Don’t Take Our Word for It
What a fantastic stay at Pukawa Villas.
I was greeted on arrival by the lovely managers Grant and Maree who were an absolute delight, and completely hospitable. Very easy to talk too.
Off Season and midweek, so I managed to get a really decent rate. My 2 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom apartment was located on the very top floor. 3 flights of stairs to lug your bags up, but my my, every single step is worth it for that view. As soon as you emerge up the internal stairs and into the living room, Lake Taupo just unfolds beneath you. I thought being one of the ‘cheaper’ apartments, the view might at least be obstructed or something. Not here though, a complete 180° panoramic view of lush native bush, meeting the crystal waters of the lake. Over the lake you can see Mount Tauhara, and at night, the lights of Taupo.
The apartment was absolutely spotless, and a real credit to the housekeeping team. A full kitchen with absolutely everything you would need to cook a meal. Gorgeous balcony overlooking the lake with outdoor seating. Large TV with the standard channels, however I took my Google TV box and connected it to the Apartments free internet. Had absolutely no problems streaming Neon and Amazon Prime.
The bed was comfortable (albeit quite low to the ground). All the linen was crisp and white. Shower pressure was excellent.
There was just a lot of little things that made the stay even better. Decent Coffee/Tea, Proper bottle of milk (no UHT here), hugely generous supply of shampoo and body wash bottles, and much more.
If you didn’t feel like self-catering, there is a restaurant, but it is only open 5 days a week. For the days it is shut, Taumarunui is only a short drive over the saddle (Turangi even closer).
I could have stayed here for days on end! There is absolutely nothing to fault with Pukawa Villas, and will absolutely be recommending to others, and returning myself. You will not be disappointed. That view is something else!
Keep up the great work team! 🙂
5 star review (Air BNB) March 2026
We were travelling with 2 little teen, it was a great size for us. Enough space to socialise, connect and enjoy the nature. Balcony has an amazing view, quiet and calm. Pool is a bit small but enough to entertain the kids for some time. Kitchen is fully equipment to have meals together which what we love the most, the little thing that they put makes all the big efforts. Maree was really nice host and we’d love to come back.
Scored 10 (booking.com) March 2026
Absolutely amazing place. Unparalleled views of the lake! Truly, this is the kind of place where you don’t just sleep, but also want to spend some time. Super kind and welcoming owners. Super clean and very comfortable units. Wish we had stayed longer!
TIP: A perfect base for Tongariro National Park. Plan at least two nights here — it’s such a lovely place.
Scored 10 (booking.com) March 2026
When we arrived, I thought that I had landed in paradise! Breathtakingly beautiful views over the lake from the balcony, remote, peaceful and so relaxing. Good facilities to cook and stay in and just enjoy being there. Very sad to leave but will definitely be going back.
Scored 10 (booking.com) March 2026
Great hospitality, excellent facilities, and a very comfortable and welcoming environment.
Scored 10 (booking.com) February 2026
We spent a full month travelling around New Zealand, changing accommodation roughly every two days and experiencing a wide range of places. Without hesitation, this was one of the very best stays of our entire trip—and by far our biggest positive surprise.
The accommodation is exceptionally cozy, peaceful, and aesthetically beautiful, with absolutely stunning views of the lake. It has a warm, welcoming atmosphere and feels thoughtfully designed in every detail. It’s the kind of place where you immediately feel comfortable and relaxed.
If you are planning to travel in this area, this is the place to book. In addition, you will meet wonderful hosts who provide genuinely useful, practical, and relevant advice about your stay and the activities you are planning—whether you are heading to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing or exploring other nearby attractions. Their recommendations truly add value to the experience. Overall, this accommodation is a safe bet and a highlight of our New Zealand journey. We would absolutely stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area.
Scored 10 (booking.com) February 2026
Maree and Grant are exceptionally warm and friendly hosts that make you feel more than welcome. They are down to earth, welcoming. When we left it was like saying farewell to good friends.
Scored 10 (booking.com) January 2026
Exceptional – out of this world. Do not miss staying in this very special place.
Scored 10 (booking.com) January 2026
A lovely welcome from Marie! Exceptional facilities and what a view! Lovely to have a laundry and the kitchen was stocked with every implement you could possibly need. So comfortable and spotlessly clean. Such a great place – wish we had booked for longer!
