Ponga Lodge

Ponga Lodge

Lake Tarawera, Rotorua

Ponga Lodge is set only minutes away from the edge of Lake Tarawera and 24 minutes from Rotorua.

The safari tent is set in a sheltered spot with a ponga forest to the rear and breathtaking views over Lake Tarawera to the front.

The interior of the tent features a super-king bed with a dual electric blanket. There's comfortable lounge seating and cosy rugs. The decor is simple and stylish - and the soft glow of the overhead lantern light gives a lovely ambiance and warmth. Cosiness is also a priority! There are two instant heat infrared heaters. One is placed inside the tent, ensuring a snug atmosphere and another in our undercover dining/kitchen area guaranteeing warmth and comfort as you dine and relax.

The undercover kitchen and dining area are equipped with everything you need to make a delicious meal. A luxury stoked hot tub bath, with instant hot water, is set on the large deck -looking out to the lake. The bathroom, clad with rustic reclaimed wood is accessible via an automatically-lit decked walkway.

Surrounded by nature, you're likely to see fantails, tuis, kereru, and morepork owls perched in the bushes. You may even hear the distant roar of a deer in Autumn. On a clear night, you'll be treated to breathtaking crystal-clear starlit skies.

FROM $420 p/n

Includes a Double Kayak

  • Sleeps 2
  • 
            Dogs welcome
      Dogs welcome
  • 
            Specials
      Specials
ADDRESS
 

144 Spencer Road, Lake Tarawera, Rotorua 3076

LOCATION
 

Ponga Lodge is set only minutes away from the edge of Lake Tarawera and 24 minutes from Rotorua.

Follow the Google Maps directions to the address.

You will receive a pre-arrival email with detailed arrival instructions and your host's details 5-days prior to your stay.

There is ample parking space so guests are welcome to bring their boat or trailer.

Note: If you have booked within 5 days and haven't received a pre-arrival email shortly after booking, please email us at [email protected].

Ponga Lodge

What time is check-in and check-out?

What are the bed and bedding arrangements?

What are the kitchen and cooking facilities?

What are the bathroom facilities?

Is there power?

Is there mobile phone reception and WiFI?

What sort of heating is there?

Can I have an outdoor fire?

What is glamping like in winter?

CAN CHILDREN STAY AT ponga Lodge?

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How private and remote is Ponga Lodge?

What is the access like and where do I park my car?

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Minimum stay periods

rates

Extras

gift vouchers

3. Guest cancellations and date changes

4. Host Cancellations

5. safety and hazards

6. pets

7. GST

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14. Authority to sign

  • eating and drinking

    Ponga Lodge is self-catering. Just bring your own food, and cook meals using the Weber Q BBQ, single induction hob and mini oven/air fryer. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

    If you'd like to dine out, Rotorua is only 25 minutes away and offers a diverse range of restaurants. For nearby options, you can check out The Landing Cafe for brunch, or Eastwood, which serves pizza, burgers, and beer. In town, you'll find Eat Streat, an undercover dining hub with numerous al fresco options available year-round. Another great option is Capers, which offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as an artisanal and organic food shop next door.

    The nearest store for stocking up on food and supplies is in Rotorua, 25 minutes. A few takeaway shops are 15 minutes away at the bottom of Tarawera Road.

  • things to do

    Stay cosy on cooler days by snuggling up with a movie (Netflix available), playing board games, and turning on the electric heater.

    On a fine day, you have the great outdoors to explore. Enjoy the stunning bush on the property or visit Stoney Point beach -  just a quick 2-minute stroll from the property. Go swimming, or try kayaking, and fishing with the boats and rods provided (be sure to try catching the famous rainbow trout from the jetty!).

    The area is also home to several walking tracks and a public tennis court, as well as fallow deer and sheep that you can feed and pet.

    During your stay, we want to ensure you have the opportunity to experience the natural wonders of Lake Tarawera to the fullest. We're excited to share that you can arrange for the Tarawera Water Taxi service, which offers a unique journey to the other side of the lake. Once there, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in the rejuvenating experience of bathing in the natural hot pools. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, this option promises an unforgettable addition to your stay. When you make your reservation we will provide a link so that you can book this experience if desired.

    If you're interested in learning more about the area's rich history, be sure to visit The Buried Village of Te Wairoa, which offers a glimpse into the volcanic eruption of 1886 and the local Tarawera history. Additionally, the team at Totally Tarawera provides a water taxi service for lake excursions to hot water beaches, the Tarawera Falls Walk, and pick-up and drop-off services for the famous Tarawera Trail.

