The Reef Resort
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The Reef Resort

219 Lake Terrace Waipihihi, Taupo 3330 New Zealand
Traveller (265)
Bedroom
Room & Suite (229)
Heated swimming pool, thermal spa pool and outdoor furniture
Pool & Beach (46)

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Avg. $393 /night, 2/8 - 2/9
$538
per night
$390
per night
$242
per night

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About

#4 of 60 hotels in Taupo
4.5 of 5 bubbles
Location
4.7 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
4.5 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.8 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
4.8 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.7 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality
We offer modern, clean, quiet and comfortable motel accommodation right on the edge of Lake Taupo, New Zealand. We have a range of room options from studio suites to one Bedroom Units all with spa baths and heat pumps.to luxury three bedroom apartments with thermal spa pools. We have free on-site parking, a heated swimming pool, a thermal pool, free high speed fibre WiFi, and most rooms come with breath-taking views of the lake and surround mountains.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Breakfast available
Beach
Hiking
Spa
BBQ facilities
Parking
Wifi
Hot bath
Outdoor pool
Heated pool
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Fishing
Baggage storage
Concierge
Non-smoking hotel
Laundry service
Self-serve laundry
Room features
Air conditioning
Private balcony
Iron
Coffee / tea maker
Kitchenette
Microwave
Flatscreen TV
Hair dryer
Refrigerator
Kitchenware
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 Giata.
4.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Modern
Lake View
Languages Spoken
English

Location

219 Lake Terrace Waipihihi, Taupo 3330 New Zealand

Reviews
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Traveller rating
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  • 124
  • 15
  • 4
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Detailed Reviews
Traveller180560 wrote a review Mar 2024
Bournemouth, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I cannot recommend this property highly enough. Everything was just perfect. We travel a lot and rarely stay anywhere that makes me as happy as this one did. Lovely hosts, excellent, spotless room, serviced to a very high standard everyday (must be one of the few hotels still doing this), lots of clean towels, warm pool, thermal hot tub, very reasonably priced guest laundry and fantastic lake views. Just go there. You won’t be sorry.
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Date of stay: March 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Every room has one parking space.
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 Reef Resort Taupo, General Manager at The Reef Resort
Responded 21 Mar 2024
Love your review - many thanks - we try very hard to maintain our standards and are so pleased you noticed and loved your stay. Many thanks from The Team@ReefResort
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Layne L wrote a review Feb 2022
Auckland, New Zealand
4.0 of 5 bubbles
This place is great, the managers are fantastic - super friendly and helpful. The location was great, it's a lovely walk into town. The apartment we stayed in was small but well appointed and even though the resort was on a busy rood the room was very quiet - didn't hear anything at night.

The pool is fantastic, perfect temp, the grounds were immaculate and the resort itself (and the room) were really clean.

Would highly recommend The Reef Resort.
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Date of stay: February 2022
3.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
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 Reef Resort Taupo, General Manager at The Reef Resort
Responded 27 Feb 2022
Thanks for your great review - much appreciated. We love it that you enjoyed your stay with us - the Team@ReefResort
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
POWTEAM wrote a review Oct 2024
Harpenden, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We were slightly surprised to find that this place (which had been booked by our travel agent)was effectively a motel, but we really needn't have worried. Our 'room' was a suite with a kitchenette complete with tea and coffee supplies, a comfy lounge area and balcony overlooking the lake, and a very comfy bedroom.

Our hosts were very friendly and helpful, suggesting places to eat etc and directing us to a lovely cafe round the corner for breakfast.

