Entire home

True Kiwi Bach Experience

Photo gallery for True Kiwi Bach Experience

A view from a window overlooking a grassy area with a body of water and distant landforms.
A bedroom with a bed, nightstands, a dresser, a mirror, and a floral rug.
A red house with a white door and windows, a small porch, and potted plants.
A cozy living room with a patterned sofa, a yellow bean bag, and a dining area with stools.
A kitchen with white cabinets, a sink, and two stools. There is a window with a view of greenery outside.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Highlights

  • Top-rated comfy beds
    Guests liked the comfy beds here.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.

Popular amenities

  • Barbecue
  • Refrigerator
  • Washing machine
  • Onsite parking available
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Non-smoking

Explore the area

View map
Waitetoko, Waikato
  • Place, Lake Taupō
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Turangi i-SITE Visitor Centre
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Place, Tongariro National Park
    ‪20 min drive‬
  • Airport, Taupō Airport (TUO)
    ‪23 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Master suite

1 Queen Bed

Second Bedroom

2 Single Bunk Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Kitchen
Outdoor play area

Add dates for prices

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About the area

Tauranga Taupo

Tauranga Taupo is home to this holiday home. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Taupō and Tongariro National Park. The Landing Lake Taupō and Waipahihi Botanical Gardens are also worth visiting. Fishing and swimming offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking nearby.
View more Holiday homes in Tauranga TaupoOpens in a new window
Map
Waitetoko, Waikato

What's nearby

  • Lake Taupō - 5 min drive - 5.4 km
  • Turangi i-SITE Visitor Centre - 15 min drive - 19.3 km
  • Tongariro National Trout Centre - 16 min drive - 22.9 km
  • River Vineyard - 18 min drive - 19.7 km
  • Tongariro National Park - 20 min drive - 26.8 km

Getting around

  • Taupō Airport (TUO) - 22 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Licorice Cafe - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Tomi's - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Licorice Cafe - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is True Kiwi Bach Experience pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at True Kiwi Bach Experience?

As of 31 October 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at True Kiwi Bach Experience on 5 November 2026 start from NZ$513, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at True Kiwi Bach Experience?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at True Kiwi Bach Experience?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at True Kiwi Bach Experience?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is True Kiwi Bach Experience located?

Situated in Tauranga Taupo, this holiday home is 2.2 mi (3.5 km) from Lake Taupō and within 12 miles (20 km) of Turangi i-SITE Visitor Centre and River Vineyard. Tongariro River Rafting and Tongariro National Trout Centre are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 64 out of 104 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 33 out of 104 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 104 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 104 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 104 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

4.0/10

Amenities

2.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Check-in

9.2/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful host, wonderful location.
Stayed 10 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

Fantastic location right on the lake with lovely views, good shower and comfy beds
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 29 December 2023
Thanks for looking after our old girl, thr locale really is very special..
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Turangi Stay

Great location, quiet and great walks
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Archival

8/10 Good

Fantastic location, unbeatable view, charming old bach with real nostalgic Kiwi style.

Fantastic location, unbeatable view, charming old bach with real nostalgic Kiwi style. Would be a dream winter hideaway with a little bit more heating - but we still had a great weekend.
Response from VrboOwner on 30 March 2020
The wall heaters were a new addition. But yes, it's not quite winter proofed ;). You'll just have to come back in summer!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The most beautiful spot

Our second stay. The location is just amazing, the bach is cozy, homely, simple, and all you need. Feels like you have the lake to yourselves. Look forward to going again.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A terrific old-school bach

We had a lovely at this terrific old-school bach. What a stunning location!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 14 December 2022
Super old school, nice to get back to basics and unplug - thanks for looking after her.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Everything about this place is perfect.

Everything about this place is perfect. It's a simple small home, a step back in time. The location is priceless! Thank you for having us.
Response from VrboOwner on 30 March 2020
Always welcome back.
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great spot

Classic kiwi batch, best memory is watching the crescent moon and Venus chase each other down with the setting sun.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023
Archival

8/10 Good

we loved it.

we loved it. classic kiwi bach right on the lake
Response from VrboOwner on 30 March 2020
Doesn't get much more kiwi than this one, glad you had a good time.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute bach in great location

Lovely setting, just metres from the lake edge with great views. Was a good location between Tūrangi and Taupō if you are planning on doing things in both places. The bach had all we needed and the host provided ample instructions. Would recommend, especially if you are looking for something simple and a bit different.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 14 December 2022
We agree it is a great place to unwind and unplug from life's distractions. Glad you emjoyed.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stunning spot!

Location couldn't be better, stunning views, even in all weathers. Quirkiness added character to the bach tenfold. Most amenities on site, missing the odd basic item. Overall an amazing hidden gem. Would love to return!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 14 December 2022
Thanks Jill, we think it's a magic spot too. Thanks for looking after the old girl, she is getting on in years and needs a lot of TLC!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Thank you

Thank you for the privilege of another dreamy and special stay at our favourite place in all the world. Kia ora rawa atu.
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 8 February 2024
Always happy to share the lake magic
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very nice place

Quite nice place with e marvelous view and near the lake. We were glad for the good heating for rainy days. We very enjoy our stay. Only two little things we would note: It would have been handy to have e yellow trash bag inhouse and the oven was too dirty to use. Otherwise we can highly recommand the bach.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 15 December 2022
Sorry about the oven, have asked the cleaner to give it a super clean now. Shame I can't do anything about the weather though! Enjoy your onward travels..
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness

