Hatepe is a quiet lakeside settlement populated with holiday homes and a growing number of permanent local residents. This sunny, warm Lockwood cottage with lovely lake views is nestled in native bush, 1 minute walk to the lake along the reserve. Great fly-fishing in the Hinemaia River and boat ramps for access to the lake. Close enough to National Park and the mountains while Taupo town and tourist facilities are only 20 mins by car. Bush walks close by. Astro turf tennis court available. Ideal for family holiday or for just a quiet break away from the bustle of family/business living. Comfortable living area-cozy in cooler months -warm woodburner with tons of firewood but very sunny during summer months. Delightful native bird population.Ideal accommodation when the snow arrives at Mt Ruapehu.
This bach is loved by our family and has character built from our connection to Hatepe that spans 5 generations.
Special conditions: Two Night Minimum Tariff subject to review for premium times eg over summer period and long weekends. Special rates for longer stays on request or for last minute bookings
Extras: Under Kiwi bach tradition you are expected to: Bring your own linen (towels/sheets/tea towels) but arrangements can be to provide linen etc I Weber bbq
Ideal location for walking, cycling , fishing and boating
Property manager
simono5
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Parking available
Have a question?
AI iconBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
About the area
Hatepe
Located in Hatepe, this holiday home is on a lake. Lake Taupo and Five Mile Bay reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include The Landing Lake Taupo and Waipahihi Botanical Gardens. Taupo Hot Springs and A.C. Baths are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and parasailing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with rock climbing and hiking/biking trails.
Hatepe, Waikato
What's nearby
Lake Taupo - 9 min drive - 8.6 km
Taupo Hot Springs - 21 min drive - 28.6 km
Spa Thermal Park - 25 min drive - 31.8 km
Taupo Marina and Boat Ramp - 27 min drive - 29.3 km
Huka Falls - 32 min drive - 37.1 km
Getting around
Taupo (TUO) - 15 min drive
Restaurants
Native Xpresso - 9 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Hatepe Taupo Lakeside Retreat pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
What time is check-in at Hatepe Taupo Lakeside Retreat?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Hatepe Taupo Lakeside Retreat?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Hatepe Taupo Lakeside Retreat located?
Situated on a lake, this holiday home is 4.5 mi (7.3 km) from Lake Taupo and within 12 miles (20 km) of Five Mile Bay and The Landing Lake Taupo. Three Mile Bay and Four Mile Bay are also within 12 miles (20 km).
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We arrived at the Hatepe Lakeside retreat and let ourselves in to a space that was a cross between a frat house and fishing cabin with a 200 yard walk / drive to the lake.We immediately noticed the run down nature of the place: ripped cushions; bent shelves; broken handle to access the worn deck; deck chair blocking hole in the hedge; dryer with tape on the door stacked on the porch.The owner’s stuff was scattered throughout the space - freezer packed with food, closets part filled with possessions.The cleanliness of the place made us concerned to sit down or touch anything. The kitchen area surfaces were sticky, handprints were visible all over the doors and to cap it off we found moldy bread in one of the kitchen drawers. We did not stay long enough to check out the linens or bed covers.The response from VRBO and from the owner to these issues has been less than stellar. No refund, or apology from the owner.We contacted VRBO immediately after we had moved out and found a place to stay that night. They responded quickly but their suggestion was that we could help clean the place the next day, so we could move back in – NO THANK YOU. At least 4 different support team staff have contacted us offering various refunds totaling less than 25% of our expense. Very disappointing considering how many times we have rented through them.This has been the worst experience we have had with a VRBO property - Caveat Emptor.
Loved the peace away from suburbia.Great birdlife ,close to lakeside.Loved the warmly feel of the timber cabin.Recommend coming and staying.We will definitely come and stay again
we enjoyed this cabin by the lake. easy access to the Tongariro Crossing and Timber Trail...about 15min drive from Turangi. nice deck for relaxing in the sun.
Russ B.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
6/10 Okay
Fraser P.
18 Feb, 2025
Lots of Character
Charming bach, full of character and looks to hold lots of family memories. Kayaks were a great feature and allowed us to explore up Hainemaia River (where we also spent lots of time fishing). Quick access to the lake via a neighbouring property has recently been cut off, so access is via the road. Easy 1-2 min walk but a bit of a distance to haul kayaks without a dolly, so we used our ute to bring them back and forth. Yard is very private but the advertised lake views are one smallish “peek-a-boo” view from the kitchen and dining area windows of a small patch of lake between the trees over a neighbouring. It’s nice enough, but some of the reviews suggesting it to be “stunning” may be a little generous. The “lakeside” title refers to the overall community. This bach is 2 and a bit rows back from the lake. Owner relies on guests to clean (which came as a surprise to us as there is nothing in the listing about this and we were only informed 2 days prior to checkin) and while the bach is generally tidy, it’s showing signs of needing an all ‘round deep clean. Linens are by request and we were instructed to use the linens in the grey bags in the closet (not there, so we dug through piles of other linens to find what we needed, which felt strange). In general, while a decent place and certainly far from a bad experience, it did not meet our expectations based on the information provided in the listing.
We loved this lakeside home. It had everything we needed and was a welcoming place to return to after days of hiking. The cottage contains abundant evidence of the owners’ fascinating lives and interests. It is a well-loved place. And we could see why.
Verified traveller
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
8/10 Good
Annette H.
2 Feb, 2025
Liked: Location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness, communication
Hatepe native batch
This property is true Kiwi Style.Come in with your sheets and towels etc.Clean up, vacuum, do dishes, rubbish etc when you leave.The place is only as clean as the last person. Saying that it was comfortable, cosy and had absolutely everything you need.The batch was in a perfect local. Set amongst stunning native bush. It was very private, close to the lake and perfect for a relaxing holiday.
Absolutely lovely location with a quick walk to the lake. The house had everything we needed. Patchy mobile service in the area (could have just been my carrier - 2degrees). We loved the quant ambiance of the house and watching the birds from the deck. Good communication with Simon. If you've never been to lake Taupō and would like to go for a swim, I do recommend bringing along dive booties or water shoes - something to protect your feet from the rock bottom.
Very homely little Bach. Perfect for a relaxing week away. The only negative was having to clean for a couple of hours upon arrival. Kids loved the lake and used the canoes daily.
Really cute woodlock batch right on the lake. It has an amazing holiday feel to it. The view is breathless sitting at the dinning table .Got to feed some of the local birds too. Simon was lovely communication was great and easy. Definitely stay here again.
This is a rustic, basic batch with no TV or internet. All you can hear is birdsong and the waves from the lake. I loved it. There was plenty of firewood for the amazing indoor fire and outdoor brazier, books and puzzles to for entertainment. I will definately return. Simon was a fantastic host:)
In town for a rugby tournament. Perfect, quiet little batch for our stay.
Steve D.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Emma-Jane C.
10 Sept, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy
Home away from home
A true home away from home, offering every comfort imaginable. The tranquil view invites relaxation, while the well-appointed kitchen boasts delightful accessories for every culinary need. The bed is exceptionally comfortable, ensuring restful nights. The community is warm and welcoming, and our hosts, whom we had the pleasure of speaking with, are truly lovely people. This experience provides everything one could wish for.
It was wonderful. Small, intimate, and full of character. A real family bach full, perfect for couples or small groups.
Thought not a major, my only complaint would be it's not cleaned properly. It's tidy and cosy, but really should be cleaned properly before renting it out. I recommend hiring a cleaner to do a few hrs on it. Anyone with very high cleaning standards or dust allergies would struggle!
We'll be back regardless