Ivy Cottage is a really great place to stay if you are heading to Taupo! I had a great two night stay with Kathy in her self-contained guest room which is under the main house itself, with its own en-suite bathroom. The room was very comfortable and there was a TV, mini fridge and tea/coffee making facilities available.
Kathy provided a really lovely breakfast, which was set up before I arrived each morning! She provided me with lots of ideas of things to visit in the immediate area and was really welcoming and easy to talk to. You can walk in to Taupo centre itself from the house in around 40 minutes. I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a stay in Taupo and would return if I re-visit Taupo region again.