The Luxury Hotel Guide 
A list by Tomas Mazowski.
This guide was last updated in December 2022. Hey! When I travel I love to stay at luxurious hotels - especially the kind of places that offer over the top extras and really spoil their guests with great service, nice spas, awesome restaurants and beautiful views. What more can you want? To save some time, I've put together this list of my favourite 5-star hotels and resorts in Mount Ruapehu Ski Area. I hope you will like it!
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1 Hilton Lake Taupo Taupo, New Zealand
See available rooms
Hotel.
Hilton Lake Taupo includes free pool and gym access and features views over Lake Taupo and is just minutes away from the town centre. It is a 15-minute drive from Taupo Airport.
Enjoy a meal at the on-site Bistro Lago Restaurant and indulge in a menu created by chef Gareth Stewart. Relax with a refreshing beverage in the lounge bar.
Hilton Lake Taupo boasts an outdoor thermally heated pool, hot tub and tennis courts with which to enjoy.
Spacious rooms feature private balconies with views over the lake or the hotel pool and Thermal Springs. Each includes a LCD TV.
Guests can visit the nearby Taupo Motor Sports Park, Kinloch Golf Club or try an exhilarating bungee jump or a trip by helicopter.
Guest review score 8.2,
rooms from around 340 NZD.
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2 Bradleys Garden Bed and Breakfast Taumarunui, New Zealand
See available rooms Bed and Breakfast.
Nestled amongst 5 acres of country gardens, Bradleys Garden Bed and Breakfast offers free Wi-Fi, free breakfast, an outdoor pool and a hot tub. The guest suite features a spa bath and a balcony.
Bradleys Garden B&B is a 3-minute drive from the Whanganui River and a 7-minute drive from the heart of Taumarunui. It is within a 15-minute drive of both Taumarunui Golf Club and Taumarunui Airport.
The spacious, heated suite features lovely garden views and an outdoor dining area. It has a dining and lounge area with a satellite flat-screen TV. It offers a fully equipped kitchen, ironing facilities and a bathroom with free toiletries.
Your free breakfast includes cooked and continental options. Choices include French toast with bacon, creamy mushrooms on toast or bacon and eggs. Cereals, fruit and yoghurt are also on offer.
Guest review score 9.9,
rooms from around 350 NZD.
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3 Omaka Lodge Taumarunui, New Zealand
See available rooms Bed and Breakfast.
Situated down New Zealand's incredible Forgotten World Highway is Omaka Lodge, a 5-star boutique bed and breakfast set amongst several acres of beautiful country gardens. It is a 7-minute drive from Taumarunui and a 1-hour drive from Mount Ruapehu.
Omaka Lodge offers free WIFI, an outdoor pool and a tennis court. There are three guest bedrooms and a self-contained luxury suite that are beautifully decorated and air-conditioned. Two of the guest bedrooms have a private ensuite bathroom each, and the third has a private bathroom down the hallway. All rooms have a covered terrace. Guests can use an air-conditioned lounge area that has a flat-screen TV. The one bedroom self-contained luxury suite has an open plan kitchen, dining and living area. The suite boasts garden views.
A free continental breakfast is available each day. A 2-course or 3-course dinner can be arranged for an additional charge, and must be requested at least 24 hours prior to arrival.
Guest review score 9.9,
rooms from around 303 NZD.
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4 Acacia Cliffs Lodge Taupo, New Zealand
See available rooms Bed and Breakfast.
Located on a cliff top with stunning lake and mountain views, Acacia Cliffs Lodge offers a choice of 4 private guest suites, each with its own balcony, modern en suite bathroom and lake or garden views.
Set in private landscaped grounds, only 10 minutes’ drive from Taupo town centre, this boutique lodge features floor-to-ceiling glass windows, wide terraces with lake and mountain views, and accommodation for up to 8 guests.
Each room has a flat-screen TV, DVD player, tea/coffee making facilities, luxury bathroom amenities, bathrobes and a private balcony. A full continental or cooked breakfast is included.
Guests are offered free Wi-Fi throughout the lodge. There is also a free Taupo Airport shuttle service, complimentary pre-dinner canapes and drinks, and a bottle of New Zealand wine is provided on arrival.
Mountain bikes are available for guests to use. Lake Taupo, with its world-class trout fishing, is only a 5-minute drive from Acacia Cliffs Lodge Lake Taupo. There are 2 international golf courses within 20 minutes’ drive.
Guest review score 9.4
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5 Riverstone Lodge Turangi, New Zealand
See available rooms Hostel.
