Sometimes you’ve just had your fill of hotels, motels and Holiday Inns and you’re yearning for something with a little more… personality. When that mood strikes, it’s all about Airbnb.
And if you’re bound for Taupō, you’ll be very pleased to know there are a bunch of great places on offer. From a studio straight out of NYC to a delightfully carnal hilltop hut, Airbnbs for families, Lockwood nostalgia, and a cottage with all the trimmings.
Here are the best Airbnbs in Taupō that’ll set the scene for a pretty freakin’ magical getaway.
Trilby Cottage
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Image credit: Trilby Cottage | Airbnb
If you froth over more minimalist interiors on Pinterest, Trilby Cottage could be your dream vacay. It also just happens to be in one of Taupō’s most popular, central neighbourhoods which is good news for those who revel in walking holidays.
Stay here and your getaway could be all Sunday markets and brunches at local cafes, wandering along the edge of Lake Taupō and discovering all the hidden gems.
Back at the house, you’ve got a Smart TV, a full kitchen, off-street parking and a secure garage in case you’ve brought your gold with you. How thoughtful.
Stunning Views, Sauna + Walk To Lake & Town
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Image credit: Stunning Views | Airbnb
This one’s a bit wonderful. A 2 minute walk from Lake Taupō and the beach, this spot is hand’s down, the best airbnb in Taupō for large groups and families. With four generously-sized bedrooms—one with an all-essential bunk bed situation—you’re sorted with a full kitchen, Nespresso machine, garage chill space, conservatory overlooking the lake and a deck for entertaining. And, get this: there’s an infrared sauna. Lush.
Whether you’re keen to spend time with loved ones or have a boujee base for adventures around the region, you’re guaranteed one helluva good time.
Lago Vista
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Image credit: Lago Vista | Airbnb
This clifftop abode in Acacia Bay is private, modern, and warm and makes for a great spot to enjoy the sunrise. Swimming and the lakefront are less than a minute from the doorstep ensuring a day of adventures if you so choose, and, of course, some spellbinding views.
Then you’ve got Netflix for cosy binge-watching in the evenings—it’s the best of both worlds at Lago Vista. Despite being a seven-minute drive from town, you can expect a peaceful vibe. This is truly a place to rest, unwind and recharge so if that’s what you need right now, you know what to do.
Boutique Luxe Room With World-Class Views
Sleeps 3 | Airbnb Rooms
Image Credit: Boutique Luxe Room | Airbnb
For jaw-dropping sunsets and views of all three of Tongariro National Park’s mountains, this boutique luxe Taupō Airbnb is a must.
Nature-bathe in 24 hectares of bush, explore by foot, bike or boat then take the 10-minute drive into town to eat up or soak in thermal pools.
While this is a hosted stay you’ll have access to an entire guest wing made up of a queen bedroom, a twin bedroom, a TV/reading room and a bathroom with a private entrance. Continental brekky is included and, if you’re lucky, you might spot the host’s shy kitty. Cute.
Unbeatable Location
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Image credit: Unbeatable Location | Airbnb
Yes, at just 50 metres from Lake Taupō, this luxe, 8-bedroom Airbnb is set in an enviable location. Guests also have access to four high tech mountain bikes to hoon around on, and we think that’s pretty damn legit, and if your heart’s set on Ironman, snag this spot to sleep just 200 metres from the start line.
Additionally, you’ll have access to all the usual high tech—but it’s the feature wall serving peachy Pantone Colour Of The Year vibes in one of the bathrooms that’s got us swooning. Seriously, you need this in your life.
Taupō Touch Of Country Suite
Sleeps 2 | Airbnb Rooms
Image credit: Taupō Touch Of Country Suite | Airbnb
If you’re escaping the hustle and bustle of the city, this beautiful country suite down a blossom-lined Taupō drive is sure to refresh you.
The lifestyle block is home to sheep, chickens and a pup (bonus) and your guest suite is decked out with everything you need—a heat pump/aircon, handy kitchenette fridge-microwave combo and full use of the carport.
Taupō township is but a 10-minute drive away, DeBretts hot pools are five minutes by car and the ski fields are an easy hour roadie. Do check out the nearby French cafe.
