Staying at the Fantail Loft was a beautiful experience. The space is tidy and very clean, and the bed is comfortable. The bathroom is spotless and the shower is hot. Tea and coffee are provided. Our hosts Bryony and Steve care deeply about the lake environment and local community, and this comes out in their local knowledge and information. From the Fantail Loft we walked down the road to the lake's edge. Our hosts lent us their kayaks, so one morning we took them out and explored the crystal water of the lagoon. The Tarawera region is home to some of New Zealand's most beautiful nature walks. Rotorua is not far off, about 25 minutes drive, and we were able to visit hot springs and geothermal sites, then get food and then retreat back to the serenity of Lake Tarawerea. In the evening I sat watching the colours of Lake Tarawera change as the sun set, to the sound of birds tweeting in the native bush around us. All in all, this was a perfect spot for a retreat and highly recommended.