Located in Turangi, Riverstone Lodge, a 5-star hostel, offers a shared kitchen, a shared lounge and free WiFi. The property provides garden views and a terrace.
A range of activities are offered in the area, such as skiing and cycling.
Taupo is 40 km from the hostel.
Guest review score 9.1,
rooms from around 45 NZD.
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6 Sacred Waters Taupo Taupo, New Zealand
See available rooms Aparthotel.
Set 40 km from Orakei Korako - The Hidden Valley, Sacred Waters Taupo offers an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi.
Featuring a kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, each unit also comes with a satellite flat-screen TV, ironing facilities, wardrobe and a seating area with a sofa. There is a private bathroom and a hairdryer in each unit, along with free toiletries.
Each apartment is equipped with a thermal hot tub. Some apartments feature lake views.
If you would like to discover the area, cycling is possible in the surroundings.
Lake Taupo Hole in One Challenge is 2.2 km from Sacred Waters Taupo, while Great Lake Convention Centre is 3 km from the property. The nearest airport is Taupo Airport, 5 km from the accommodation.
Guest review score 9.1,
rooms from around 385 NZD.
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7 Cascades Lakefront Motel Taupo, New Zealand
See available rooms Motel.
Cascades Lakefront Motel is located on the edge of Lake Taupo and has a heated outdoor pool and hot tub. Free WiFi and cable TV are included. There is plenty of free parking for trailers and boats. Pets are allowed on request and charges may apply.
Cascades Lakefront Motel features a garden with barbecue facilities. Self catering kitchen and laundry facilities are provided for guests. Breakfast and a complimentary newspaper are available on request.
The complex provides direct access to the beach and Lake Taupo. Guests can enjoy a walk or explore the surrounding area on bicycle available at an additional charge. Guests can make use of paddle boards and kayaks with extra charge.
Waikato River and the Volcanic Activity Centre are 10 minutes’ drive away. Wairakei Terraces is 15 minutes’ drive from Cascades Lakefront Motel.
Cascades Lakefront Motel is 3 km away from the town centre. Free parking is available.
Guest review score 8.5,
rooms from around 234 NZD.
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8 Taupo Debretts Spa Resort Taupo, New Zealand
See available rooms Holiday park.
Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort is just 800 metres from Lake Taupo crater lake. It has a natural thermal spa and is only 5 minutes' drive from the Taupo town centre. Free Wi-Fi is available.
DeBretts Spa offers a wide variety of accommodation options including studio and family motels to spa chalets and luxury lodges.
For an additional charge, guests can enjoy the famous on site Taupo Hot Springs Thermal pools, boasting both outdoor and private thermal pools, fresh water pools, and a warm water playground and water slide for children.
Guests can treat themselves to indulgent and therapeutic spa therapies at an additional charge, including body scrubs and massages. For the adventurous guests, the property features 2 heated hydroslides (height and weight restrictions apply).
Guest review score 8.3,
rooms from around 95 NZD.
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9 Quality Suites Huka Falls Taupo, New Zealand
See available rooms Motel.
Set amongst 7 hectares of landscaped gardens and a vineyard, Quality Suites Huka Falls features a swimming pool, tennis courts and a restaurant. All rooms include satellite TV and a balcony or patio. Guests enjoy free unlimited WiFi per room per day.
Quality Suites Huka Falls is a 3-minute drive from Lake Taupo and Taupo town centre. Huka Falls is a 2-minute drive, and Taupo Airport is a 10-minute drive away.
Facilities include a petanque court, volleyball court. Cafe Pinot offers private function facilities for groups between 20 and 160 people. You can enjoy the beautiful outlook over the Pinot Noir Vineyard, the most historic 110-years Fletcher's Church which is one of the earliest buildings in Taupo, the Taupo Township, and out to Mt Tauhara.
All accommodation includes rooms with a private bathroom, refrigerator and tea/coffee making facilities. Suites and villas with kitchenette facilities and a bathtub are also available.
BBQ facilities are available for an additional charge.
Guest review score 7.4,
rooms from around 188 NZD.
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10 The Flying Trout Boutique Lodge Taupo, New Zealand
See available rooms Lodge.
Featuring an on-site tennis court, The Flying Trout Boutique Lodge is located in Taupo. Each spacious suites offers elegant décor and some provide views of the surrounding alpine area. Guests enjoy free WiFi and free breakfast daily.
The Flying Trout Boutique Lodge is 10 minutes’ drive from Huka Falls and 15 minutes’ drive from Formula Challenge Racing. Orakei Korako Geothermal Park & Cave is 35 minutes’ drive away.
