If you are visiting Taupo you simply HAVE to stay with Maureen & Ian. Their home is 5 star botanical luxury and 6 star hospitality. Prepare yourself for the warmest and most thoughtful welcome we have ever received at an AirBnB (and trust me we’ve used a lot). The house is amazing - beautifully decorated, with incredible amenities. Your private space is large, the bed is super comfy and the bathroom is like being in a luxury hotel. Maureen is always 2 steps ahead of you; from planning your itinerary, contacting or recommending the best local companies and providing delicious treats and snacks that she frequently whisks up out of nowhere!
We came to Taupo mainly to do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing which was absolutely breathtaking - and Maureen made it go super smoothly for us by arranging a coach pick up (instead of us driving an hour each way, and being exhausted on the way back), preparing our breakfast the night before (it was a 5am pick up) and ensuring we had the essential snacks and drinks for our intense day of hiking. Afterwards Maureen made sure we had money-off vouchers for the best local geo thermal pools to soothe our aching bones. We were very grateful to wash all our hiking kit including our trainers as they were in dire need of it! Maureen and Ian’s restaurant tips were also all spot on - much appreciated as one of us is vegetarian. We also loved cuddling Pearl, the hilarious and cute bundle of fur!
In summary, it was like going home to see our parents and being thoroughly spoilt. We were blown away by Maureen & Ian’s hospitality, generosity and good humour!