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Whakaipo Lodge
1/504 Mapara Road RD 5 Acacia Bay, Taupo 3385 New Zealand
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About
5.0
#1 of 24 B&Bs in TaupoLocation
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to the top 1% of businesses across select categories.
You'll certainly cherish your time at Whakaipo Lodge, a boutique lodge perfectly positioned close to Taupo and the Great Lake while providing an idyllic, romantic sanctuary away from it all. Nestled on a 4 hectare estate, with stunning gardens and friendly sheep, the Lodge is adjacent to the spectacular Whakaipo Bay Reserve of Lake Taupo, just perfect for secluded swimming, walking, biking or photography. Treat yourself and be pampered with superb food, NZ wine, local craft beer and exceptional coffee or organic tea from your knowledgeable Kiwi hosts at Taupo's top-rated Bed & Breakfast/Inn. Stunning location, gourmet food & wine experience, luxury accommodation and great company are all here in abundance. So, sit back and relax in style.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Free breakfast
Bicycle rental
Hiking
Airport transportation
Makeup services
Baggage storage
Secured parking
Wifi
Bar / lounge
Breakfast available
Complimentary tea
Complimentary welcome drink
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Bicycle tours
Fishing
Walking tours
Massage
Waxing services
Executive lounge access
Outdoor furniture
Shared lounge / TV area
First aid kit
Private check-in / check-out
Laundry service
Room features
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Coffee / tea maker
Flatscreen TV
Extra long beds
Bath / shower
Safe
Seating area
Bottled water
Iron
Refrigerator
On-demand films
Hair dryer
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Qualmark.
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Luxury
Languages Spoken
English
Location
1/504 Mapara Road RD 5 Acacia Bay, Taupo 3385 New Zealand
140 Restaurants
within 10 kilometers
Reviews
5.0
383 reviews
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Reviews summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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Whakaipo Lodge has earned a reputation for its exceptional service, with personal touches and warm welcomes that include exquisite meals and local insights. The lodge's amenities garner praise, particularly the beautiful gardens and cozy guest quarters complete with fireplaces.
Cleanliness is a standout feature, with the property being immaculately maintained. While the lodge provides a warm and inviting atmosphere and spacious, comfortable rooms, some travelers feel the value doesn't match the cost when compared to other lodges.
Atmosphere
Inviting
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Spotless
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Outstanding
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Detailed Reviews
It is difficult to add anything new to what has already been said in all these excellent reviews of Whakaipo Lodge. We stayed in early January with Angie and Garth and without doubt they are wonderful hosts, the accommodation is supremely comfortable and in beautiful surroundings. A highlight for us was chatting to them and fellow guests over a glass of very good wine and delicious canapés in the evening and not forgetting the excellent breakfasts which are also very convivial.
This is a pretty special place to stay and highly recommended.
This is a pretty special place to stay and highly recommended.
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Date of stay: January 2020
Location
Cleanliness
Service
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.
Response from AngieL62, Owner at Whakaipo Lodge
Responded 21 Feb 2020
Thank you for taking the time to review your stay with us. We are delighted that you enjoyed your visit and we do hope we might see you again one day. Warmest regards, Angie & Garth
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our room was big, bed and pillows very comfortable, bathroom was spotless.
The house is very cosy, you really can go to this lodge to relax, or write, or just walk to the lake and do nothing. A holiday bliss!!
Angie and Garth are lovely and caring hosts, simply good people, happy to chat with you and give you any tips if you need. We enjoyed thoroughly the dinner we had in their company (chef's table, needs to be booked in advance, not always available!) On one night we did not feel like taking the car to have dinner in Taupo, so we booked some pizzas that Angie prepares and they were delicious. They also have a wine menu, so it's very convenient after a long walking/visiting/swimming day not to have to do any shopping. Their garden is lovely and filled with birds (and herbs, tomatos, etc.) they have lambs in the property (cute!) and there is a lake shore nearby with a lovely beach to spend your hot summer day with a pic-nic. Would recommend!
The house is very cosy, you really can go to this lodge to relax, or write, or just walk to the lake and do nothing. A holiday bliss!!
