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The sought-after Tongariro River is in the heart of the Central Volcanic Plateau of New Zealand. This stunning location takes peoples' breath away, providing the perfect setting for an unforgettable, magical holiday in Nature. The Olive Rabbit is a luxurious bed and breakfast in the quiet, riverside location of Turangi. Since we cater more for grown-ups, you can be assured of peace and tranquillity with the local birdlife being the only sounds to serenade your stay. When you stop with us, you'll enjoy a guest experience service second to none. Our rooms are extremely comfortable, our welcoming spa is wonderfully relaxing, our drinks and canapes, and our delicious breakfasts are mouth-watering and satisfying. Whether you are looking for an action-packed breakaway or somewhere to just escape and re-charge your batteries, The Olive Rabbit is your perfect paradise!
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
Business
Mid-range
Languages Spoken
English
Location
253 Taupahi Road, Turangi 3334 New Zealand
The Olive Rabbit - Boutique Bed & Breakfast
46 reviews
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
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This was our first experience staying at a bed and breakfast (as opposed to a normal hotel/motel) and I really can't express enough how impressed we were with everything. The hosts are extremely welcoming and the breakfast each morning is miles better than anything you'll find in any hotel. They even provided a take-away breakfast for the day we hiked the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, which was also delicious and the perfect way to start the day of hiking. The hosts also provide a good amount amount of information on activities to do in the area (or activities to do along the way when travelling to other parts New Zealand) and even take the time to help you plan activities or meals for each day if you don't already have a full itinerary.
It may cost a little more than a basic AirBnB or hotel, but what you get is well worth it. We really can't recommend this place enough and will definitely be looking to stay at more small bed and breakfasts in the future because of this experience.
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Date of stay: December 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
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 Mary Wood, Owner at The Olive Rabbit - Boutique Bed & Breakfast
Responded 2 weeks ago
We're delighted you chose to stay with us as your base for hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Staying at a bed and breakfast is always more personal and we pride ourselves in providing the best care possible for our guests both here and on their journey forward. M
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We had a lovely room and extremely comfortable bed. Were welcomed with tea / coffee and biscuits on the veranda. The bathroom was spotless and supplied with lovely shampoo ,conditioner and shower gel and loads of other products. It was quiet and though we didnt use it refreshments were available in a communal area. No shortage of hospitality and the breakfast the next morning was beyond wonderful and we needed a local walk to burn off the calories. Friendly hosts who could not do enough for you. Local eating places were booked on our behalf and local attractions and information readily available. This is five star accommodation with the personal touch which is missing in many places these days.
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Date of stay: January 2023
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:All rooms on the same level in a beautiful house
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 Mary Wood, Owner at The Olive Rabbit - Boutique Bed & Breakfast
Responded 16 Mar 2023
We loved spoiling and you and ensuring you had everything you needed to make your stay a memorable one. To have a reason to follow one of our local walks is wonderful. We're pleased you enjoyed your breakfast and the river walk close by is an easy fix either at the beginning of the day, or the end, is a bonus.
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Every detail of hospitality and service was superb and inspired smiles across our 8 day stay.
Mary and Tim, hosts are Olive Rabbit, create a warm, welcoming atmosphere among guests, picture worthy-mouth & watering breakfasts, and keep immaculate rooms complete with fresh flowers and fluffy warm towels.
The queen bed was good and our room had access to a garden table & chairs on which we enjoyed fresh french press coffee each early morning.
Extra special was the care and help they gave to our trip planning, changes, and explorations around the Turangi & Taupo area. It was during a tough time due to cyclone Gabrielle. They flexed to accommodate extra days and we don’t regret getting extra time at their place.
Mary’s knowledge and connections with locals plus having clean laundry before we departed was especially helpful.
Not to be missed is the food at Olive Rabbit and the Hare & Copper cafe run by super chef Andrew Wood and his wife Lili.
We hope to return to the Olive Rabbit and can’t recommend it highly enough.
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Book in advance.
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 Mary Wood, Owner at The Olive Rabbit - Boutique Bed & Breakfast
Responded 25 Feb 2023
Thank you Kim! We all had an amazing time during your stay and oh my, how we loved to host you both as well. Ensuring the meals met your needs and helping you create itineraries was lots of fun. I am so pleased you managed to hike the Tongariro Crossing too. I know, that would have been one of your highlights. Thank you for choosing to stay with us. We simply loved having you.
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We can't remember ever being welcomed and accommodated in a B&B with such warmth before. When will you be greeted with handwritten welcome greetings at the front door and in the room upon arrival? From the first moment we felt very welcome at Mary and Tim. The house is already a feast for the eyes from the outside and inside it is equipped with a lot of love. Small details, such as freshly picked flowers in the room and bathroom, help to make you feel comfortable as a guest. Fantastic was also the individual breakfast á la carte, which was prepared by our hosts themselves and tasted excellent. By the way, all guests are sitting at a table at breakfast and you are talking to each other in no time. Our room was undoubtedly not large and if you travel with a lot of luggage, you have to organize. But we were happy to do that and we are happy to have met Mary and Tim as such fantastic hosts. A huge thank you to both.
