Sometimes you’ve just had your fill of hotels, motels and Holiday Inns, and you’re yearning for something with a little more… personality. When that mood strikes, it’s all about Airbnb.
And if you’re bound for Taupō, you’ll be very pleased to know there are a bunch of great places on offer. From a to a delightfully carnal hilltop hut, Airbnbs for families or the crew, Lockwood nostalgia, a blissful farm romance and a cottage with all the trimmings.
Here are the best Airbnbs in Taupō that’ll set the scene for a pretty freakin’ magical getaway.
Literally Lakefront
Sleeps 5
Image credit: Lakefront - Large Deck Area - Spa Pool - Unit 4 | Airbnb
If waking up to panoramic lake views is your idea of holiday heaven, this delivers the goods. I mean, at just a 1-minute stroll from Lake Taupō's shoreline, you really are on top of the water. Sleeping a generous five while offering those postcard-worthy vistas without the premium price tag, there’s no need to book that trip to the Maldives after all.
Kitted out with two king beds, a single bunk, air con and all the essentials, it's perfect for small families or a pack of pals wanting to explore the many offerings of Mighty Taupō. Still, the massive deck is what will have you spending most of your time outdoors. Morning coffee with that view? We'll be right there.
Acacia Bay Splendour
Sleeps 6
Image credit: Acacia Bay Views *No Service Fee* | Airbnb
Perched on a sunny Acacia Bay section with gorgeous lake views, this could be the group getaway of dreams. Split over two separate wings, with three bedrooms to enjoy, you’re only five minutes from Taupō town centre to enjoy the best of both worlds.
The double-glazed property (crucial for those crisp Taupō nights) features a master bedroom with ensuite, spacious entertaining areas and a sheltered outdoor setting that's begging for BBQs. A bunch of windows and some clever design decisions maximise natural light, ensuring those grams will pop from every angle. And no service fee? We're sold.
Lakeside Luxury
Sleeps 5
Image credit: Chalet #5. Lakeside, on beautiful grounds. | Airbnb
Picture this: expansive landscaped grounds, private lake access, and that's straight out of Architectural Digest. Part of an exclusive collection of just eight fabulous chalets, this two-story beauty enjoys 110 square metres of living space and balances proximity to town with peaceful seclusion.
Upstairs, the master bedroom comes with super king comfort, lake views and its own deck (morning coffee spot: sorted). Downstairs, a full kitchen, dining and lounge flow to an outdoor BBQ area.
The autumn bonus? A wood-burning fire for toasty evenings, plus access to an enclosed pool house with two spas and a heated pool. That means after a day exploring Taupō's autumn trails, you can head home to soak those muscles while watching the golden leaves dance across the water. Pure bliss.
Group Chat Goals
Sleeps 12
Image credit: Lakeside Estate | Airbnb
If you're rolling with the whole crew, this has you sorted. Sleeping up to 12 (with a maximum of eight adults), this four-bedroom, three-bathroom home is all about effortless entertaining.
Panoramic lake views are best enjoyed from the sun-drenched front deck, though the rear entertainment zone with a hearty BBQ and gas fireplace is giving serious competition. And although each bedroom rocks a wall-mounted TV (same for the living areas), the games garage is where the real fun happens. Best bit? You're just a five-minute wander from the lake and a hot minute from Countdown when you need to restock on bevvies.
Hamptons Hideaway
Sleeps 8
Image credit: Norfolk House | Airbnb
Okay, maybe we called the group pad too soon ‘cause if you are indeed rolling with the carewwww, then you need to check this out.
Hampton style meets Taupō views at this sitting on a massive 3000 square metres of lavishly landscaped section. When the plans finally make it out the group chat, you’ll be hidden from prying eyes and neighbours alike, with four bedrooms dedicated to that exclusive retreat vibe.
Mornings here hit different—sip your coffee while watching the mist lift from the lake. Evenings? Even better. Catch spectacular Taupō sunsets from the undercover terrace or while soaking in the Alpine spa. With central heating and an open log fire for those cooler nights, Norfolk House nails the cosy-luxury balance.
Riverside Retreat
Sleeps 8
Image credit: River View Retreat with Spa Pool - Taupo | Airbnb
Forget lakefront—this sits pretty on the banks of the Waikato River, offering a different kind of water view that's no less stunning. Perfect for groups of up to eight, there are multiple living zones and two and a half bathrooms (including an enviable master ensuite with a bath).