Nice spot

The bach was in an ideal location. Beds were comfortable and clean. Only complaint was that there was a definite rodent problem. With new mice droppings found daily throughout the kitchen cupboards and one mouse running through the lounge mid day. so we had to try fit all our food in the fridge for the stay. The kids absolutely loved the place and being so close to the lake for swimming.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2024
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
This place is in a very beautiful location, however, it is extremely isolated if you don't have a vehicle. What I didn't know beforehand was that despite it being quite expensive, I would be drinking filtered but untreated lake water, have to remove my garbage, and there would be no wifi. The bach was quite run down and in the bedroom I was sleeping under a ceiling that looked like it would collapse sometime soon. Even minor fixes like recovering the chairs to the table would have been nice. As a non-Kiwi I did not realize that this was the true Kiwi Bach experience and ended up leaving it two days early despite the expense. Anyone looking for a primitive couple of days at the beach this is fine but for what it cost I expected more!
The ceiling in the main bedroom looked like it was about to fall down.
The two chairs for the table needed to be recovered.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Check-in, communication

Trev

Really nice. Only real issue was combination lock on key safe on the door , it was jammed up pretty bad (I've had the last 3 months dealing with them before I arrived) anyway after numerous attempts I gave up and found I had absolutely no way to contact owner manager or anyone for help so I had one more crack and got in. Not moaning just stating facts. After that all good
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful spot !!

It’s a real kiwi Bach on a gorgeous spot. Kids loved it ! Fire risk was low so we had gorgeous fires with marsh mellows ! No WIFI but that suited us fine. Hardly any toilet paper… that was not very handy, otherwise it was all perfect. I contacted the hosts mobile never got an answer. Don’t know what went wrong there. Also the key lock box was a real mission and I almost gave up. You need to hear every number give a tiny “click” otherwise no luck…
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Pure relaxation

My partner and I totally enjoyed a week long stay in Maren’s cosy lake whare. Over and above, we loved that the cottage has been left to shine in all its authenticity as an original Kiwi bach, while offering all the modern comforts one needs for a relaxing break away from the hustle of daily life. All the previous comments posted are spot on. Waitetoko bach is an true delight from the first approach. It humbly tries to allow it’s peaceful and untouched natural lakefront position be the star of the show, but all who step through it’s doors are equally charmed by what Waitetoko offers on the inside. Character in spades, scrupulously clean, well equipped, sun-filled comfy spaces, post card views, cosy and safe - a real delight. Most certainly we will return. Thank you so much Maren for your professional and friendly hospitality and for sharing your wee treasure.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Check-in

Authentic fisherman's cabin - warts & all - but gorgeous!

Just a few days R&R and very lucky with weather - hot, sunny, no wind & a lake of glass just a matter of steps away.. usually very few people, even in mid-summer holiday peak. Water was a delight & just 3 steps and you're waist deep - perfect. Cabin was exactly as expected so no grizzles here, but with the oven out-of-action the benchtop grill I brought was ideal. In fact I had the basics with me so didn't need to call on many of the available resources, but they're sure there. A previous review damned the door-key security box as fiddly & a challenge.. they were right.. I cursed the thing & had trouble - no "CLEAR" or "OPEN" buttons to be seen [as per instructions] - but perseverance won.. making this task more user-friendly would be a good improvement. But a terrific spot & highly recommended - but accept it for what it is !
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness
The property is at a fantastic location. Lakeside meant that everyday swimming and adventuring was easy and stress free. Contact with the host in advance was clear and accessing the property was very easy. The property itself however is not accurately described in the listing. Marketed as a ‘classic kiwi bach’, the reality was a space seemingly neglected and run down. Major concerns were the mice that we visibly saw and heard at night. Windows that have seemingly for some time been leaking causing mould and damage to the curtains, walls and carpet and also the odd mix of things that past visitors had left in the fridge (perishables such as berries, ham and tomatoes) and also a lack of toilet paper, rubbish bags and dish liquid. There were also some minor concerns such as dirty towels that were left in the washing machine, very dirty windows, dirty bed sheets (fortunately brought our own, a broken dryer and the house was clearly not vacuumed. The photos are also not up to date so some furniture differs from reference pictures. I want so much to say that I enjoyed my time here but over the week spent at the property I ended up feeling more and more dirty and disappointed the more time I spent there. Being charged a cleaning fee for a place that clearly wasn’t cared for on our arrival is also hard to take and unfair.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in

Good

Easy to book and great location next to the lake.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Lake Side Experience

Recommended to all Bookabachers!!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely old school bach!

Had a lovely 3 days at this very cool old school bach. The location is unbeatable. Lovely to swim in the lake multiple times a day! Very tidy and the most comfortable beds I’ve ever had at a holiday home. The only improvement would be clearer instructions for the zip and the washing machine. Thanks so much so much.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 14 December 2022
Most welcome - I have updated by instructions for utilities - thanks.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Magic spot

Beautiful spot to spend a few days at the lake. Beautiful views and a awesome cozy little house. Host we're amazing to get the house ready on short notice very easy to deal with. Will definitely be staying again thanks
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness

Beautiful location

Easy to book.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 15 January 2022
Thanks. Hope you enjoyed being close to family. Welcome back anytime
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