had a wonderful stay staff very friendly.nice breakfast.nice to know somethings do not get changed to much have been on many overseas trips and several cruises and dollar for dollar debretts is very good value.did not find the distance to taupo at all bad or the lake unless you have elderly with you.the chalet we were in was large enough and very comfortable.it was above average for the money you had to pay.it is 5star but should be looked at in the context of 5star holiday camp not as 5star hilton next door would stay again without hesitation

The spa pools have been around for a long time and could do with a make over, although they staff were friendly.
We stayed with our campervan and it felt like we were all packed in like sardines.
Had the usual amenities expected, laundry, token kiddies play park, cooking, showers/toilets.

We stayed in one of the three new lakeside villas. They were filled with everything to make for an exceptional night and would make for a very comfortable long term visit. The view is amazing, although be warned that it is too far to walk to any of Taupo and several km from the lake. On the map it looked closer!

Very large and tidy but I found the sparse walls uncomfortable - no art and the metal sheet walls did make me feel a little as though I was sleeping in a shipping container!

Huge flatscreen, full gas kitchen but disappointingly no washer/dryer. I know its a holiday park but with a 5 star room you expect your own washer and dryer, especially as it is clearly set up for family holidays.

As a side point, the villa is West facing so unfortunately it is drenched in the afternoon sun, making the view a little hard to admire in the heat and glare from the deck. It would really benefit with a transparent sunscreen rollar blind. Also, it has no insulation so DeBretts are wasting energy cooling it over the day and then it needs heating over night- even in summer. For a supposedly eco friendly construction the architect missed some simple things that would have greatly improved its energy consumption.

We stayed for two nights in a campervan using a powered site. The bathroom facilities were above average, clean and fairly new in our area.

The thermal pools were great and we actually went twice, both evenings - though fairly busy we were able to find a quiet spot both nights and enjoyed it tremendously.

Though the reception area is open until 20:30, the cafe itself is restricted in terms of when you can get hot drinks, I'm not sure of the hours as we didn't manage to get a coffee (not sure of the time but I would estimate after 17:00?).

In terms of location, it is a fair way from the town of Taupo, so if you are travelling in a campervan or motorhome you will need to either take a cab (or bicycle) into town, or pack up and take the van with you if you don't want a long walk (approx 4km). There is a fabulous view of the lake from the cafe/reception area.