All rooms feature a flat-screen TV with a DVD player. They offer tea and coffee making facilities and a refrigerator. Some rooms feature a balcony and a relaxing spa bath. The private bathroom includes a shower and a hairdryer. Towels and linen are provided. Some rooms offer picturesque viws of surrounding mountains and lake.
The property features a games room with a billiards table. It offers a sun terrace and a shared lounge area with a TV.
Guest review score 9.6,
rooms from around 605 NZD.
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11 River Birches Turangi, New Zealand
See available rooms Lodge.
The award-winning River Birches offers secluded, comfort and understated luxury accommodation, set within peaceful gardens on the banks of the Tongariro River. This boutique lodge is minutes' away from some of the river's most popular trout fishing pools and close to other natural attractions in the Taupo and Central Plateau region.
Each stunning guest room has its own deck, large luxury en suite bathroom and beautiful garden views. A room with a private hot tub is available. All rooms include central heating in winter and air conditioning in summer.
Guest at River Birches can relax in the lounge area, which has an open fireplace. Free WiFi and guest laundry facilities are available.
Full cooked breakfasts are included for lodge guests and a generous hamper of breakfast provisions are provided for Cottage guests.
This boutique lodge is in an ideal location to the world famous Tongariro crossing. The cafés and restaurants of Turangi town centre are only a 10-minute walk. Lake Taupo is 10 minutes’ drive away. It is a 35-minute drive to Taupo Airport.
Guest review score 9.8,
rooms from around 863 NZD.
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12 Whakaipo Lodge Taupo, New Zealand
See available rooms Lodge.
Set in Mapara Valley, adjacent to the stunning Whakaipo Bay Reserve on Lake Taupo, Whakaipo Lodge offers guests free WiFi. Guests can enjoy beautiful views and see native birds from their private patio. Meet sheep and lambs on the lodge farm.
Gourmet breakfast and afternoon tea are included and complimentary canapes with a glass of New Zealand wine or locally-brewed craft beer can be enjoyed with the Lodge hosts each evening. Relax by the fireplace in the shared lounge, or speak to your hosts about what to see or do in the local area.
The boutique, luxury lodge is a 3-minute drive from Lake Taupo and a 10-minute drive from Taupo town centre. It is a 5-minute drive from Acacia Bay and a 15-minute drive from AC Baths and Thermal Hot Pools. The closest airport is Taupo Airport, 15 km from the property.
Whakaipo Lodge, Lake Taupo offers heated and air conditioned rooms with a flat-screen TV, and a DVD player. The en suite bathrooms have free toiletries and a hairdryer.
Guest review score 9.8,
rooms from around 545 NZD.
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13 Centennial House Taupo Taupo, New Zealand
See available rooms Holiday home.
Boasting free bikes, a garden, and a terrace, Centennial House Taupo provides accommodation in Taupo with free WiFi and mountain views. Featuring free private parking, the holiday home is in an area where guests can engage in activities such as hiking, skiing and cycling.
The air-conditioned holiday home consists of 10 bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge and a coffee machine, and 8 bathrooms with a shower and free toiletries. A flat-screen TV with cable channels, Blu-ray player and PS3, as well as a laptop and a CD player are provided.
Ski storage space can be found at the holiday home, along with a barbecue.
Orakei Korako Cave and Thermal Park is 36 km from Centennial House Taupo, while Orakei Korako - The Hidden Valley is 36 km away. The nearest airport is Taupo Airport, 9 km from the accommodation.
Guest review score 9.7
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14 Chalet Eiger Taupo, New Zealand
See available rooms Lodge.
This luxury lodge has a quiet location and wonderful views of Lake Taupo and Mount Tauhara. It offers free WiFi and large gardens.
Chalet Eiger features a spacious lounge with fireplace, a wine cellar and a sauna. There is also a home entertainment system with interactive plasma-screen TV and film/music library.
All suites of Chalet Eiger are equipped with sophisticated audio and mood lighting systems, a balcony (on the first floor suites), modern en suite bathroom and lake or garden views. Each has a smart TV, bathrobes, luxury bathroom amenities and complimentary minibar. Welcome gifts include fruit, a bottle of New Zealand wine, cheese and accompaniments.
The restaurant serves European influenced food, using the freshest New Zealand produce and Eiger's own herbs. The menu changes daily according to guests' preferences and the season.
The area offers great opportunities for outdoor activities, including trout fishing, hiking in the World Heritage Site Tongariro National Park, thermal hot springs and skiing. Chalet Eiger is a 2-minute drive from Lake Taupo and an 8-minute drive from Taupo town centre. It is 12 minutes' drive from Huka Falls and Taupo Golf Club, Wairakei International Golf Course and Jack Nichlaus’ Kinloch Club Course.