Angie and Garth are lovely and caring hosts, simply good people, happy to chat with you and give you any tips if you need. We enjoyed thoroughly the dinner we had in their company (chef's table, needs to be booked in advance, not always available!) On one night we did not feel like taking the car to have dinner in Taupo, so we booked some pizzas that Angie prepares and they were delicious. They also have a wine menu, so it's very convenient after a long walking/visiting/swimming day not to have to do any shopping. Their garden is lovely and filled with birds (and herbs, tomatos, etc.) they have lambs in the property (cute!) and there is a lake shore nearby with a lovely beach to spend your hot summer day with a pic-nic. Would recommend!
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Date of stay: December 2019
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: Our room had a convenient independent access.
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.
Response from AngieL62, Owner at Whakaipo Lodge
Responded 5 Feb 2020
Thank you for your very generous review of your stay. We are delighted that you enjoyed it so much! Our food and wine experience does seem to be cherished by many of our guests and we thoroughly enjoy preparing & sharing the very best produce from our Lodge gardens/orchard and from our local foodie heroes. Hope we see you again one day. Warmest regards, Angie & Garth.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveller reviews.
This luxury lodge hideaway is close to Lake Taupo and a short drive to Huka Falls. Our great hosts, luxurious accommodation, beautiful gardens, tasty breakfasts and authentic Kiwi hospitality are highly recommended. There are many interesting places to visit in the area including Lake Taupo and for the energetic walking and skiing around Mt Ruapehu.
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Date of stay: December 2019
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.
Response from AngieL62, Owner at Whakaipo Lodge
Responded 10 Jan 2020
Dear John, Thank you for your lovely review of your stay. We hope to see you both again one day. Warmest regards, Angie & Garth
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I am shocked at the past reviews. We booked based on the 5 star reviews and given the price assumed it was a luxury lodge as stated.
This is a guesthouse with 2 bedrooms and the hosts are in a room down the hall. Breakfast is served in the kitchen while they do dishes. Bathroom is in desperate need of a renovation and a sofa in the bedroom does not make it a suite.
Good mattress and a dark room makes for a good sleep. But we could have gotten that at the Hilton and paid less and had a pool.
This is a guesthouse with 2 bedrooms and the hosts are in a room down the hall. Breakfast is served in the kitchen while they do dishes. Bathroom is in desperate need of a renovation and a sofa in the bedroom does not make it a suite.
Good mattress and a dark room makes for a good sleep. But we could have gotten that at the Hilton and paid less and had a pool.
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip 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.
Response from Angie London, Owner at Whakaipo Lodge
Responded 26 Feb 2024
We are sorry that your experience was not what you expected or desired. We do communicate quite clearly, as do our many excellent reviews, that this is a hosted (yes, we live onsite) authentically NZ experience, that is primarily about “he tangata,” the people. Time to talk with the Lodge hosts over breakfast in the dining area, as we prepare their breakfast, and with canapés & wine in the evening is a highlight for almost all our guests. We’re sorry that you didn’t enjoy, or wish to participate in, what most others absolutely treasure about their time here. Hotel prices generally do not include a substantial breakfast & espresso coffees, welcome afternoon tea and pre dinner canapes and wine, as our rates do, so comparisons are misleading. We hope the remainder of your NZ holiday lived up to your expectations.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Thank you to Garth and Angie for a most lovely stay!
We took advantage of the ultimate bike package that was on the Lodge website and added an extra night to allow us to ride all of the Great Lake trails without feeling rushed.
Everything from the start to finish of our time at Whakaipo was wonderful, starting from communication, greeting us on arrival, the cosy classical bedroom and guest lounge, the famous nightly wine selection and canapés, delicious breakfasts and dinner and last but definitely not least, the hospitality of Garth and Angie.
We especially would like to thank Garth for his Great Lakes trail expertise which gave us a good insight into what to expect each day on each of the different trails, where to take extra precaution and his positivity that we could actually bike the trails successfully with our ancient leg powered bikes! He organised all our shuttles and when our water taxi was cancelled due to wind, he ensured we managed to experience as much of the ride as we could before picking us up.
Garth also saved the day twice by supplying a wheel nut when we lost ours, and ensuring our safety by detouring to retrieve our bike helmets when I had a senior moment and forgot to pack them.
This was our first boutique B and B stay and we really enjoyed the experience of chatting with Garth and Angie in the evenings, during our wine matched delicious dinner and at breakfast time on the outside patio as we discussed the day’s upcoming activities.
We think the ethos that Whakaipo Lodge champions New Zealand services, products and produce is great and think it’s fitting that Garth and Angie themselves are NZ hospitality champions!
We wish Whakaipo Lodge and Garth and Angie all the best for the future!