It was a very good location, easy to find with guest parking.
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Date of stay: October 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.
Susan R wrote a review Jan 2023
Wellington, New Zealand
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We were so impressed with this hidden gem. We had arrived in Taupo in early December with nothing booked (last minute decision), and after visiting 2-3 properties along the waterfront, and being met with lacklustre reception, we walked into The Reef Resort to be greeted with a smile from the friendly receptionist. Although the property was almost full, she gave us a choice of two rooms, showing us both and giving us price options which we accepted. The location is superb. The resort has a heated pool and spa pool. Our room was beautifully presented and super clean. Great selection of glasses, crockery and cutlery with a small kitchenette. Our bed was uber comfortable and the location was quiet. The following morning we were greeted by the owners with a big smile and an easy check-out. Highly recommend.
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Date of stay: November 2022
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip 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 Reef Resort Taupo, General Manager at The Reef Resort
Responded 27 Mar 2023
Thank you for your wonderful review - love that you enjoyed our property and amenities - thank you from the Team@ReefResort
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kate W wrote a review Nov 2023
Great Malvern, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Lovely apartment overlooking the pool. Exceptionally clean and well maintained. Loved the heated swimming pool and the hot pool. The hosts were friendly and helpful. Located adjacent to Lake Taupo and a few minutes drive from Taupo itself. The Edgewater restaurnat was recommended by our hosts and we enjoyed a good meal there, it's about 5 minutes walk away.
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Date of stay: November 2023
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip 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 Reef Resort Taupo, General Manager at The Reef Resort
Responded 1 Dec 2023
Thank you for your lovely review - always a pleasure to have guests who enjoy themselves. Thank you once again from the Team@ReefResort
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stuart wrote a review Mar 2024
4.0 of 5 bubbles
One bedroom apartment was clean and had all the necessary facilities and equipment. On site laundry facility very good. Staff helpful. The apartment is compact but well serviced and quite. Thing to watch, parking under rooms tight for space if you have a SUV, care needs to be taken when parking. Motel backs on to the lake, good access but beware it's 30 minutes walk to the town centre and the restaurants
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Date of stay: February 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Pool and hot tub available
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 Reef Resort Taupo, General Manager at The Reef Resort
Responded 21 Mar 2024
Yes car parking is tight with cars getting bigger all the time and car parks staying the same size. You are right - we are an easy 30 minute walk from town and about 3-5 mins by car. By all accounts you enjoyed your stay and we appreciate your review - many thanks from the Team@ReefResort
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nina B wrote a review Apr 2021
Auckland Central, New Zealand
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We really enjoyed staying at The Reef Resort. Our studio had a view of the lake and we loved watching the sunset colours change. The room is fully equipped with kitchen and having a breakfast in the sunshine on the balcony was lovely. The pool is heated and they provide bathrobes and pool towels. The hotel offers bikes for hire ($5 per hour) and you can access the lakeside walk through the gate. You can walk to Two Mile Sailing Club for a pizza and a beer. It is only a 15 minute walk and it is a place with a great vibe. We were thinking whether to choose the Millennium or Reef and I am happy that we made this choice as the Millennium looks quite dated and different from the photos.
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Date of stay: April 2021
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Room Tip: Studio with views, top floor
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 Reef Resort Taupo, General Manager at The Reef Resort
Responded 15 Jul 2021
Thank you for your great review - sounds like you had a wonderful time while you stayed with us - again many thanks from The Team @ Reef Resort
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Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
acid_slug wrote a review Feb 2023
Scottsdale, Arizona
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We had a studio apartment overlooking the pool and lake. In spite of the wet weather during our stay, we were able to enjoy the hot pool and hot tub.

The room has lovely big windows which slide open onto a good sized balcony.

The staff are friendly and helpful, the apartment was very clean and had everything we needed for our short stay.