The Studio
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Image credit: The Studio | Airbnb
It’s hard to go past this petite New York-inspired apartment so we suggest you take that (very strong) hint and book in, stat. Tucked under a family home, with the Waikato River just a short stroll away and central Taupō accessible by car, The Studio makes a great base for adventuring.
In terms of amenities, the kitchenette’s stacked with a fridge, microwave and crockery, there’s a TV for vegging out in front of and all the heating and aircon to keep you happy whatever the season. In need of a cot? Just ask.
Edge Hill Hut
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Image credit: Edge Hill Hut | Taupō
For Taupō with more than a dash of romance, Edge Hill Hut (you decide whether it’s aptly named) might just hit the spot.
Have a DNM around the cute antique burner, sipping wine, and if you don’t get lost in their eyes, you’re sure to lose yourself in the jaw-dropping views over the hills and out to Lake Taupō and Mt Tauhara.
Twinkling lights shine down on an outdoor bathtub, setting the scene for steamy… chats… and otherwise amorous encounters. Sunrise is something else here.
Views Over Whakaipo Bay
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Image credit: Views Over Whakaipo Bay | Airbnb
Let’s just start by saying the views from this cottage are kind of insane. And, to make this Airbnb even more stay-worthy, there’s access to Whakaipo Bay via the W2K track which means (very) refreshing swims are on hand if the mood takes your fancy.
While there isn’t a full kitchen per se, we’re sure home cooks will be able to whip up a culinary masterpiece by making use of the provided microwave, toaster oven, cook plate and/or BBQ.
With two great-sized bedrooms, we reckon this hangout would be perfect for a double date, a getaway with mates or a family vacay.
Lake Terrace Lockwood
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Image credit: Lake Terrace Lockwood | Airbnb
Sometimes the soul demands the glorious interlocking timber plank aesthetic of a Lockwood and for those moments there’s this Lake Terrace Airbnb.
Brimming with old-school bach nostalgia—complete with that iconic Lockwood creak we all secretly relish—this stay would be perfect for a holiday with the fam.
It’s kitted out with a full kitchen, a dining area and lounge, a laundry, two decks and a geothermal hot tub for all the relaxing. There is a stag head on the wall though, so if that’s not your vibe you might want to skip this one.
Amazing Views
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Image credit: Amazing Views | Airbnb
Lake and mountain views, a large garden, and clean design set the scene for a stellar getaway in Taupō with your crew.
The stylish two-storey dwelling has five bedrooms (including a bunk room) and three bathrooms spread over the two levels and is kitted out with everything you need, from a Nespresso machine to start your day bright-eyed, to an entertainment area for kicking back with mates.
Our favourite part? A cute cabin is available on request. A short wander will bring you to local eateries and the lake’s edge. Lovely.
Wake Up To Lake Taupō
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Image credit: Wake Up To Lake Taupō | Airbnb
For a totally different, gorgeously modern feel, this waterfront Airbnb has stolen our hearts and we think it might just nab yours as well.
One of the best Airbnbs in Taupō it boasts a master bed with ensuite, an epic kitchen, double glazing, heat pumps, a BBQ and a smart TV—this place is hella ready for your holiday.
As for the surrounds, it’s tucked into Acacia Bay a short drive from Taupō central and the supermarket, and a walk away from a dairy and a pretty delish local restaurant in case you don’t feel like cooking. Rad.
Botanical Luxury
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Image credit: Botanical Luxury | Airbnb
Treat yourself to a hosted Airbnb situation with a private room near the Botanical Gardens. Stretch out on the queen bed, enjoy your very own ensuite and start each day with a complimentary nourishing continental breakfast.
Besides these sweet digs, you’ll get all the local intel from your hosts, plus have access to a washing machine and fridge for all that travel admin and, if you’re a cat-lover, a totally adorable ragdoll named Pearl.
Town is just three minutes away by car and, better still if you’re keen to cross the iconic Tongariro Alpine Crossing off your bucket list, your hosts can arrange door-to-door pickup to make your tramp a breeze. Yas.
Want to take a glance at those hotels and motels, just in case? We’ve got you.
Image credit: Trilby Cottage, Lago Vista, Boutique Luxe Room With World-Class Views, Taupō Touch Of Country Suite, The Studio, Edge Hill Hut, Views Over Whakaipo Bay, Lake Terrace Lockwood, Wake Up To Lake Taupō, Botanical Luxury all by Airbnb.
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