We took advantage of the ultimate bike package that was on the Lodge website and added an extra night to allow us to ride all of the Great Lake trails without feeling rushed.
Everything from the start to finish of our time at Whakaipo was wonderful, starting from communication, greeting us on arrival, the cosy classical bedroom and guest lounge, the famous nightly wine selection and canapés, delicious breakfasts and dinner and last but definitely not least, the hospitality of Garth and Angie.
We especially would like to thank Garth for his Great Lakes trail expertise which gave us a good insight into what to expect each day on each of the different trails, where to take extra precaution and his positivity that we could actually bike the trails successfully with our ancient leg powered bikes! He organised all our shuttles and when our water taxi was cancelled due to wind, he ensured we managed to experience as much of the ride as we could before picking us up.
Garth also saved the day twice by supplying a wheel nut when we lost ours, and ensuring our safety by detouring to retrieve our bike helmets when I had a senior moment and forgot to pack them.
This was our first boutique B and B stay and we really enjoyed the experience of chatting with Garth and Angie in the evenings, during our wine matched delicious dinner and at breakfast time on the outside patio as we discussed the day’s upcoming activities.
We think the ethos that Whakaipo Lodge champions New Zealand services, products and produce is great and think it’s fitting that Garth and Angie themselves are NZ hospitality champions!
We wish Whakaipo Lodge and Garth and Angie all the best for the future!
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Date of stay: March 2022
Value
Rooms
Service
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.
Response from Angie London, Owner at Whakaipo Lodge
Responded 2 Apr 2022
Many thanks for your heartwarming review. We are delighted that you enjoyed your Great Lake Trail experience at Whakaipo Lodge. We do hope to see you again one day. All the very best wishes, Angie & Garth
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We visited Whakaipo Lodge in June 2019 for my partners 30th birthday. To this day, he still raves about it as being the best sleep he has ever had in his life. The bedding is exquisite, large pillows, soft linen, and a luxurious mattress make it perfect for some rest and relaxation.
Garth and Angie are wonderful hosts. The food and wine was perfect, and when we got home from our dinner in town we returned to a heat pump on, the bed pulled down, lighting dimmed, and chocolates on the dresser. These small touches made it feel like home.
The property is beautiful. The view from the room was tranquil, and we went for a short wander around the property followed along closely by the pet sheep. Breakfast in the morning is cooked with local eggs/bacon/produce, Angie makes a wonderful brioche, and Garths coffee is as good as the closest cafe so there really is no need to leave.
We have already recommended the stay to family and friends, and will definitely stay here again. I don’t think any accomodation will ever match up.
Thanks again for a wonderful trip, and sorry it has taken me so long to write a review!
Garth and Angie are wonderful hosts. The food and wine was perfect, and when we got home from our dinner in town we returned to a heat pump on, the bed pulled down, lighting dimmed, and chocolates on the dresser. These small touches made it feel like home.
The property is beautiful. The view from the room was tranquil, and we went for a short wander around the property followed along closely by the pet sheep. Breakfast in the morning is cooked with local eggs/bacon/produce, Angie makes a wonderful brioche, and Garths coffee is as good as the closest cafe so there really is no need to leave.
We have already recommended the stay to family and friends, and will definitely stay here again. I don’t think any accomodation will ever match up.
Thanks again for a wonderful trip, and sorry it has taken me so long to write a review!
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Date of stay: July 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.
Response from AngieL62, Owner at Whakaipo Lodge
Responded 16 Jun 2020
Thank you for your heartwarming review. We are delighted you enjoyed your stay and we do so hope we see you again one day. Warmest regards, Angie & Garth.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
We had the most wonderful stay at Whakaipo Lodge. The location is just wonderful, a short drive from Taupo and you feel you are in the middle of the country side. We had a large, private and quiet room with nice view of the garden. Angie and Garth are the perfect hosts and local guides. We had both breakfast and dinner at the Lodge and would highly recommend this - everything is homemade from the marmelades to the breads, pastries, pizzas etc. We normally dont go for B&B but this is a category of its own and everything has been thought of. We cannot recommend this place enough and hope to come back soon.
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Date of stay: January 2020
Value
Rooms
Service
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.
Response from AngieL62, Owner at Whakaipo Lodge
Responded 9 Apr 2020
Thank you so much for your heartwarming review of your stay. We wish you all the very best for the future and do hope to see you again. Warmest regards, Angie & Garth
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
We stayed here for a night over the long weekend and we wish we had booked for longer! We had such a wonderful stay. The room was immaculate, the facilities were perfect, the setting of our room (Ruapehu) was stunning, and the service was so generous.
