Where to Find the Best Accommodations with Kitchens and Cooking Facilities in Taupo
Let’s be honest, food is a big drive on our travels, whether it’s to fuel us or educate our palettes. You may want to have peace of mind knowing that you can cook for yourself to keep the costs down or simply enjoy a relaxing night in.
In this list of the best self-catering accommodations in Taupo, we handpick some of the best options for cooking your own meals along New Zealand’s “Great Lake”.
While you’re here, you might also be interested in the 20 Best Things to Do in Taupo and The Complete Travel Guide to Taupo.
Table of Contents
1. Quest Taupo
Quest is known across New Zealand for its convenient yet modern serviced apartments and it’s no different at the apartment hotel in Taupo.
Quest Taupo offers 38 sleek apartments, including studios and one, two, and three-bedroom options.
We love the mix of home comforts and hotel luxuries, with fully equipped kitchens in apartments and kitchenettes in studios. The outdoor pool is perfect for a refreshing dip, while free WiFi (for one device per room) keeps you connected.
What’s more, it’s just a short stroll from town, making it an ideal base for exploring Taupo’s attractions
Check out more hotel-style stays in the 10 Best Hotels in Taupo.
Book Quest Taupo:
© Quest Taupo2. Baycrest Lodge
Check out a motel accommodation that goes the extra mile when it comes to quality and design at the Baycrest Lodge. Kitchenettes are all part and parcel here, while some family suites and suites for couples have their own in-ground hot pool.
The Baycrest is designed for a glorious night in with added extras to make your stay comfortable, such as underfloor heating, a spa bath and some rooms have a balcony.
During your stay, we recommend also treating yourself to breakfast in bed through breakfast delivery.
This motel also features in our 10 Most Romantic Accommodations in Taupo.
Book Baycrest Lodge:
© Baycrest Thermal Lodge3. Lake Taupo Motor Inn
More excellent self-catering accommodation in Taupo awaits at the Lake Taupo Motor Inn. Each suite, studio or unit features its own kitchenette, ideal for sprucing up your own meals with ingredients from the nearby supermarket.
There’s a room for every type of traveller, from friends in the “Ground Studio Rooms” with a twin bed set-up to families in the “Two-Bedroom Luxury Suites”.
We love the added perks like free WiFi and undercover parking. After a day of exploring, unwind in the heated outdoor pool or one of the two outdoor hot tubs.
For a bit of Kiwi tradition, fire up the barbie in the outdoor BBQ area. The motor inn’s air-conditioned rooms and on-site laundry facilities make for a comfortable stay, no matter how long you’re in town.
Book Lake Taupo Motor Inn:
- Lake Taupo Motor Inn on Booking.com
- Lake Taupo Motor Inn on Trip.com
- Lake Taupo Motor Inn on Expedia
© Lake Taupo Motor Inn4. eMotel
As the name suggests, eMotel is a contemporary motel with tech-savvy touches, such as receiving your apartment number and code by text/email on arrival day.
Situated in the heart of Taupo, this boutique accommodation offers stunning lake views from every room.
Each apartment boasts a 55-inch flat-screen TV with 50+ satellite channels, free unlimited WiFi, and modern amenities including a dishwasher and air-conditioning.
The self-catering facilities are top-notch, with a washing machine and dryer provided in all apartments.
What’s more, guests can enjoy their own private, sunny courtyard – perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring.
Book eMotel:
© eMotel5. The Lake Motel
From high-tech motels to retro motels, we move onto The Lake Motel, which offers stylish retro furniture to create one of the most characterful motels in Taupo.
Choose your style: a “60s Suite” or “70s Suite” or just make do with the popping colours of any one of the alternative suites and studios.
Each room boasts free WiFi and Sky TV, while most rooms have a small kitchenette and an open-plan dining area.
As for location, you’re set on the edge of the town centre with the lake within a five-minute walk.
Want to browse more motels? Look no further than the 10 Best Motels in Taupo.
Book The Lake Motel:
© The Lake Motel6. Taupo Debretts Spa Resort
Taupo DeBretts is not your average holiday park accommodation. It’s a place to soothe, soak and indulge in delectable food at its thermal pool complex, day spa and cafe.
