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Kowhai Cottage Pukawa - Pet friendly at the lake

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Kowhai Cottage is set in 1 acre of gardens
Outdoor dining
Kowhai Cottage - Pet and kid friendly
Elevated view from garden to surrounding hills
Garden with glimpses of the lake from cottage

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5828.8 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Outdoor Space
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View in a map
Pukawa Bay, Taupo
  • Place, Kuratau Jetty
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Tokaanu Thermal Pools
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Tongariro National Park
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Airport, Taupō Airport (TUO)
    ‪52 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom

1 Twin Bed, 1 Double Bed, 1 Crib and 1 Child Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Living Room 1

1 Twin Bed

Master bedroom (King)

1 King Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Kowhai Cottage Pukawa - Pet friendly at the lake

Finalist Golden Piwas 2014 - Best Pet Friendly Bach - Abundant native bird life

Relaxing, rural retreat set in one acre of gardens, with resident tui, kereru and bellbird. Beautifully presented two bedroom cottage with glimpses of Lake Taupo through the trees. Perfect for couples, small families and pets (by arrangement). Covered, secure deck area for pets during the day, and 1 acre of grounds to explore.

Just minutes from Tokanuu thermal pools, Pukawa beach and Kauratau boat ramp. Swimming areas, fishing spots, hiking, kayaking, horse riding and hunting trails are all close by. 10 minutes to Lake House restaurant at Waihi Village, 2 minutes to Oreti Restaurant, 12 minutes to Turangi, 40 mins to Whakapapa skifield.

Cosy log fire, fully equipped kitchen (incl. dishwasher), dining areas outside and inside, family games, toys, DVD, TV, stereo. Shower, bath. Expansive decks for sun and views of surrounding countryside.

King bed, and single over double bunk beds. Day bed in lounge. Sleepout with queen bed. Extra squabs and portacot for kids. Electric blankets, pillows, blankets provided. Linen (sheets, towels) and cleaning service available on request (extra charge).

The grounds provide plenty of space for parking and for play. The garden is planted with fruit, native and exotic trees for shade and autumn colour, two ponds and plantings attracting bird life - native bush nearby is home to tui, bellbird and wood pigeon that can be seen at close range in the trees from the elevated cottage.

A truly magical place and base for adventure for you next stay at the lake or visit to the mountains.
Special conditions:

- High season rates (no discounts) applies to all public holidays, plus minimum stay period (4 nights) over Christmas, New Year and Easter.
- Smoking allowed outside only.
- Pets by arrangement.

Extras: Cleaning (Optional, NZ$80.00 per stay/week); Linen (Optional, NZ$25.00 per person);
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Pet friendly
Outdoor Space
Parking available
Lake view

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 12:00 PM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
Swamp/pond gates to be closed, no fire guard
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Events

No events allowed
No parties or events.
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
De-Flea/worm/vaccinations prior please
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: No parties or events.
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

About the neighborhood

Kuratau

Located in Kuratau, this vacation home is in a rural area and near a water park. While the natural beauty of Lake Taupō and Tongariro National Park can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can check out River Vineyard. Enjoy the area's slopes with snowboarding and skiing, and don't miss out on the sledding.
View more Vacation Homes in KuratauOpens in a new window
Map
Pukawa Bay, Taupo

What's nearby

  • Kuratau Jetty - 4 min drive - 5.4 km
  • Tokaanu Thermal Pools - 6 min drive - 8.6 km
  • Turangi i-SITE Visitor Centre - 10 min drive - 14.6 km
  • Tongariro National Park - 10 min drive - 16.1 km
  • Tongariro National Trout Centre - 11 min drive - 17.9 km

Getting around

  • Taupō Airport (TUO) - 48 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Rust - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Delta Coffee - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Turangi Tavern - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Thyme For Food - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪The Bakehouse Cafe and Roasts - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Kowhai Cottage Pukawa - Pet friendly at the lake pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

How much does it cost to stay at Kowhai Cottage Pukawa - Pet friendly at the lake?

As of Apr 26, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Kowhai Cottage Pukawa - Pet friendly at the lake on Apr 27, 2026 start from $96, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Kowhai Cottage Pukawa - Pet friendly at the lake?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Kowhai Cottage Pukawa - Pet friendly at the lake?

Check-out is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Kowhai Cottage Pukawa - Pet friendly at the lake located?

This family-friendly Kuratau vacation home is located in a rural location, 2 mi (3.2 km) from Lake Taupō, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Tokaanu Thermal Pools and Kuratau Jetty. Tongariro National Park and Turangi i-SITE Visitor Centre are also within 9 mi (15 km).

