Jeewa's place is very good for a short stay. It’s a short drive or 30min walk into the centre but there are local shops and restaurants nearby. The Taupo golf course is within walking distance and has a great value cafe as well as 2 good golf courses.
Also about 1km away is the free thermal spa on the river on the way down to Huka falls, with a nice safe beach and warm water rock pools to bathe in.
We slept very well as the road was incredibly quiet after about 2100 hrs until about 0800 the next morning.
Jeewa responded very quickly and helpfully to our queries and I appreciated the effort he put in to sorting out an early light breakfast for us.