We chose the Above the Lake B&B from reading the Trip Advisor reviews and we were not disappointed. The room - more like a suite - was spacious and very clean. The room was on the ground floor so there is no view but for one night it was a great stopover. The house is set back from the road so there was no traffic noise and the off-street car parking was a bonus. Good hearty breakfast. The owners were very friendly and helpful during our stay.

We, two couples, stayed two nights with Ivan and Maggie in their home's 2-bedroom suite. The suite is clean, roomy, light and cheery, and nicely furnished. Located at ground level, the outer wall of the three rooms are windows, with access from the living room to a patio with table and chairs.

Maggie and Ivan are delightful people and hosts. I found it quite special that they both sat down and had breakfast with us. The conversation was as enjoyable as Maggie’s cooking! The dining area has a terrific view of the lake; at our last breakfast it was especially beautiful.

In addition to the B&B, Ivan skippers a charter boat on Lake Taupo for fishing and/or cruising; we did a little of both. We caught a number of trout, two of which were keepers and Ivan’s mate, Gary, cleaned them. Later, we took them to the Mole and Chicken - which happens to be next door to the B&B - and the chef prepared them for our evening meal. Exquisite!

It drizzled on an off during our time on the lake but the weather did not dampen our fun. Ivan’s boat is covered so we stayed nice and dry. The boat has a cooktop so tea and coffee were available; it’s not a problem to bring beer, which is what we did (the boat has a head too).

Thanks to Ivan and Maggie for making our time in Taupo such a memorable one!

This B&B has great hosts and a good location. When we first arrived, Ivan and Maggie gave us a warm greeting. They took the time to show the 6 of us our rooms, starting with the Garden Suite and then up to the Lakeview Room. The Lakeview Room is just as it states, a view of the lake from the sitting room. Definitely a must room to stay in to view the lake either in the morning or in the evening.
Ivan & Maggie are full of information on the local attractions and they were more than willing to share with us which attractions would suit our time-table better. So the next time you need information on the local attractions, ask them for their recommendations.
Breakfast was super! Freshly cooked breakfast by Maggie, together with the cereals, fruits, juices and coffee and tea made the day start so fabulously. A great place to stay when you are in Taupo.

When we arrived at Above the Lake we were greeted warmly by our host Maggie, she showed us our quarters and invited us to wine and nibblies on the back deck in the afternoon with Ivan, Maggie and the other guests staying at the time. Our room was the Lakeview Room which had views of the lake from the sitting room. Our room was spacious and beautifully decorated, we were provided with toiletries, robes, tourist information and a refrigerator including bottled water, tea and coffee, wine glasses and coffee cups. Breakfast was at 8 am each day and it was a real treat to have fresh fruit, cereals, juices, tea and coffee supplied along with a hot breakfast fresh cooked by Maggie. The sunsets over the lake each night were a fabulous bonus to such wonderful surrounds. Our hosts were full of information for the non local and were lovely enough to share themselves their time and their beautiful home (which featured a lovely art collection) with us on a daily basis. Free to come and go as we please but always made to feel welcome on our return at the end of each day. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend this venue to anyone looking for a lovely relaxing time which may or may not be shared with such lovely hosts. We are hoping to return in the future...Thanks Maggie and Ivan for such a memorable occasion, Megan and Glen.