We only spent one night at beautiful Lake Taupo but it ended up being one of the best stops on our trip. I made a late reservation at the Hilton Lake Taupo and requested an upgraded room. What we received exceeded our expectations. Our room was on the 2nd floor of the old section of the hotel but our views were sweeping of the lake, the mountains and the volcano. It had a door that opened out onto our own private verandah and had we had more time there, I can easily say that spending some time out there with a glass of wine would definitely be on the agenda. The bath was contemporary and even had heated floors. Since we arrived after 7pm, once we unpacked we made our way down to dinner at the hotel restaurant. Turns out, one of the best chefs in New Zealand works there and our dinner was testament to that - simply outstanding. Everything about our stay at the Hilton Lake Taupo was exceptional - the room, the food, the staff - you will not go wrong if you decide to stay here.