While motorhomes and camping are welcome with useful facilities like communal kitchens, you’ll also find well-appointed motel units to suit a range of budgets and traveller types.
Foodies staying here will love entertaining at the covered pavilion and barbecue areas, as well as the access to private kitchen facilities in your studio or motel unit.
Thanks to its hot pools waterpark and other child-friendly facilities, we also list Taupo DeBretts in the 15 BEST Family Accommodations in Taupo.
Book Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort:
- Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort on Booking.com
- Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort on Trip.com
- Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort on Expedia
© Taupo Debretts Spa Resort7. Chevron Motel
For cheap and fully self-contained accommodation in Taupo, try Chevron Motel. Well within the budget category and providing private kitchens for all guests, Chevron Motel is worth considering.
The air-conditioned rooms offer great value for money, featuring private patios with mountain views, kitchenettes, and seating areas.
We personally love the flat-screen TVs and kettles for that home-away-from-home feel. Some units even boast stunning lake views.
The motel’s central location, free WiFi, and complimentary on-site parking make it an excellent choice for travellers. For those wanting to embrace the Kiwi outdoor lifestyle, there’s even a barbecue area available.
See more cheap and cheerful stays in the 10 BEST Budget Accommodations in Taupo.
Book Chevron Motel:
© Chevron Motel8. Haka House Taupo
If you want to go cheaper still but have access to kitchen facilities, then why not choose one of the hostels in town, like Haka House Taupo?
This hostel is more than just a bed for the night with a free spa pool and WiFi. Book a bed in a bunk dorm where each bunk is equipped with a privacy curtain, personal power socket and reading light, while private rooms with and without an ensuite bathroom are also available.
The communal spaces are also pretty sweet with a very functional kitchen, cosy lounge and deck area.
There are many more awesome hostels in Taupo so be sure to check out the 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Taupo.
Book Haka House Taupo:
- Haka House Taupo on Booking.com
- Haka House Taupo on HostelWorld
- Haka House Taupo on Trip.com
- Haka House Taupo on Expedia
© Haka House Taupo9. Sacred Waters Taupo
On the other end of the scale, you could indulge in a luxury apartment in Taupo at Sacred Waters Taupo.
The ultra-contemporary and sleek design of these suites and apartments fit most group sizes, while most also have luxurious kitchens and fixings such as a private balcony, thermal mineral pool, underfloor heating, espresso machines and free WiFi.
More facilities on the apartment complex also feature an outdoor lap pool, gym, undercover parking, complimentary bike hire (you’re five minutes drive from town) and individual beach access from ground-floor apartments.
Discover more upscale stays like this in the 15 Best Luxury Accommodations in Taupo.
Book Sacred Waters Taupo:
© Sacred Waters Taupo10. Ika Nui Taupo
Nestled in a prime lakeside location, Ika Nui Taupo offers a spacious and comfortable self-catering experience. This well-appointed apartment boasts a private bathroom, a fully-equipped kitchen, and stunning garden views.
Guests can unwind on the terrace or balcony, taking in the scenic surroundings.
We love the relaxing facilities here, which include spa amenities, a hot tub, and an inviting outdoor seating area. For those who love al fresco dining, the picnic area and barbecue facilities are perfect for a laid-back evening meal.
Book Ika Nui Taupo:
© Ika Nui TaupoMore Self-Catering Accommodations in Taupo
Now that you know the best self-catering accommodations in Taupo, check out what awesome things there are to do, as well as alternative accommodations:
- 20 Best Motels in Taupo
- 20 Best Things to Do in Taupo
- The Food Guide to Taupo: Places to Eat & Food Tours
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Taupo.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
About The Author
Robin C.
This article has been reviewed and approved by Robin, who is the co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. With more than 15 years of experience in the New Zealand tourism industry, Robin has co-founded three influential tourism businesses and five additional travel guides for South Pacific nations. He is an expert in New Zealand travel and has tested over 600 activities and 300+ accommodations across the country.
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