It is about a 30 minute walk along the lake front to the town center which has lots of choice for eating out or walking around the shops.
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip 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 Reef Resort Taupo, General Manager at The Reef Resort
Responded 26 Mar 2023
We love it when our guests enjoy their stay with us and it sounds like you did - look forward to seeing you again sometime - many thanks from The Team@ReefResort
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Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
gaenors2015 wrote a review Jun 2020
Hamilton & Waikato Region, New Zealand
3.0 of 5 bubbles
This is our third visit to the Reef Resort. This time we could only spare one night and had a back studio room. The price of the units have increased considerably since our last stay. The room was clean and tidy and had everything we required. The down side to it was the shower over the bath, with step up to it. Not great access for me. The heated pools were clean and well serviced
We may consider other options as the nightly rate was high for unit we had
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Date of stay: June 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.
Response from Reef Resort Taupo, General Manager at The Reef Resort
Responded 20 Jul 2020
Thank you for taking the time to review us - check out our pricing on our website to see any specials etc - and we are cheaper on our website than other on line travel websites. Sometimes if you have any queries it is better to ring and find out - our descriptions of aspects of all rooms are on websites especially about shower over bath.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
goldenkiwi72 wrote a review Jan 2022
Palmerston North, New Zealand
5.0 of 5 bubbles
From the moment you walk into the Reef Resort you feel welcome and know you are going to love staying here. The rooms are amazing with everything you need, the pool is nice and warm and you are right by the lake with easy access so what more can you ask for. The owners are so lovely and friendly - 10/10. The bikes you can hire are a great way to nip into town if you don't feel like walking and the Two Mile Bay Boat Club is an easy 15min walk around the lake. We loved it so much we booked for the end of 2022 while we were staying there.
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Date of stay: December 2021
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep 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.
Response from Karen Johnston, General Manager at The Reef Resort
Responded 21 Feb 2022
Thank you for such a wonderful review - love it when our guests have enjoyed their stay with us. Many thanks from the Team@ReefResort
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Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
…
Answer from MIROTREE
Taupo, New Zealand6 contributions1 helpful vote
Hi Jenny Only the two apartments have washing machines in them Have never experienced any problems with guests laundry Regards Reef Resort
Candice K asked a question Jul 2018
115 contributions43 helpful votes
Is the sulfur smell present in this area?
Taupo, New Zealand9 contributions5 helpful votes
Hi there.... There is no Sulpur smell around the Reef Resort Warmest Regards Sharon
Mary K asked a question May 2018
Hong Kong23 contributions4 helpful votes
Is it possible to walk to DeBretts hot springs centre from this resort?
Taupo, New Zealand9 contributions5 helpful votes
yes it is possible. We think this would take you about 15 minutes each way.
Answer from AucklandShar
Botany Downs, New Zealand27 contributions4 helpful votes
Reef resort is in a central location. Easy walking distance to Taupo township but away from the immediate hustle and bustle. Nicely located on the lake edge with fantastic views across the lake to the mountains. Nov/Dec is springtime so can be a bit unpredictable but generally expect it to be nice. Peak season for summer will start once kids finish school and work finishes up for the Christmas break so you should be fine in November and early December.
Jetzin wrote a tip Jul 2024
Wellington, New Zealand57 contributions21 helpful votes
2.0 of 5 bubbles
"Avoid it altogether. Unless you’re a large family that plan to take over the outside spaces."
Read full review
Traveller180560 wrote a tip Mar 2024
Bournemouth, United Kingdom15 contributions12 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Every room has one parking space."
Read full review
Ann J wrote a tip Mar 2024
The Hague, The Netherlands41 contributions2 helpful votes
4.0 of 5 bubbles
"Book a room with a lake view"
Read full review
Stuart wrote a tip Mar 2024
17 contributions1 helpful vote
4.0 of 5 bubbles
"Pool and hot tub available "
Read full review
NesNate wrote a tip Feb 2024
Perth, Australia75 contributions123 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Mobil station across the road has nice pies and also an easy place to go to stock up on drinks and snacks."
Read full review
…
Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Taupo area.
PRICE RANGE
$242 - $420 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
the reef hotel taupo, reef hotel taupo
LOCATION
New ZealandNorth IslandWaikato RegionTaupo DistrictTaupo
NUMBER OF ROOMS
21
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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THE REEF RESORT - Updated 2024 Hotel Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions about The Reef Resort
Which popular attractions are close to The Reef Resort?
Nearby attractions include Waipahihi Botanical Gardens (0.8 km), Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort (0.9 km), and Mount Tauhara (0.09 km).
What are some of the property amenities at The Reef Resort?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a pool, and a spa.
Which room amenities are available at The Reef Resort?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at The Reef Resort?
Guests can enjoy breakfast, barbeque facilities, and complimentary tea during their stay.
Is parking available at The Reef Resort?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to The Reef Resort?
Conveniently located restaurants include Mole & Chicken, Bistro Lago, and Edgewater Restaurant.
Are there opportunities to exercise at The Reef Resort?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Are any cleaning services offered at The Reef Resort?
Yes, laundry service and self serve laundry are offered to guests.
Does The Reef Resort have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the harbour view available here.
Is The Reef Resort accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access and reduced mobility rooms. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.
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