New Zealand’s North Island got an exciting new luxe property last week when Hilton Lake Taupo officially opened its doors as one of the first upscale, full-service international hotel brands to open in Taupo and the second Hilton hotel in New Zealand. The hotel has 113 guest rooms, suites and apartments.
The hotel is comprised of the Heritage Wing, previously known as the historic Terraces Hotel, built in 1889 and now completely re-furbished, and a new wing of 100 rooms – the Mountain Wing. The Mountain Wing is positioned alongside the Heritage Wing with panoramic views over Lake Taupo and to the volcanic mountains of Mt. Ruapehu, New Zealand’s largest ski field. Mt. Ruapehu, a one-hour drive from the hotel, has two ski resorts and is New Zealand’s most expansive ski area.
The hotel’s restaurant, Bistro Lago, has a menu created by Master Chef Simon Gault. Head Chef Shane Yardley worked with Gault to fill the breakfast, lunch, dinner and 24-hour room-service menus with locally sourced ingredients.
The Hilton Lake Taupo also features a Cellar Ballroom for up to 120 banquet guests; thermally heated outdoor pools; a Spa, steam room and sauna; tennis courts; a fully equipped gym; and a bar.
Lake Taupo is a three-hour drive from Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city and 4.5 hours from Wellington, the capital. Lake Taupo is 46km long and has a surface area similar in size to Singapore.
The area is well known as a conference and incentive location and its leisure activities include trout fishing, hunting, golf, bathing in thermal pools, trekking, horse riding, boating and snow skiing. There are two world-rated golf courses nearby: the Wairakei International Golf Course and the Jack Nicklaus Signature course.