Lovely, well managed, spacious and comfortable stay in a quiet, beautiful piece of paradise.
Scored 9.0 (booking.com) 7 Feb 2026
We are repeat visitors several times over the years and have never been disappointed. Now under new management with an excellent new management couple looking after things on a daily basis but retaining all we like about the property we rate it even more highly and hopefully will return again in 2028 for an extended stay. Nothing to dislike for a quiet and comfortable stay and we can be fussy!
Not much except the weather was a bit patchy but that’s NZ folks! All part of the charm!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ January 2026
Amazing stay!
Pukawa Villas is beautiful, super clean, and incredibly relaxing. The views are unreal, the beds are so comfy, and the whole place just feels high-quality and peaceful. Perfect location and amazing vibe. 100% recommend.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ January 2026
Pukawa villas never fail to impress me. Service is amazing and amenities are great. I love the heated pool and tennis court. This place is great for any type of holiday. There is close access to lake Taupo and beautiful views at sunset. There is a beautiful scenic bush walk only a short walk up the road and a lovely beach down the road called Pukawa bay. If you are looking for accommodation by lake Taupo. I would highly recommend Pukawa villas!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ December 2026
Pukawa Villas is nothing short of spectacular. From the moment we arrived, we were blown away by the breathtaking, uninterrupted views of Lake Taupō—honestly some of the most stunning scenery we’ve ever experienced. Watching the lake change colours throughout the day, and the sunsets in the evening, was pure magic.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ January 2026
We had a fantastic stay at Pukawa Villas. The views of Lake Taupo are fantastic, the accommodation is beautiful and you’re right next door to a great restaurant. Everything you want is right there, including a pool and tennis court with lake views. Grant and Maree were very accommodating!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ January 2026
Pukawa Villas is the only place you’d want to stay. Comfortable, well appointed, central to so many attractions and activities. Meals on your own private deck with the amazing bird life and spectacular lake views. It just doesn’t get better.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ January 2026
This is such a beautiful spot to stay. I’ve stayed here a number of times to break up the trip when travelling the north island. The moment I walk into one of the apartments I feel a complete sense of serenity – beautiful views, lovely birds flying around, and the apartments have everything you need.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ December 2025
Incredible views. So relaxing to arrive at Pukawa Villas. The Villas have everything you need and the service is great.
ACCOMMODATION
Pukawa Bay, near Turangi on Lake Taupo’s southern shore, offers lakeside relaxation, bush walks like the Pukawa Bush walk for birdwatching, boating fishing (especially trout) and swimming, with geothermal pools (Tokaanu) and skiing Mt Ruahpehu as nearby adventures, plus cruises to Maori Rock Carvings from Lake Taupo.
We offer a variety of accommodation options to suit your needs. You can choose from one of our apartments or family villas. We also have a wheelchair accessible apartment available.
Traveling with a big group? Our apartments and family rooms combination is perfect for accommodating you. So, no matter your requirements, we’ve got you covered.
Escape the ordinary and inspire your team at Pukawa Villas lakeside resort.
Surrounded by pristine nature, we offer a tranquil environment for effective team building and strategic corporate retreats, away from the office distractions.
Let the calm of the Lake and the beauty of the natural surroundings spark creativity, strengthen bonds, and leave your team feeling refreshed and inspired.
We offer a perfect setting for corporate team building at our tranquil location surrounded by the beautiful Lake Taupo and natural native bush.
Pukawa Villas is surrounded by tranquil bush, breath-taking water and mountain range views is a perfect place to relax and recharge or use as a base for the many activities the region has on offer.
Pukawa Villas is without a doubt, one of New Zealand’s best kept secrets. Come and relax in this magical location in the heart of New Zealand, our fantastic hosts Grant and Maree will ensure your stay is something very special.
We have affordable, superior accommodation and lakefront apartments – each boasting amazing lake views.
Pukawa Villas are situated at Pukawa Bay, just 10 minutes from Turangi, on the stunning Southern Shores of Taupo. Our unique location means we’re accessible to all that the Central North Island has to offer – from the Whakapapa Ski Resort at Mt Ruapehu, to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, the Tongariro River for world class trout fishing and white water rafting.
Not forgetting its location right on the edge of Great Lake Taupo.
Please note : Our pool has been upgraded from solar and is now heat pump heated and open 8 months of the year.
