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Almost lakefront small cosy cottage

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A house with a covered porch, outdoor seating, and a small garden area.
A compact kitchen with wooden cabinets, a central island, and a dining area with a table and chairs.
A living room with a dark brown sofa, a red armchair, and a blue sofa with cushions. There is a television on a stand, a painting on the wall, and a window with a view of the outside.
A well-maintained garden with a gazebo, a wooden fence, and a variety of trees and shrubs.
A living room with a sofa, a dining table, and chairs. There is a bookshelf with books, a white air conditioning unit, and a hanging light fixture.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Family fun awaits
    Top-rated for families.
  • Beach equipment
    A rare find — beach equipment ready to go for your days by the sea.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Walk to The Landing Lake Taupō
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue grill
  • Deck or patio

Explore the area

View in a map
Four Mile Bay (4 Mile Bay), Taupo
  • Place, Four Mile Bay
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Five Mile Bay
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Place, The Landing Lake Taupō
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Airport, Taupō Airport (TUO)
    ‪9 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 3

1 Single Bed and 1 Double Futon

1 bathroom

Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Almost lakefront small cosy cottage

Wharewaka Cottage is a self-contained cottage situated at the rear of a lakefront section at 57A Wharewaka Road, offering lake views and direct access to the Lions Walkway and loveliest beaches below. The historic building was part of Taupo's first motel being two units opened up to make a warm and sunny cottage containing all the comforts of home - perfect any time of year. It particularly suits two couples or one family because of its compact size. It is 10 minutes from the centre of Taupo, a few minutes away from Taupo Airport, Ploughmans restaurant, take-away and dairy facilities at Two Mile Bay, boat ramp and right on the local bus route. Walk, cycle or run all the way to town on the Lions Walkway or head out to Wharewaka Point for childrens' playground, panoramic views of Lake Taupo and spectacular sunsets!



Extras: Cleaning (Required, NZ$50.00 per stay); Linen (included);

Add dates for prices

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House Rules

Check in after 3:30 PM
Check out before 10:30 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property # 20008219
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 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 that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Taupō

Located near the beach, this cottage is in Wharewaka, a neighbourhood in Taupō. The Landing Lake Taupō and Taupō Hot Springs are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Four Mile Bay and Five Mile Bay. Travelling with kids? Consider Waipahihi Botanical Gardens and Spa Thermal Park. Power boating and fishing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and mountain biking nearby.
View more Cottages in TaupōOpens in a new window
Map
Four Mile Bay (4 Mile Bay), Taupo

What's nearby

  • Four Mile Bay - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Five Mile Bay - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • The Landing Lake Taupō - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Three Mile Bay - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Taupō Hot Springs - 10 min drive - 6.1 km

Getting around

  • Taupō Airport (TUO) - 4 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Crafty TROUT Brewing Co. - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Japan Deli - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Heli Cafe - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Roquette Restaurant & Bar - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Almost lakefront small cosy cottage pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Almost lakefront small cosy cottage?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Almost lakefront small cosy cottage?

Check-in begins at 3:30 PM.

What time is check-out at Almost lakefront small cosy cottage?

Checkout is at 10:30 AM.

Where is Almost lakefront small cosy cottage located?

This family-friendly Taupō cottage is located near the beach, within a 15-minute walk of Four Mile Bay, The Landing Lake Taupō and Five Mile Bay. Three Mile Bay and Lake Taupō are also within 1 mile (2 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 61 out of 67 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 67 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 67 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 67 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 67 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Manu P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beatiful setting and a truly home away from home! We had a fantastic time
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Apr, 2026
Thank you for your kind words - and for staying with us. Come back again sometime!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Amanda G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely clean, well appointed house in a great position, close to the lake. Lovely hosts, very welcoming.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Josi B.

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

Great place to stay

We loved our stay at Wharewaka The cottage is really comfortable and had everything we needed including a really well equipped kitchen It was great to just be able to wander down the path in front of the main house for a swim Gillian was a great hostess and very friendly
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Mar, 2021
Thank you for your kind comments. You were a pleasure to have to stay and we look forward to the next time!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Deb D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a lovely time. The house is beautiful & very well equipped. Would recommend for a stay in Taupō.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Philip C.

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

Great place

This is a warm cozy little cottage with nice beds and lots of amenities. Would recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Aug, 2021
What nice comments - thank you. I must say for a Dad coping alone with four pretty young kids, you did an amazing job!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn G.

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

Lovely and Cosy

Warm and inviting traditional bach with easy access to the lakefront. Great for families.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn M.

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

Fantastic spot!

We stayed here with our 2 kids (ages 5 and 8), and it was ideal! The house was clean and well fitted out (two toilets was helpful!). We’d happily stay here again.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 3 May, 2024
Thank you Kathryn for your lovely review - we enjoyed having you all and would love to see you back again sometime. Kind regards Gill
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jess L.

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

Awesome spot

Outside of town, nice and quiet but close enough to not be inconvenient - we were staying for Ironman, incredible to be able to wander down to the lake the day after for a refreshing recovery swim. Really pretty spot and the owners are lovely - would love to stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Mar, 2021
Many thanks for your lovely review and well done for completing the Ironman.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Cleo P.