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Date of stay: November 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.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mary and Tim are the perfect hosts. We were given a very warm welcome. The B&B is very well maintained and has a beautiful garden. The à la carte breakfast was delicious 😋 We received lots of great and helpful tips for excursions and really enjoyed our stay.
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Date of stay: December 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.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We highly recommend staying with Mary and Tim at The Olive Rabbit when staying in Turangi. They welcome guests with friendly hospitality, going out of their way to ensure your stay is comfortable and memorable. The Olive Rabbit is perfectly located close to the river walk and all Turangi sites. We booked the all day Trout Fishing package and they ensured all details were booked and organised for us. Mary welcomed us home with the suggestion of a dip in the hot spa and mulled wine to celebrate our fishing success. A highlight of our stay was the daily two course breakfast and canapés and drinks by the open fire each afternoon, where Mary and Tim shared valuable travel tips and suggestions for both the local area and future destinations of our trip around New Zealand. We followed every suggestion and they were all worth a visit. Don’t forget to eat at the Hare and Copper whilst in Turangi, a fabulous restaurant rivalling any city venue.
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Allow Mary and Tim to book your trout fishing experience or biking.
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 Mary Wood, Owner at The Olive Rabbit - Boutique Bed & Breakfast
Responded 24 Oct 2022
We loved having you and being able to host you so easily. We are proud of what we can offer and delighted that you enjoyed our extras such as the 'chin wags' by the fire over canapes and wine, and of course the spa with our favourite mulled wine. We have a few favourite fishing guides so it is always good to call on the local people to help us and our guests. Our family restaurant, the Hare & Copper, never fails. We're delighted they were up to reputation again for your stay. I'm sure you're both comfortably back in Oz now, and maybe planning your next adventure. Thank you for including us in your kiwi one.
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What a lovely place to stay and what a superfriendly hosts. We stayed medio November 2024 for 3 nights in this cosy and very convenient bed and breakfast. The breakfasts were absolute highlights. There were every day different creative delicious breakfasts to choose. The second day we went for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and were provided with a breakfast to go and a very to the point packed lunch. Mary gave us a lot of information about the things to do in the surrounding National Park. When leaving she gave us even more tips for things to do and see on our trip to the next location of our holiday. And don’t forget to have a fine dinner in the Hare & Copper Eatery when staying with Mary and John.
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Date of stay: November 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Everything okay, good parking facilities.
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 Mary Wood, Owner at The Olive Rabbit - Boutique Bed & Breakfast
Responded 2 weeks ago
Thank you for staying with us. It is always a delight to host such friendly guests. We love providing a good breakfast: the most important meal of the day whether it is with us or on-the-go! We have so much to do in our area. It was great that you stayed the three nights and were able to hike the Alpine Crossing too.
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During this holiday we have stayed at some great hotels but ‘The Olive Rabbit” beats them all. Mary and Tim welcome you into their lovely home and provide the most wonderful caring service. Nothing seems to be too much for them. Having breakfast with the other guests in such a warm friendly atmosphere started the day off just right. Mary and Tim have so much knowledge of the local area and other parts of NZ , and they offer advice and guidance to help you shape your stat ( if you want) and get the most out of the day. The rooms are tended with great care and pride, with lovely little touches. Thank you so much to you both and I hope to see you again. X. K&C
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Date of stay: January 2025
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
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 Mary Wood, Owner at The Olive Rabbit - Boutique Bed & Breakfast
Responded 2 weeks ago
We are delighted that you enjoyed your stay with us. We love hosting and providing our guests with our top service and personal touches but at the same time, giving them their privacy. Thank you for being such wonderful and friendly guests. M
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Great welcome and committed hosts. Nothing is too much. Nice rooms. Beautiful surroundings. Delicious original breakfast. We were very well informed upon receipt. On request, a delicious pizza will be made for you and they can even provide an entire dinner if you request it. Recommended!
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Date of stay: March 2024Trip type: Travelled with friends
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.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A warm, welcoming B&B. Cozy, comfortable and quiet. A delicious breakfast was promised and delivered. For us a big part of travel is the people you meet. Hosts Tim and Mary were great fun to converse with, we lingered after breakfast for a good chat. Our only regret is only staying for one night. This is a great base location for exploring the local area. Tim and Mary willingly help you plan explorations to fit your interests. If you don't know don't forget to ask about the "Olive Rabbit". You'll be hooked on the answer.
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Date of stay: October 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
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 Mary Wood, Owner at The Olive Rabbit - Boutique Bed & Breakfast
Responded 2 weeks ago
:) Very clever. We're rather hooked on our name too! Thank you for choosing to stay with us. You are right: more than one night is better so you have more time to explore our rich area. However, I am sure you were able to squeeze in some activities and enjoyed your journey on from us too. M
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There are more places to choose from in the Turangi area.
PRICE RANGE
$394 - $415 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
New ZealandNorth IslandWaikato RegionTaupo DistrictTurangi
NUMBER OF ROOMS
4
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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