New Zealand is rated one of the most “inclusive and progressive” gay–friendly travel destinations in the world by Lonely Planet. Taupo, including has a few gay friendly hotels Taupo to accommodate during your stay in NZ.
The Wellington Pride Festival is an annual festival held in Wellington, New Zealand . Wellington Pride Festival is the capital’s annual queer festival. Comprising of many community events over a two week period.
Taupo, a town near the centre of New Zealand’s North Island, is distinguished by its lakefront setting and outdoor sports ranging from fishing to jet-boating. The vast waters of Lake Taupo, a volcanic caldera, drain into the Huka Falls, dramatic, crystal-blue cascades reachable by hiking and biking trails. Surrounding Taupo are hot springs like those filling the Craters of the Moon reserve.
Taupo is home to Mount Tauhara. Gear up (hiking boots and warm layers are a must) and conquer the steep, muddy bush walk to the summit. It might not sound very appealing, but trust us, it’s worth it! You’ll be able to see views of Lake Taupo, Mt Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and even White Island on a clear day.
Taupo Day Trips
- Tongariro Alpine Crossing Shuttle Options
- Hukafalls Jet Boat Ride from Taupo
- Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo
- Half-Day Kayak to the Maori Rock Carvings in Lake Taupo
1. Hilton Lake Taupo 5* – Gay Friendly Hotels Taupo
Hilton Lake Taupo includes free pool and access and features views over 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 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 with which to enjoy.
feature private balconies with views over the lake or the hotel pool and Thermal Springs. Each includes a LCD TV.
Welcome to Hilton Lake Taupo, the region’s only 5 Star International hotel. From its spectacular vantage point, Hilton Lake Taupo commands magnificent views over New Zealand’s largest lake and beyond. This distinguished hotel offers a wide range of room types (113 rooms total), from Hilton Guest Rooms through to the grand Presidential Suite. For families, groups and those staying a little longer, one to three bedroom apartments offer convenient and spacious options.
Rejuvenate with a round of tennis, or a workout in the fully-equipped gym, enjoy a dip in the naturally heated outdoor pool and spa-pool, or relax in the sauna or steam room. Indulge in flagship restaurant and bar, Bistro Lago with an inspired menu created by New Zealand celebrity Chef, Gareth Stewart. Bistro Lago’s offerings include high tea, $29.95 three course lunch, happy hour and gourmet a la carte featuring locally sourced ingredients. Be prepared for an extraordinary experience: an outstanding location, a breathtaking panorama, exceptional service, an intimate ambiance and contemporary luxury of the highest standard.
Beautiful hotel, located about a five minute drive from the town centre. Well appointed, modern, comfortable and clean. The beds are super comfortable and customer service standards are superb.
We made use of the spa, pool and sauna which were awesome on a chilly night to relax and warm up.
The apartment was very nicely appointed, especially considering the price (about twice the rate for a standard room elsewhere).
The apartment included a full dining table, adequate kitchen, generous sitting area with two sofas, and a separate bedroom with ensuite. The furniture was in good condition and everything was very clean. The balcony had a good view of the lake.
This hotel is set back a little way from the main town centre and so you’re not likely to walk into town for dinner; you probably need to drive.
The hotel offers a high standard you would expect at the price and the brand but i did find it was a little to far from the main centre of Taupo. You would need a car to get to the main restaurants in town as the walk would take 20 to 30 mins and the route is very secluded so at night would be a challenge. The views of the lake are impressive from the front bedrooms with sunsets to die for.
This is a great hotel if you do not mind being out of the town centre (around 4 km). Its a short walk to the Lake. A lovely building with nice grounds, great size room, comfy bed and fantastic staff, good pool and gym and a nice bar. DeBretts thermal pools are next-door to the hotel which is a must for a few hours if you have the time.
We stayed in one of the apartment style rooms which was very spacious. Large kitchen and dining area, lounge, separate bedroom and bathroom. Very tasteful furnishings and the room was in immaculate condition.