Guest review score 9.7
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15 Huka Lodge Taupo, New Zealand
See available rooms Lodge.
Set on 17 acres of countryside on the banks of the Waikato River, Huka Lodge boasts an outdoor swimming pool, a tennis court, free airport transfers and a spa pool. It offers air-conditioned suites with a private terrace and lovely river views.
All suites feature a minibar, an electric kettle and a coffee machine. Each suite has a separate dressing room, bathrobes and slippers. The bathroom includes a bathtub, a hairdryer and free toiletries.
Huka Lodge is just 10 minutes’ walk from the famous Huka Falls, and 5 minutes’ drive from Wairakei International Golf Course. Taupo Airport is a 15-minute drive away.
You can play a game of croquet, or explore the area using the free mountain bikes. The property also features a library, a terrace and massage services.
Guest review score 9.7
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16 The Point Villas Taupo, New Zealand
See available rooms Lodge.
The Point Villas are situated in a private estate overlooking the blue waters of Lake Taupo, just 10 minutes’ drive from Taupo town centre. Each villa has its own private mineral heated swimming pool.
Situated amongst native trees and the landscaped grounds, these villas at The Point Taupo are spacious and elegant, with expanses of glass opening onto wide terraces with lake views.
The interiors feature wood furniture, leather lounge suites, open gas fireplaces and a collection of local artworks. Each has a beautifully equipped kitchen in which guests can self-cater or request the services of a personal chef.
Both villas have 2 large bedrooms with superbly appointed en suite bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling glass windows that allow guests to enjoy the sensation of bathing within the native landscape.
There is a helipad available for guests. Taupo has 2 world-renowned 18-hole championship golf courses and offers world-class trout fishing. On-site facilities include kayaks, tennis courts, croquet and petanque.
Guest review score 9.7
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17 Night Sky Cottage Ohakune, New Zealand
See available rooms Chalet.
Set in Ohakune in the Manawatu region, Night Sky Cottage is a 5-star property set on 1-hectare of protected New Zealand Native Manuka and Beech Tree Bush. Guests can enjoy views of the garden. This property offers access to free WiFi.
The chalet has a flat-screen, SMART TV, a living and dining room. The chalet also provides a fully equipped kitchen, washing machine and a bathroom with free toiletries.
A continental or Full English/Irish breakfast can be enjoyed at the property.
The chalet offers a barbecue.
Guest review score 9.4,
rooms from around 780 NZD.
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18 Lake Taupo Lodge Taupo, New Zealand
See available rooms Lodge.
Offering views of Lake Taupo and a free full breakfast prepared by a chef, Lake Taupo Lodge provides a relaxing retreat. All guest rooms feature a patio with garden views, and some have a spa bath, lake views and a fireplace.
Lake Taupo Lodge is a 2-minute drive from Lake Taupo and an 8-minute drive from Taupo town centre. It is 12 minutes' drive from Huka Falls and Taupo Golf Club, Wairaki International Golf Course and Jack Nicholas Kinloch Club Course.
All heated rooms feature a desk and a lounge area with a flat-screen TV. They offer a minibar and tea and coffee making facilities. The en suite bathroom has fluffy bath robes and free toiletries.
Guests can relax by the fireplace in the shared library, or enjoy a drink at the bar. Free Wi-Fi, billiards and lovely gardens are also on offer.
Rooms are daily replenished with fresh flowers, seasonal fruit and homemade cookies. Dinner is available by prior arrangement.
Guest review score 8.6,
rooms from around 975 NZD.
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19 Tongariro Lodge Turangi, New Zealand
See available rooms Lodge.
Tongariro Lodge is located in 22 acres of secluded grounds, surrounded by a beautiful garden landscape and along the banks of Tongariro River.
The guest rooms feature modern interiors with a rustic touch. All rooms are equipped with tea/coffee making facilities, heating and TV.
The lodge has a guest lounge with chess sets and a library. There is also a helicopter pad, a tennis court and a petanque court. Free parking is provided.
Tongariro Lodge Restaurant specializes in traditional New Zealand dishes, including roast pork belly, Black Angus fillet steak and Mount Cook salmon. Guests can enjoy their meals by an open fire.
Turangi Tongariro Lodge is a 30-minute drive from Mount Ruapehu and Taupo Airport. Tongariro National Park is a 45-minute drive away.
Guest review score 8.4,
rooms from around 249 NZD.
I try my best to keep this guide up to date and I last refreshed it in December 2022. Did I miss a luxury hotel that should be on this list? Send me an email and let me know!
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