Lake Taupo Holiday Resort

The resort was close to town, with clean, plentiful amenities and a really welcoming family feel. We stayed three nights on a premium powered site, and all five of us had a great time. Reception was friendly, too. We’d accidentally booked Taupo top 10 before realizing it was a different place, and cancelling cost us 25% of that booking. After this stay, we felt it was worth it. Bring pool noodles if you can, they’re very useful. My wife checked reviews beforehand, so we came prepared. We’ll definitely be back. Ngā Mihi Taupō holiday resort, we’d give you 100 stars if we could!

We had a powered site for a week. Ours was a good size, though some other sites looked too small for our setup. Staff were helpful, and the reception shop had ice creams, milk and the usual camping supplies. There was lots for kids to do, from mini putt and scooter park to pedal buggies, jumping pillows, a playground, outdoor chess and a sensory room. The games room was less successful, with several games out of order. The pool and hydro slides were fantastic, with a warm pool, daily movies on the big screen, plenty of sun loungers, and a cafe serving hot food and drinks. Cocktail and beverage choices were great. We did find the no-water-bottles rule too strict, especially for small children. We understand keeping outside food out, but not being able to bring water was frustrating. Facilities included kitchens with stoves, ovens and toasters, BBQs, laundry, picnic tables, family bathrooms, single showers and bathroom blocks. There was a good mix and plenty of bathrooms and showers. We’d stay again.

We’ve been coming here since 2016, about ten years, and this visit may be our last. The camp felt so overcrowded that it spoiled the experience. The pool was packed to the point where it was hard to move, and the pool closing at 9pm instead of 10pm was a deal breaker for us. We love the pool, but it no longer feels worth the price. A cabin costs over $500 a night, yet its kitchen is so limited that you can only cook the most basic food. The toilet facilities also weren’t properly cleaned. We stayed three days, and the same hair was on the floor the whole time, so I don’t think it was cleaned at all. We ordered a cocktail at the bar, and after one sip my husband asked if it was a mocktail. That was pretty disappointing when everything costs a premium. The staff were unfriendly, too. I’m glad we had some good years here before this once-wonderful campground went downhill.

The villas were outstanding, and every staff member I spoke with was warm and welcoming. The pool was always very busy, as expected, but I was surprised there were no lifeguards, especially with people drinking alcohol. It raised some personal concerns for me. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay, though I didn’t feel we got good value for the money.