    To relax and unwind, guests can visit the nearby Hell's Gate Geothermal Park and Mud Bath Spa or the Polynesian Spa for a rejuvenating beauty spa and massage. For adventure seekers, The Redwoods Treewalk, located just a 20-minute drive away, and White Water Rafting are great options. And don't forget to check out Te Puia, which features the famous Pohutu Geyser that spouts boiling water up to 30 metres into the air, as well as other natural geothermal wonders.

  • your hosts

    Your hosts at Ponga Lodge are David and Angela who live at Lake Tarawera, along with their son, Ben, and dog, Spencer.

    David and Angela first met in the UK in 1989 when Dave, a West Otago boy, was on his big O.E - and it was love at first sight! After marrying in 1990, they returned to New Zealand to work on the family farm in Otago. Eight years and two children later, career opportunities enticed them to the UK. They returned to New Zealand to Tarawera in 2017.

    Captivated by the area's breathtaking lake and mountain views, lush green landscapes, and diverse wildlife - David and Angela decided to embark on visitor accommodation. They created Jack's Hut, a 1930's shepherd's hut from the family farm in West Otago, before establishing Ponga Lodge in early 2023, which has quickly become a popular addition.

    The name 'Ponga Lodge' was inspired by the stunning ponga forest located directly behind the accommodation.

Testimonials

  • "

    Had a wonderful stay at Ponga Lodge. Loved the view and the peacefulness. We had everything we needed to enjoy our stay. Many thanks.

    "

    Annie Burgess - 13 Sep 2024

    1 / 12

  • "

    Highly recommend a stay at Ponga Lodge! We stayed for two nights, and it was definitely not long enough. The setting is beautiful, and it is private yet only a 20-minute drive into Rotorua. I would recommend bringing gumboots or shoes you don't mind getting dirty if staying in winter (or through frosts), as you do need to cross a paddock. Angie and Dave are fantastic hosts with great communication. Everything was straightforward and exactly as explained. We will be back!

    "

    Kate Makris - 13 Sep 2024

    2 / 12

  • "

    I loved my stay at Ponga Lodge. I can't recommend it highly enough if you're looking for a cosy and unique getaway.

    "

    Ellen Fisher - 13 Sep 2024

    3 / 12

  • "

    Great place to stay, beautiful setting... Loved the outdoor bath under the stars.

    "

    Krystie Miller - 19 Aug 2024

    4 / 12

  • "

    We had a wonderful stay. It is a very relaxing and beautiful place.

    "

    - 24 Apr 2024

    5 / 12

  • "

    Not only is Ponga Lodge a beautiful place to stay, but the views of the lake and neighbouring sheep are exceptional. We had everything we needed to stay warm each evening and make breakfast each morning. We would highly recommend Ponga Lodge to others!

    "

    - 29 Mar 2024

    6 / 12

  • "

    Ponga Lodge is an amazingly beautiful place with awesome views. You really feel luxurious and spoiled staying here in splendid isolation, yet only two minutes from the lake and twenty minutes from Rotorua.

    "

    - 26 Mar 2024

    7 / 12

  • "

    What a lovely stay! The location was stunning, and the accommodation was exceptional. Clean and cosy. No detail overlooked! Wish we could've stayed longer!

    "

    - 15 Mar 2024

    8 / 12

  • "

    Everyone who needs time out, peace and quiet, great views, surrounded by native bush, a comfortable bed, and incredible food should do this. Highly recommend on all aspects from fire pit to bath on deck and facilities.

    "

    - 19 Feb 2024

    9 / 12

  • "

    Loved staying here. Can't wait to go back.

    "

    - 19 Feb 2024

    10 / 12

  • "

    Our stay at Ponga Lodge was fantastic. A gorgeous setting, comfortable, clean, and well set up. While it’s a ‘tent’, you certainly don’t feel like you’re camping! The weather was very warm while we were there, but by opening the windows, a cool breeze could blow through, and the room cooled down quickly. Easy to cook, and the outdoor bath has a perfect view! Would recommend to others and would love to come back. Thank you.

    "

    - 16 Feb 2024

    11 / 12

  • "

    Ponga Lodge is a slice of paradise. My husband and I were blown away by the stunning view of Lake Tarawera and the accompanying rural landscape. Amgie and Dave are lovely hosts with excellent communication and attention to detail. We felt very comfortable and cozy at the lodge. You can take a kayak provided down to the lake and enjoy a spot of bird watching as tui, fantails, and wood pigeons nestle through the trees. We would definitely stay again!

    "

    - 29 Jan 2024

    12 / 12

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