The Pillars Retreat
7 Deborah Rise Bonshaw Park, Taupo 3379 New Zealand
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About
#1 of 7 small hotels in Taupo
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This unique purpose-built Mediterranean styled two-storied country manor is a 10-minute drive from central Taupo, the perfect spot to stop, relax and discover the central north island. Panoramic mature gardens and surrounding mountains greet you as you enter our front gates. A warm Kiwi welcome awaits from your resident hosts John and Nancy. Our four self-contained, spacious, luxuriously appointed upstairs ensuite bedrooms all with spectacular rural views, refrigerators, tea & coffee making facilities, TV with USB, underfloor heating, Free Wi-Fi and serviced daily. A free shuttle to restaurants is provided, or guests can bring readymade food provisions and eat at home. You could just have a day relaxing around the saltwater pool reading a book from our library collection. Children over 13 years are welcome.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Free breakfast
Hiking
Tennis court
Free airport transportation
Adults only
Secured parking
Wifi
Pool / beach towels
Outdoor pool
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Complimentary welcome drink
Free shuttle or taxi services
BBQ facilities
Baggage storage
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Shared lounge / TV area
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Sun umbrellas
First aid kit
Umbrella
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Room features
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Coffee / tea maker
Flatscreen TV
Electric blanket
Walk-in shower
Safe
Seating area
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Bottled water
Iron
Private bathrooms
Tile / marble floor
Refrigerator
Electric kettle
Radio
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
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Room types
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Charming
Great View
Languages Spoken
English, Farsi, Hindi, Urdu
Location
7 Deborah Rise Bonshaw Park, Taupo 3379 New Zealand
Getting there
Car HireSee all Taupo car hire
315Reviews1Q+A69Room tips
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We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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From the first minute you will feel welcome at this incredible house. Just ten minutes’ drive from the hustle and bustle of the busy holiday centre of Taupō, The Pillars is an oasis of relaxed calm. Hosts Nancy and John are warm, friendly and ready to help with anything you might want. The house is set in gorgeous manicured gardens, perfect for a peaceful walk. I was in the Pillars Suite, which is huge with a lovely balcony for an evening drink, underfloor heating (yes really!) and an enormous tiled bathroom with a great bath for relaxing in. I had a peek at the other rooms yesterday and they are all beautiful. A touch of mischief is the slide next to the main stairwell, apparently put in by the people who built the house, to amuse their children! (Must admit I tried it yesterday, lots of fun) Nancy and John offer a delicious continental breakfast and will cook you eggs from their own free range chickens. The location is perfect, in a quiet reserve off the Taupō - Napier highway, within easy reach of everything Taupō has to offer but no traffic noise whatsoever. I haven’t been to Taupō in a long time but if I come up this way again I will be sure to stay here. I couldn’t recommend The Pillars more. …
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Date of stay: December 2020Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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I loved my stay at Pillars Retreat in Taupo. The property was charming and the amenities outstanding. John and Nancy were such gracious hosts, providing us with so many recommendations to make the most of our stay in the beautiful Lake Taupo area. I would highly recommend this extraordinary BnB and hope to visit again. It's the only place I'd stay on a return visit.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Our stay at The Pillars Retreat was awesome. John and Nancy are splendid hosts who are very attentive to their guests. Our room was absolutely spotless and very comfortable. We went on a walk of the beautiful grounds, and when we had breakfast, we had food that was fresh from their home. They had fresh honey, eggs, fruit, etc harvested right there! John and Nancy also provided excellent recommendations for nearby activities. You can even have a helicopter land right in their backyard to take you on a ride around the Tongaririo National Park for some gorgeous views of the New Zealand landscape!
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Date of stay: February 2020
Cleanliness
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Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from PillarsRetreat, Owner at The Pillars Retreat
Responded 19 Mar 2020
Thank you for staying with us . That Inflite Helicopter ride was quite a thrill .
