Lake Taupo Lodge is a "lodge" by New Zealand standards which means that 1) it is hosted by the resident owner 2) guests dine together at a meal prepared by the chef (no menu) 3) there is a "lodge experience" which include a more imitimate atmosphere and setting than a strictly commercial operation.So it really is a question of expectations. The Lodge is in a residential area on a hill with beautiful lake views. The grounds are filled with gardens and paths that are a wonder. Designed and built as a lodge with many comfortable public areas, the bedroom where we stayed for 3 nights was one of the nicest of our 5 1/2 week trip. However, it was the food artfully prepared by Stephan that took the prize. While the breakfasts were a delight with banana cinnamon pancakes, the dinners ranged from great to spectacular. The owner, Gary, was the perfect host. There to help arrange a fishing trip , advise on a days tour, or discuss the history of the area.....or just leave us alone. While not the least expensive, the stay did meet our expectations and we throughly enjoyed our stay.

Lake Taupo Lodge is nothing like what you see on the website. It is not a lodge, but a bed and breakfast. From the web page you are led to believe it is a lakeside lodge designed by Frank Lloyed Wright with a spa and luxury suites. It is extremely expensive. What we found when we arrived was a house on a suburban street with a view of the lake, but quite far away. We were not helped with our luggage and waited over 30 minutes to be checked in while the proprietor was on the phone. We paid over four thousand dollars (NZ) for a two night stay and were given a room next to the public bathroom with no view of any kind. We were charged and extra 200 dollars per night for our 8 year old child. There was not even a bath tub or a coffee plunger in our room. As for the spa, if you read the website more carefully than we did, you will notice that even though there is a photo of someone getting a massage, in reality all they claim to do is provide towels if you need them. As for Frank Lloyd Wright, well he simply had nothing to do with the place. The TV was in a common area and we were told we could watch but a local rugby game is what we would have to watch as local friends had come into to watch. We were offered a meal at a set time and never consulted as to what food we might want to eat. The dinner was good - quail - but 2 of our group were vegetarian. We had to eat with two other guests . The chef was nice , but the other staff could not have been more rude to us. The following morning we told the proprietor that we would return late and asked if we needed a key. He said he would leave the door open. We arrived at 10 PM to find we were locked out. It was raining, we were tiered and we had a sleeping child with us. We rang the bell, telephoned and still were not let in. We finally walked around and found an open window which we crawled though to get inside. The next morning the proprietor asked how we got in. Our child went to breakfast to get some orange juice to brind back to the room for his Dad. The management admonished him and said any orange juice would have to be had in the dining area. A nice couple took pity on our kid and started talking to him and managed to get out of him that his Dad was in Lake Taupo to work on a film. Suddenly everyone was nice to us. They never shaved anything off the bill though. It was a dreadful experience and I hope no one ever stays there to endure the humiliation they put upon us.

STayed 2 nights in one of the new rooms, which was very large and quite nice, with a deck overlooking the lake. Food was fantastic, service was excellent. Lodge is small, cozy and very one on one oriented. Location is very nice, perched on a hill overlooking the lake.