Was very handy to have a washer and dryer in the room. Stunning view of the mountains across the lake, would be very nice to sit out on the deck on a summers evening.
We booked a deal that included breakfast, which was well worth the money. The restaurant staff were friendly and super accommodating for the needs of our family.
I would definitely recommend and we will hopefully be back again soon.
The apartment comes with a million dollar view of lake Taupo and a full <span class=”_3f5ztoLj”>kitchen with washing machine and dryer! Excellent for us as we need to wash the clothes after the race! The outdoor pool was heated which is helpful given the cool weather, and we enjoyed our game of tennis at the two tennis courts within the hotel compound. The front desk was kind enough to offer complimentary breakfast to all members of the group due to our diamond status.
One bedroom has washer dryer which was key to our comfort for rest of trip. Full kitchen which we used sparingly since breakfast at hotel included and Taupo restaurants were good.
Hotel is not close to town as up on hill for view. Taxi into town is $18 NZD.
How much does a room costs at Hilton Lake Taupo?
Prices start 124 $/night for King Guest Room. The Relaxation Suite is 199$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for gay couples.
This elegant suite, located in the historical Heritage wing of the hotel, provides guests with relaxing accommodation for enjoying all that Lake Taupo has to offer. You can unwind on the suite’s Victorian-style private balcony or enjoy a movie on the 40-inch LCD TV in the separate living space. Catch up on work at the large desk and stay connected with WiFi (available on request). The suite also features a stylish marble bathroom.
Where to book online – Hilton Lake Taupo – Gay Friendly Hotels Taupo – you can find the best hotels deals in Taupo during Taupo Winter Festival which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Taupo on Booking.com or Trip.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.
2. Phoenix Resort – Taupo 3* – Gay Friendly Hotels Taupo
Situated on a picturesque , Phoenix Resort – Taupo is 2 minutes’ walk from Lake Taupo and 20 minutes’ walk from Taupo City Centre. It is 2.7 km from Taupo Airport.
Most rooms at Phoenix Resort – Taupo has a private thermal hot tub (except for the 3-bedroom apartment), which can fit 4 to 6 people. Most units have a fully equipped kitchen fitted with a dishwasher, oven, microwave, toaster and kitchen utensils. There are free satellite channels, free WiFi and free parking. Some units have a balcony with lake views.
The onsite Rose Garden cafe is open for breakfast and lunch. Phoenix Resort – Taupo also offers barbecue facilities for guest use, plus a trampoline and mini-golf.
Welcome to Phoenix Resort Taupo. The resort itself is set in a picture-perfect rose garden, directly across the road from sparkling Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. Top features of the property include the onsite Rose Garden Café, open for breakfast and lunch (room service available). Accommodation options encompass a choice of flexible configurations. Check into a spotless, impeccably maintained studio, or a one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartment.
Two-bedroom apartments sleep up to a maximum of six. The single-bedroom units will accommodate up to four. The studios on the other hand, are ideal for a romantic getaway for two. All rooms include hospitable touches including kitchen facilities, selected Sky TV channels, free WiFi to keep you connected and even electric blankets to keep you cozy. All rooms also have their own private thermal mineral pool, where you can relax in the rich minerals and revitalise your your mind, body and soul.
This hotel was a lovely surprise. Very helpful staff at check in. Was shown to our room and was surprised at every step of the way. Gardens were just stunning. Noticed a library, mini golf clubs, bbq and laundry facilities all available. Room was big with a brilliant outlook with glimpses of the lake. Kitchen was large and fully equipped. Bathroom was large and clean. Best bit was the quick filling spa filled directly from the thermal springs.
The beautiful garden was a pleasant surprise and a peaceful space to relax in. Rooms are really spacious with heaps of storage and even has a dishwasher. Super comfortable bed too. The private mineral pool was fantastic and also doubled as a secure area to house our bikes.
Great location to the lakefront and a service station for basic requirements. Will definitely stay here again.
