Bayview Wairakei Resort

Good service and facilities.pretty quick checkin, good food and drinks, you could imagine how grand was this place in very beginning. Resort needs a renovation though - it would do with heat pumps and double glazed windows to start with. Late June night it was quite cold in the room, so had to ask for extra heaters. Would I stay here again - yes, but in summer, until it’s brought up to standard. Overall still a good place to stay.

I stayed for two nights in a standard room. Check-in was easy, and the reception staff were friendly and helpful. The resort grounds are pleasant and peaceful, but the property is very outdated. With upgrades to the reception area, rooms, dining space, and other facilities, it could be an amazing place. My room was old and dated, including the décor, bathroom, carpet, walls, lighting, and TV. It had a cupboard with a fridge, a couple of glasses, and some snacks. The bed was comfortable, but the Wi-Fi was slow. On the first morning, the shower rose fell off the slider, which was not a good start. My room was not soundproof at all, so I could hear people walking, shouting, laughing, and talking in the corridor. Breakfast and dinner were very basic, which was surprising for a resort. I was very disappointed with the food. There was also no service at the bar; had to find someone to serve us a drink. The hot pool was closed for cleaning. Overall, I was very disappointed. There are better places to stay in Taupō, and I would not return. It is a shame, because this place could be wonderful if it were upgraded. While that would require investment, I believe the benefits would be worthwhile.

Friendly and welcoming reception staff made for a pleasant check-in experience, especially arriving from the cold outside into a nice warm lobby. The rooms are quite basic and a little dated, with some maintenance needed here and there. The hallways in particular definitely give off strong 1990s vibes. That said, you can also understand that upgrading a property like this would come at a huge cost. What you’re really paying for here are the tranquil surroundings and relaxing atmosphere. The two hot pools were lovely — a great temperature and very relaxing to swim in. The grounds are also nice and peaceful, making it an easy place to unwind. We had dinner at the restaurant one night, which was fine, although there are better dining options only about 10 minutes’ drive away. Overall, it’s a relaxing place to stay as long as you go in with realistic expectations about the interiors rather than expecting luxury accommodation.