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our stay at The Pillars Retreat was really great. John and Nancy are gracious hosts anxious to meet the needs of their guests, including a really scrumptious breakfast! Our suite was immaculate and comfortable. We loved strolling the grounds and John and Nancy gave us wonderful recommendations for local fun. We recommend this hotel and hope to return some day.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Value
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from PillarsRetreat, Owner at The Pillars Retreat
Responded 18 Mar 2020
It was a great pleasure to have you stay with us. We hope to see you again in the future sometime. Call us direct and we will help plan your stay and events. Until then stay safe and stay healthy
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nancy and John treated us like family! Beautiful property with a pool that we enjoyed. Rooms are luxurious and the breakfast was delicious. Taupo was very nice with a spectacular river and waterfall. Wish we could have stayed longer!
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from PillarsRetreat, Owner at The Pillars Retreat
Responded 13 Feb 2020
We wish you stayed longer too, you are wonderful guests and we really enjoyed having you stay with us. Kind regards John and Nancy
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Beautiful home on quiet street. Room & en suite were spacious and nicely equipped. Pretty view from the Sunset room. The slide from 2nd floor is whimsical! Breakfast was yummy & plenty. Nancy & John are wonderful hosts. Would definitely stay again if we are in the area. Less than 8 mins. drive from Lake Taupo, restaurants, bars & shopping.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from PillarsRetreat, Owner at The Pillars Retreat
Responded 13 Feb 2020
Thank you Wendy for your kind review, we hope you do come back again and stay longer. Warmest regards and safe journey John and Nancy
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We really enjoyed our stay at Pillars Retreat ! The house is marvellous, our room (the sunset suite) is spacious and has a wonderful view, John and Nancy are adorable hosts, very warm welcoming and helpful with advices about what to visit in the neighbourhood. There is also a pool and a tennis court in the huge garden, and lots of flowers. The breakfast is really good with fresh products from the farm (eggs, honey...). Only 10 min drive from the center of Taupo (where you can find restaurants for dinner). Don’t hesitate : have a stop at the Pillars Retreat and enjoy !!!
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Date of stay: November 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Not only was the property gorgeous and comfortable, but it was the first night we stayed coming down from Auckland on our way through and John & Nancy’s breakfast and hospitality have not been matched. It is a must stay, the town of Taupo was only a couple minutes away and Nancy or John will help with area attractions. We are stopping by on our way back up to pick up my husbands boots he left and can’t wait to see them again. Oh, the radiant heat floors was amazing, along with the honey they farm there (and did I mention the breakfast)?? Amazing doesn’t even come close!!! You can call the directly to book or message them.
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Date of stay: October 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from PillarsRetreat, Owner at The Pillars Retreat
Responded 30 Oct 2019
Hope you folks are doing great! Thank you for such a kind review. Your boots are safe and waiting for your return. Looking forwards to to see you again, soon. John and Nancy
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nestled outside of Taupo, the place is a real retreat. Hosts are most welcoming managing to deliver an elaborated service is a simple way. Definitively to stop and stay here if you are in the neighborhood.
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Date of stay: October 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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We had a wonderful 2 day stay in this perfect retreat. The owners' pride in their beautiful home was undoubted and entirely justified. We think that the best b & b's are often distinguished from hotels or guest houses by being welcomed into the owners' home as if the guest is a family member or friend and we were certainly made to feel welcome from the very start. The breakfast was nicely presented but necessary to pre-order-not unexpected in this type of accommodation. It is out of town but great for guests looking for peace and tranquillity. We will certainly stay again.
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Date of stay: February 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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ALSO KNOWN AS
pillars hotel taupo
LOCATION
New ZealandNorth IslandWaikato RegionTaupo DistrictTaupo
NUMBER OF ROOMS
5
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Frequently Asked Questions about The Pillars Retreat
Which popular attractions are close to The Pillars Retreat?
Nearby attractions include Lake Taupo (8.0 km), Maori Rock Carvings (7.5 km), and Waipahihi Botanical Gardens (5.4 km).
What are some of the property amenities at The Pillars Retreat?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
Which room amenities are available at The Pillars Retreat?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a flat screen TV, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at The Pillars Retreat?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, barbeque facilities, and complimentary tea during their stay.
Is parking available at The Pillars Retreat?
Yes, free parking and secured parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to The Pillars Retreat?
Conveniently located restaurants include The Brantry, Mole & Chicken, and Embra.
Are there opportunities to exercise at The Pillars Retreat?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does The Pillars Retreat have airport transportation?
Yes, The Pillars Retreat offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at The Pillars Retreat?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Urdu, and Farsi.