paddle about, or ...
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Mahuta Point
Mahuta Point
Mahuta Point is a traditional Kiwi bach (holiday home) in Waitahanui, lovingly restored to blend classic Lake Taupō character with modern comfort. Inside are 3 bedrooms sleeping up to 7, 1.5 bathrooms, a full kitchen and an open-plan living area warmed by a fireplace. The heart ...
$550.00 NZD
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Blake House at Poronui | Exclusive-use Fully Catered Private Villa
Poronui Lodge
Nestled in the secluded Taharua valley, Poronui is a vast wilderness property providing a wide range of adventures for the outdoor enthusiast, as well as family holidays, romantic getaways and corporate retreats. Whether your passion is fly fishing, shooting, sporting clays, ...
$1,400.00 - $3,030.00 NZD
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Lake Luxe Apartment
Relax at Richmond Heights
Perfectly set up, extensively renovated throughout with 4 bedrooms (1 downstairs), 2 bathrooms (1 downstairs), a light and bright entertainers’ kitchen and spacious living areas. Summer or Winter, finding the perfect spot to unwind and put your feet up isn’t hard here, there are ...
$380.00 - $600.00 NZD
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Hoani Honey - Kuratau Holiday Home
Te Kuru Cabin - Pukawa Bay Holiday Home
Te Kuru Cabin is a tucked away and surrounded by native greenery, creating a private escape for your next trip to Pukawa Bay. Whether it is Summer or Winter this cabin is fitted with all the essentials you might need for easy holiday living, including a dishwasher and TV. Sit by ...
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Hoani Honey - Kuratau Holiday Home
Lakefront Gem - Kuratau Holiday Home
Boasting picturesque views of Lake Taupō, open the windows and doors and feel the cool breeze coming off the lake as you kick back and get into the full swing of holiday mode. Create that all-important indoor-outdoor flow onto the sheltered deck or patio, where you’ll find the ...
$217.00 - $583.00 NZD
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New Zealand Customised Fly Fishing Tours - The New Zealand Fly Fishing Company
Tongariro River & Turangi Fly Fishing Guides The New Zealand Fly Fishing Company
Let our friendly experienced Turangi fly fishing guides share some of the most exciting fly fishing in New Zealand and around the world. We’ll get you in front of hard fighting rainbows & big brown trout on the world famous Tongariro River & take you on backcountry river ...
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Hoani Honey - Kuratau Holiday Home
Lakeside Terrace – Taupō Holiday Home
Open the sliding doors wide and relax under the umbrella on the deck while the BBQ sizzles. Soak in the bath after a day of exploring the cycle and walking trails while your family enjoys a selection of puzzles, DVDs, and CDs for the stereo. This two-bedroom, two-bathroom family ...
$163.00 - $386.00 NZD
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Kaimanawa Ranges Epic 3 Day Adventure
Maori Rock Carvings with Taupo Kayaking Adventures
The impressive 14m high Maori Rock Carvings is located at Mine Bay on Lake Taupo, and is only accessible by boat or kayak. Come with us as we take you below native bush, past steep cliffs and mini inlets before arriving at the amazing carvings. Your experienced guide will ...
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Kaimanawa Ranges Epic 3 Day Adventure
Taupo Kayaking Adventures Geothermal Tours
Experience New Zealand's geothermal wonders with Taupo Kayaking Adventures as we take you on a kayak trip down the Waikato River past amazing geothermal features. You have the option of stoping for a warm shower and soak under a natural hot springs waterfall before taking a ...