If you are in search of a lovely home away from home, Jonny's and Maaike's place is definitely what you should be looking at.
My two friends and I felt right at home amid the house's surprises (dishwasher! beamer! Spotify! speaking Dutch to Maaike!) and comforts (delicious breakfast, a garden deck to sunbathe on, the cutest dog to cuddle right next door, the best shower of our trip so far - and the list goes on).
Gorgeous lake Taupo, hot springs and other attractions were close by (within walking distance) and it's only a 1h drive to the end point of the Tongariro Crossing.
Now I know this place sounds too good to be true, but trust us - it isn't. Jonny and Maaike will go to great lengths to make sure you have a wonderful stay in Taupo - and we really, really did.