We can't recommend the White House highly enough. The house is lovely, the menagerie of pets are delightful, the area is blissfully tranquil yet just a short drive from Taupo - and all of that is blown out of the water by how wonderful Alex and Kate are. Our hosts made us feel so wonderfully at home, gave us fantastic local tips for what to see and do, and were lovely company when we spent time at the house (though we never felt like we *had* to socialise which is an art in itself). I usually only book whole houses rather than staying with hosts but I had a good feeling about Alex and Kate and they more than outdid our highest hopes. We wouldn't hesitate to stay again.