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

Our best holiday

Thank you for a wonderful stay. Property exceeded expectations. Lovely spot and lovely hosts.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Feb, 2021
This family was a pleasure to have stay. We hardly knew they were there. The cottage was left as neat as a pin and easy to clean. Would love them to stay again sometime.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Brendan P.

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

Super comfy -

A delightful cottage that suited us perfectly. Away from the bustle of town - easy to get down to the lake to play. Ideal for us.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Adrian H.

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

Quiet cottage.

Great little cottage in great location for what I consider is the best bay in Taupo. We will be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Jan, 2024
Thank you both for staying with us and sorry it was rather wet and wild. We would love you to try another weekend at some other time.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Natalie B.

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

Super cute, perfect location!

We had a lovely stay at the cottage, Gill was very helpful and attentive. Cottage was very clean and well stocked. Would recommend for a family and will be back! Thanks for the memories.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Jan, 2024
This family were a pleasure to have stay with us. Always on the go whatever the weather, bright and happy kids - good fun. Cottage left neat and tidy. Would love to see them back.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin A.

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

Spot on

Clean, cozy, and had everything we needed.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Dec, 2022
Thanks very much.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Caroline R.

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

Everything you need

A lovely little cottage with great access to the lake & cycle/walking path. Very homely, well equipped & owners were friendly and accommodating. Would def recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar, 2020
This family was easy to deal with, appreciative and considerate. Would love to see them back again.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Crawford C.

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

Fantastic holiday

Lovely property with view of lake. Our Host's were very nice and made sure we had everything we needed. Well kitted out Kitchen and plenty of spare linen. Warm and cosy. Very close to lake for walking and cycling. Would definitely book again.
Stayed 14 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 1 May, 2023
Thank you both for staying with us for your 'fishing fix' - we would love to see you back again another year when New Zealand calls.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Patrick K.

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

Paradise in Lake Taupo

Had a wonderful, relaxing stay in this very pleasant, fully equipped house with beautiful landscaping and your very own car port. Owners were very kind and helpful. Lovely lakeshore pathway minutes away with easy access. Would highly recommend this location for a guaranteed restful stay. Simply outstanding!
Stayed 28 nights in Mar 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Apr, 2024
This couple were great to have stay with us - would welcome them back anytime!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Helen B.

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

Home away from home

Lovely cottage in a quiet, beautiful location - just what we were after. Furnished like a home, rather than a rental, this was a very comfortable place to stay. Only downside was the limited WiFi, which was restricted to only two connections at a time - tricky when there are more than two people in the group. The hosts were friendly, and communication excellent. Many thanks for letting us share your lovely cottage.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Aug, 2022
Thank you for your kind words - we enjoyed your stay with us and would love to see you again sometime.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Janet Patricia O.

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

Sisters weekend

A great place in a gorgeous garden setting with lake access. Very well equipped. Comfy and cosy and could open whole place up to deck and garden and sun.. Nice and private outdoor area. Definitely recommend and will go back. Thanks Gill.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Dec, 2023
This family had fun gathering for the weekend and having a low-key couple of days. They were careful and tidy guests and appreciated the cozy amenities. Would love to see them back again sometime.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Danielle A.

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

The best cozy spot

We arrived late in the day, and the fire had been lit for us so the house was cozy and inviting. The beds are good, the water pressure is on point and the place is supplied with everything you could think of. It's only a short 7min drive (if that) back into central Taupo, the Landing and the new Countdown are very close and if you're heading to the mountain, you're in the right side of town to head down there. This is a great spot and one we will be back to for our next trip.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Jul, 2023
Brilliant review - many thanks!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Mike B.

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

Very relaxing and beautiful.

Our stay in Taupo was the middle of our North Island Holiday. I think being a few kms out of there centre of town is good. We found it very peaceful. The view out of the double French windows was framed by beautiful garden. It was lovely to sit in the lounge with the autumn sun streaming through the windows. The hosts made us feel very welcome and at home.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 7 May, 2024
Thank you both for staying with us and for leaving it all easy to clean and prepare for the next guests. Happy travels for the rest of your holiday in NZ.
Verified review

8/10 Good

Stephen H.

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

Lovely

Comfortable and charming cottage near the lake. Everything was clean and spotless and organised. A narrow corridor view to the lake was pleasant. If the TV was a little newer we could have streamed from our devices. I would also have liked a little milk to get us started with a cup of tea or similar when we arrived but otherwise a brilliant property for a couple or small friends group.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Nov, 2024
Thanks for your review. Always keen for constructive comments so we can follow them up!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sean C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A wonderful property. Gill’s instructions were nice and clear, the house was spotless, great location with lots of room
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sam R.

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

Second time around

Great place as evidenced by our second stay :-)
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Marina A.

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

Home away from home

Really comfy! Unlucky we were in Taupo for a tournament as would have loved to be able to spend a bit more time just relaxing at the accommodation.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Catherine R.

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

Comfy, wonderful stay.

We had the most delightful stay at Wharewaka cottage. Such a warm & comfortable place with everything we needed. Gill was just the best host & stayed in touch providing friendly helpful information through out our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

About the host

Hosted by gilles823

Host profile image

What makes this property unique

Garden setting, with views of the lake
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