The entertainer's kitchen opens to outdoor spaces where you can soak in all the grandeur of the mighty river—enjoying your magic wee spot from a steamy hot tub, with an outdoor gas fireplace to boot. Stargazing anyone?
With flexible bedding configurations and a peaceful gated community setting, it's the ideal base for families or friends to make some fabulous holiday memories. The scullery is a nice touch, too—because who wants to look at dirty dishes while on vacay?
Chalk Farm Romance
Sleeps 2
Image credit: Chalk Farm Stay | Airbnb
Perched in the rolling green hills above Lake Taupō, this is giving us the romantic escape vibes we desperately need. Just a short drive from Kinloch village presents these jaw-dropping lake views that'll have you reaching for your phone—though we recommend ditching the tech altogether.
The private hot tub is the star of the show here (well, along with the view, the countryside, the seclusion, the lake, the sunsets, the sunrises and, of course, the very real stars above you) perfect for soaking in after a long, delightful day of exploring. When the temp drops, cosy up by the fire with a glass of something nice. May we recommend a local drop? Consistently rated 4.98 stars, it's a guest fave for good reason.
A Wee Cottage Dream
Sleeps 4
Image credit: Trilby Cottage | Airbnb
If you froth over more minimalist interiors on Pinterest, could be your dream vacay. It also just happens to be in one of Taupō’s most popular central neighbourhoods, which is good news for those who revel in walking holidays.
Stay here, and your getaway could be all Sunday markets and brunches at local cafes, wandering along the edge of Lake Taupō and discovering hidden gems.
Back at the house, you’ve got a Smart TV, a full kitchen, off-street parking and a secure garage in case you’ve brought your gold with you. How thoughtful.
Every Box Ticked
Sleeps 11
Image credit: Stunning Views | Airbnb
’s a bit wonderful.
At a breezy two-minute walk from Lake Taupō and the beach, this spot is one of the best Taupō Airbnbs for large groups and families around. With four generously-sized bedrooms—one with an all-essential bunk bed situation—a full kitchen, a Nespresso machine, garage chill space, a conservatory overlooking the lake and a deck for entertaining, you're most definitely sorted. And get this: there’s an infrared sauna. Lush.
Whether you’re keen to spend time with loved ones or have a boujee base for adventures around the region, you’re guaranteed one helluva good time.
Bella Vista
Sleeps 2
Image credit: Lago Vista | Airbnb
This clifftop abode in Acacia Bay is private, modern, and warm and makes for a great spot to enjoy the sunrise. Swimming and the lakefront are less than a minute from the doorstep ensuring a day of adventures if you so choose, and, of course, some spellbinding views.
Then you’ve got Netflix for cosy binge-watching in the evenings—it’s the best of both worlds at . Despite being a seven-minute drive from town, you can expect a peaceful vibe here. This is truly a place to rest, unwind and recharge, so if that’s what you need right now, you know what to do.
Views On Views
Sleeps 3 | Airbnb Rooms
Image Credit: Boutique Luxe Room | Airbnb
For jaw-dropping sunsets and views of all three of Tongariro National Park’s mountains, this is a must.
Nature-bathe in 24 hectares of bush, explore by foot, bike, or boat, then take the 10-minute drive into town to eat up or soak in thermal pools.
While this is a hosted stay, you’ll have access to an entire guest wing made up of a queen bedroom, a twin bedroom, a TV/reading room and a bathroom with a private entrance. Continental brekky is included, and if you’re lucky, you might spot the host’s shy kitty. Cute.
Unbeatable Location
Sleeps 14
Image credit: Unbeatable Location | Airbnb
Yes, at just 50 metres from Lake Taupō, this luxe, is set in an enviable location. Guests also have access to four high-tech mountain bikes to hoon around on, and we think that’s pretty damn legit, and if your heart’s set on Ironman, snag this spot to sleep just 200 metres from the start line.
Additionally, you’ll have access to all the usual tech—but it’s the feature wall serving peachy Pantone Colour Of The Year vibes in one of the bathrooms that’s got us swooning. Seriously, you need this in your life.
A Touch Of Country
Sleeps 2 | Airbnb Rooms
Image credit: Taupō Touch Of Country Suite | Airbnb
If you’re escaping the hustle and bustle of the city, this down a blossom-lined Taupō drive is sure to refresh you.
The lifestyle block is home to sheep, chickens, and a pup (bonus) and your guest suite is decked out with everything you need—a heat pump/aircon, handy kitchenette fridge-microwave combo and full use of the carport.
Taupō township is but a 10-minute drive away, DeBretts hot pools are five minutes by car, and the ski fields are an easy hour roadie. Do check out the nearby French cafe.