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 65 out of 91 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 21 out of 91 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 91 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 91 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 91 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bela G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great spot

Great spot, love waking up to the native birds outside the window. Great for our dog being fully fenced. Fireplace was excellent. We had a lovely stay.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

athol b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location

Location

Lovely location
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Garside F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Taupo hideaway

Lovely spot and gorgeous house. Very dog friendly. Short drive to the lake. We enjoyed the fire pit.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Ros S.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location

Lovely quiet spot

We really enjoyed staying here, nice and quiet and out of the way. Loved that we could bring our dog too. Cosy spot
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bela G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely place, quiet and peaceful.

Great for our dog and well fenced. Lots of space for the boat. Loved it and hope to stay again
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Phillippa C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely relaxing holiday

We enjoyed our stay here. It had everything we needed. It was very comfortable amd clean. Such a relaxing and peaceful location. Great boat parking. Would love to stay again.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Bliss

A wondeful long weekend stay. The property was in a quiet secluded area complete with all the amenities to ensure a relaxing time. I highly recommend this place for familys with children, couples or anyone who just wants to get away from "it all".
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kay E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Forget the rest, this is the best

AMAZING place for the money, so clean and quiet, literally a haven for my old dog who was at home, "like us" the second we drove through the gate. We would love to return, if possible probably in the next few weeks, it was that good.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jessica N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely spot

We had a lovely stay. The property seems well fenced so our dog had a blast exploring to find pine cones and tennis balls while we read books on the deck in the sun. We also enjoyed the short drive to the lake for a swim. Would recommend and hope to come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sue b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relax

A lovely clean cottage well setup. Our dog loved her stay and our highlight was cooking a barbeque on the outdoor fire
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Sylvie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cosy bach

Cosy kiwi bach in a lovely setting. Handy to Taupo and Turangi and close to Pukawa bay with a nice bush walk. Well stocked, good cleanliness. Would recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

werner s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful

Cozy, relaxing and very comfortable. Will be back soon
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kay E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A peaceful relaxing break from the world, BLISS

Second visit in a month and will definitely return. Instantly at home and glad 2 b back, "even the dog was howling to get out at the gate" i love it here, private but near to amenities, flat land 4 an old dog to roam, fruit trees and shrubs with birds chatter all around, a log fire keeping u warm. Its Heaven
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Road trip

Private, quiet and relaxing. The weather was awful but the fire, books and board games made the stay lovely. The only disappointment was the empty hand wash, detergent, tea etc and coffee beans for the coffee maker which I had asked about and was told was supplied.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Annie G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Hardy Pukawa Property in Gusting 90km winds

We had a great time with our 2 greyhounds. The property was fully fenced so secure for our sighthounds. The house is definitely cosy with a lovely Kent type fire and an abundance of wood. The house was tested weather wise as we had the most foul weather front with gusting 90km winds. The house stood up to it as did the surrounding trees. Definitely a good property to relax at or yo use as a base for water-based activities or to head to the snow. Definitely worth another visit……maybe in the summer :)
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We loved our stay at Kowhai Cottage. We loved that it was so close to the event we attended.

We enjoyed our break away, and it was so peaceful. It was an awesome experience.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joanna H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A lovely warm, cozy and clean place to stay

Great location for what we were wanting. This place had everything that we needed. Added bonus that we could take our family dog 🙂
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amber S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely stay

We had a lovely stay at this Bach, the fire place made it super warm and cozy. Handy location for going to whakapapa and the thermal pools we just wish we were staying longer, next time we will be😉😄
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark B.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice cosy cottage

Loved the place. Cosy and warm. Nice and private. Great area. Will stay again. Cheers
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Di C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely spot to stay. Great we could bring the dog.

Great
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

kathryn t.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Warm western Lake Taupo stay

A clean, quietly located property on the south western side of Lake Taupo a couple of minutes drive from Pukawa where we did a great lakeside walk with our dog who loved jumping into the lake. The bach has a great kent fire and wetback so hot showers after walking in bush in the rain was much appreciated. We enjoyed our stay here exploring the southern and western areas of the lake.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lodewyk J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great weekend away to kick-start the winter in Taupo

The house is well maintained inside. The yard and house is suitable for dogs and they enjoyed every moment at the place. Would recommend for any foamily who wants a peaceful get away from the everything.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katrina W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great weekend away

Great weekend away, fire and bath were amazing. Had everything we needed, fantastic property.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021
Verified

8/10 Good

Tracey A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great bach - very quiet

Great place
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Trish S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice retreat

Nice relaxing setting and a beautiful home. Would recommend to others.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2020

About the host

Hosted by Paul

Host profile image

What makes this property unique

Peaceful rural retreat perfect for you and your family (including your pets). Just 2 minutes drive to beaches, fishing and swimming in Lake Taupo,10 minutes to Tokanuu hot pools, and 30-40 min to Whakapapa ski field. Relax on the deck in summer, explore the grounds or cosy up to the wood fire in the winter.

Languages:

English
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