Lakeland Hotel Taupo
by the TopOfHotel team
Lakeland Hotel is a 4-star right on Lake Taupo — full lake views and an outdoor pool for less than half the price of the Hilton.
Lakeland Hotel is a 4-star right on Lake Taupo — full lake views and an outdoor pool for less than half the price of the Hilton.
In-Depth Review
Rooms and decor
Rooms come in two main types — Lake View and Garden View — and reviewers keep repeating the same advice: book Lake View only, because the Garden View rooms don't see the water at all. The Lake View rooms are decorated in a modern style, with a balcony or a large window looking straight out over the lake, mountains rising behind it.
Food and amenities
The outdoor pool faces the lake, which gives it an almost-coastal feel. The in-house spa runs the standard menu — massage, facial, body wrap — and a 60-minute massage starts at about $73. Down at the water, Edgewater Restaurant is a good sunset spot serving modern New Zealand food, with Lake Taupo trout as the standout dish.
Location and getting there
The hotel is on the south side of town, about 2 km from central Taupo. You can walk the lakeside path into town in around 25 minutes, or take a taxi for $6 to $9 ($6 to $9). Taupo Hot Springs is only 4 km away, Huka Falls is 8 km, and Craters of the Moon is 9 km.
Things to know before booking
The whole experience hinges on the room: a Garden View room misses the point entirely, so pay for Lake View. Some of the buildings are older, so ask for a renovated room. Breakfast isn't included and costs extra, and there's no regular shuttle — you'll walk the 25 minutes or pay for a taxi.
Our take
Lakeland Hotel works best for families and couples who want a real lakefront stay at 4-star level without paying the Hilton's 5-star rates. The view is roughly as good for less than half the price, which is exactly why it earns its 8.3/10.
Score Breakdown
Assessed by our editorial team from data and real guest reviews
The Honest Verdict — pros & what to know
- Sits directly on Lake Taupo, with a small private stretch of shore you can walk straight down to.
- The outdoor pool faces the lake, so it feels almost like being on the coast.
- There is an in-house spa running standard treatments — massage, facial and body wrap.
- Far better value than the Hilton for a view that is roughly as good, often for less than half the price.
- Edgewater Restaurant has a lakeside view and serves modern New Zealand food, with Lake Taupo trout as the highlight.
- It is about 2 km from central Taupo — walkable along the lake in 25 minutes, but a car makes life easier.
- Some of the buildings are older, so it is worth asking for a renovated room when you book.
- Breakfast is not included and costs extra.
Who It’s For
Match Score by travel style
Amenities
Location & Nearby Spots
Things to do near Taupo
Day tours, attraction tickets and experiences around Taupo — book ahead on Klook with mobile e-tickets.
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Insider Tips
- Book a Lake View room only — Garden View rooms do not see the water at all.
- Time dinner at Edgewater Restaurant for sunset; the lakeside view lines up perfectly.
- You can walk the lakeside path from the hotel into town in about 25 minutes.