When we checked in, we had afternoon tea delivered to our room - homemade cake with a locally blended coffee that really hit the spot! Then at 6pm, we were treated to a complementary drink and canapés, and then the following morning we had a beautiful breakfast which set us up for the entire day. The hosts, Garth and Angie, are not only genuine and kind but also so friendly and easy to talk to.
We will 100% be back and we have already recommended it to friends and whānau.
When we checked in, we had afternoon tea delivered to our room - homemade cake with a locally blended coffee that really hit the spot! Then at 6pm, we were treated to a complementary drink and canapés, and then the following morning we had a beautiful breakfast which set us up for the entire day. The hosts, Garth and Angie, are not only genuine and kind but also so friendly and easy to talk to.
We will 100% be back and we have already recommended it to friends and whānau.
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip 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.
Response from Angie London, Owner at Whakaipo Lodge
Responded 12 Oct 2022
Many thanks Laura for your heart-warming review. We are delighted you enjoyed your stay and look forward to seeing you again sometime. Warmest regards, Angie & Garth
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We booked a 2-night "Taste of the Great Lake Trail Package" and were thoroughly impressed - A wonderful time in superb accomodation, and Angie and Garth could not have done anything else to make us feel more welcome. From the wine and canapes in the evenings beside the open fire, to the scrumptious breakfasts, the food is simply divine and not to be missed! The ideal location for our cycle trip, and just a short drive to Taupo centre. Wonderful and caring hosts - thank you guys!
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Date of stay: May 2020
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.
Response from AngieL62, Owner at Whakaipo Lodge
Responded 1 Jun 2020
Many thanks Steve for reviewing your stay with us. Delighted you both enjoyed your Taste of the Great Lake Trail package and time at the Lodge. We hope to see you again one day. Warmest regards, Angie & Garth
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Thank you to Angie & Garth. We had a lovely weekend with delicious gourmet dinner & home made breakfast complete with fresh fruit salads, jams, pastries and made to order barrister coffee, bacon & eggs.
Our room was very comfortable and the garden surrounds with mature trees is beautiful and relaxing.
Garth organised a very successful trout fishing experience for us , & even smoked a trout for canipes to share with our fellow guests & new friends.
Wonderful hosts, a relaxing setting, & great food.
We look forward to coming back.
Brendan &Michaela
Our room was very comfortable and the garden surrounds with mature trees is beautiful and relaxing.
Garth organised a very successful trout fishing experience for us , & even smoked a trout for canipes to share with our fellow guests & new friends.
Wonderful hosts, a relaxing setting, & great food.
We look forward to coming back.
Brendan &Michaela
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Date of stay: January 2022Trip 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.
Response from Angie London, Owner at Whakaipo Lodge
Responded 2 May 2022
Many thanks Brendan & Michaela. We're delighted you enjoyed your stay and look forward to your return. Warmest regards, Angie & Garth.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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"the Inn is not walking distance from town, but about a 10 min drive to everything. Roads are windy and might be of concern in the dark."Read full review
"It bit out of town from restaurants but you can eat in if you give Angela a bit of notice"Read full review
"Enjoy the peace and tranquility - but you have access to outdoor activity in a matter of minutes."Read full review
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PRICE RANGE
$716 - $731 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
New ZealandNorth IslandWaikato RegionTaupo DistrictTaupo
NUMBER OF ROOMS
2
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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Claim Your ListingWHAKAIPO LODGE | UPDATED 2024 B&B Reviews & Price Comparison (Taupo, New Zealand) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Whakaipo Lodge
Which popular attractions are close to Whakaipo Lodge?
Nearby attractions include Lake Taupo (7.8 km), Maori Rock Carvings (7.9 km), and L'Arte (2.3 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Whakaipo Lodge?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a lounge.
Which room amenities are available at Whakaipo Lodge?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a flat screen TV, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at Whakaipo Lodge?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, a lounge, and complimentary tea during their stay.
Is parking available at Whakaipo Lodge?
Yes, free parking and secured parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Whakaipo Lodge?
Conveniently located restaurants include Roquette Restaurant - Taupo, Incredible India Restaurant And Bar, and Suncourt Indian Taupo.
Does Whakaipo Lodge have airport transportation?
Yes, Whakaipo Lodge offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.