The Studio
Sleeps 2
Image credit: The Studio | Airbnb
It’s hard to go past this petite New York-inspired apartment so we suggest you take that (very strong) hint and book in, stat. Tucked under a family home, with the Waikato River just a short stroll away and central Taupō accessible by car, makes a great base for adventuring.
Amenities you ask? The kitchenette’s stacked with a fridge, microwave and crockery, there’s a TV for cooking out in front of and all the heating and aircon to keep you happy whatever the season. In need of a cot? Just ask.
Edge Hill Hut
Sleeps 2
Image credit: Edge Hill Hut | Taupō
For Taupō with more than a dash of romance, (you decide whether it’s aptly named) might just hit the spot.
Have a DNM around the cute antique burner while sipping wine, and if you don’t get lost in their eyes, you’re sure to lose yourself in the jaw-dropping views over the hills, out to Lake Taupō and all the way to Mt Tauhara.
Twinkling lights shine down on an outdoor bathtub, setting the scene for steamy… chats… and otherwise amorous encounters. Sunrise is something else here.
Wonderful Whakaipo Bay
Sleeps 4
Image credit: Views Over Whakaipo Bay | Airbnb
Let’s just start by saying the views from this cottage are kind of insane. And, to make even more stay-worthy, there’s access to Whakaipo Bay via the W2K track, which means (very) refreshing swims are on hand if the mood takes your fancy.
While there isn’t a full kitchen per se, we’re sure home cooks will be able to whip up a culinary masterpiece by making use of the microwave, toaster oven, cook plate and/or BBQ.
With two nicely-sized bedrooms, we reckon this hangout would be perfect for a double date, a getaway with mates or a family vacay.
Lake Terrace Lockwood
Sleeps 8
Image credit: Lake Terrace Lockwood | Airbnb
Sometimes, the soul demands the glorious interlocking timber plank aesthetic of a Lockwood, and for those moments, there’s this .
Brimming with old-school bach nostalgia—complete with that iconic Lockwood creak we all secretly relish—this stay would be perfect for a holiday with the fam.
It’s kitted out with a full kitchen, a dining area and lounge, a laundry, two decks and a geothermal hot tub for all the relaxing you can take. There is a stag head on the wall though—so if that’s not your vibe, you might want to skip this one.
Style & Space
Sleeps 12
Image credit: Amazing Views | Airbnb
Lake and mountain views, a large garden, and a clean design set the scene for a stellar getaway in Taupō with your crew.
The stylish has five bedrooms (including a bunk room) and three bathrooms spread over the two levels and is kitted out with everything you need, from a Nespresso machine to start your day bright-eyed to an entertainment area for kicking back with mates.
Our favourite part? A cute cabin is available on request, plus a short wander will bring you to local eateries and the lake’s edge. Lovely.
Wake Up To Lake Taupō
Sleeps 4
Image credit: Wake Up To Lake Taupō | Airbnb
For a totally different, gorgeously modern feel, has stolen our hearts, and we think it might just nab yours too.
One of the best Airbnbs in Taupō, it boasts a master bed with ensuite, an epic kitchen, double glazing, heat pumps, a BBQ and a smart TV—this place is hella ready for your holiday.
As for the surrounds, it’s tucked into Acacia Bay, a short drive from Taupō central and the supermarket, and a walk away from a dairy, plus a pretty delish local restaurant in case you don’t feel like cooking. Rad.
Botanical Luxury
Sleeps 2
Image credit: Botanical Luxury | Airbnb
Treat yourself to a hosted Airbnb situation with a near the Botanical Gardens. Stretch out on the queen bed, enjoy your very own ensuite and start each day with a complimentary nourishing continental breakfast.
Besides these sweet digs, you’ll get all the local intel from your hosts, plus have access to a washing machine and fridge for all that travel admin and, if you’re a cat-lover, a totally adorable ragdoll named Pearl.
Town is just three minutes away by car, and better still, if you’re keen to cross the iconic Tongariro Alpine Crossing off your bucket list, your hosts can arrange door-to-door pickup to make your tramp a breeze. Yas.
Want to take a glance at those hotels and motels, just in case? We’ve got you.
Image credit: Trilby Cottage, Lago Vista, Boutique Luxe Room With World-Class Views, Taupō Touch Of Country Suite, The Studio, Edge Hill Hut, Views Over Whakaipo Bay, Lake Terrace Lockwood, Wake Up To Lake Taupō, Botanical Luxury all by Airbnb.
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