Our room had a sitting area, dining area, separate kitchenette, bathroom and private hot tub out the back. Everything was immaculately clean, well presented and just felt like home. The grounds were beautifully kept and easily accessible. The laundy room was a saviour! The service provided to us by staff was perfection and it was clear that their guests are their number 1 priority. The hot tub area was clean and nicely presented and heavenly to use!
This is not a big, 5 star, impersonal hotel where the profit line is the most important thing, this is a fantastic small resort where it’s clear that guests matter the most. We’ll definitely be back and I look forward to spending a lot more time at this resort in beautiful Taupo.
How much does a room costs at Phoenix Resort – Taupo?
Prices start 108 $/night for Studio Room. The One-Bedroom Apartment is 122$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for gay couples.
This apartment features a private thermal hot tub and kitchen. Some rooms have a balcony and a king-size bed. This room has stairs.
Where to book online – Phoenix Resort – Taupo – Gay Friendly Hotels North Island Taupo – you can find the best hotels deals in Taupo during Taupo Winter Festival which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Taupo on Booking.com or Trip.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.
3. Motel VU Thermal Lodge 4* – Gay Friendly Hotels Taupo
Situated by the , VU Thermal Lodge has a refurbished 500 sqm deck with an outdoor setting and of the lake and mountains. The property was fully refurbished in November 2016, and now features new owners.
VU Thermal Lodge boasts 10 rooms with pools that are filled with natural thermal water, pumped from 25 m deep. There is an outdoor geothermal heated swimming pool, suitable for use all year round.
Each refurbished room has a large flat-screen TV and air-conditioning. One bedroom apartments have super super king-sized beds.
Want a nice holiday in Great lake Taupo? VU Thermal Lodge could offer you at least two things: 1; the view of the lake and mountains 2; the natural mineral bath. Location is superb, by the lake and opposite the reserved park, 500 square meters decking. Unique untreated mineral water from underground bore, 10 out 17 rooms have private mineral tubs(adjustable temperature); a communal bath house and a heated outdoor swimming pool(25C all year). Holiday makers and business travelers are welcome.
Spotlessly clean and maintained. The hot pools with natural mineral water was a real treat there are very few such like available in Taupo.
The room is a good size, with comfortable bed and a well equipped kitchenette, including salt and pepper cellars. Everything is very clean and cared-for. The owner is delightful, so welcoming and friendly, and the views over the lake are beautiful. The town is a walkable distance away, with some restaurants on the way. We were lazy and used the car, more because of the weather than the distance.
Lovely room with superb view out across Lake Taupo. Loved the outdoor viewing area which offers space and comfortable seating whilst absorbing a world class visual experience. Breathtaking scenery!
Huge suite with private thermal pool and kitchenette gave us everything we needed. Laundry facilities on site and a great geothermally heated pool as well as two communal thermal pools. Loads to do in and around Taupo. Great base and lovely to relax in.
The rooms are perfectly adequate and immaculately clean. The absolute winner though is the private thermal spa pools in some rooms. The hostess is so obliging and helpful, when I left my kindle behind she very kindly posted it to me so it arrived the next day – awesome service! The motel is an easy and pleasant 20 – 30 minute walk along the lakefront to town, there is plenty of parking. We will definitely stay here again.
How much does a room costs at VU Thermal Lodge?
Prices start 95 $/night for Economy Queen Studio by Swimming Pool Ground Floor. The King Studio Lakefront with Thermal Pool Ground Floor is 127$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for gay couples.
This adults-only, ground floor studio has an outdoor deck area with both lake and reserve views. It also includes a flat-screen TV and a wall cabinet offering storage. A touch screen induction cooker, bar fridge microwave provide simple cooking needs. It has access to the heated swimming pool. No separate sink for cooking.
Where to book online – VU Thermal Lodge – LGBT Friendly Hotels Taupo – you can find the best hotels deals in Taupo during Taupo Winter Festival which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Taupo on Booking.com or Trip.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.
