The Lodge at Hare's Rest — Hotel in North Island

Alli and Glynn have created a complete haven at Hare's Rest. The location of this beautifully designed accommodation makes for an incredible Rest and Recovery spot and for us provided a beautiful setting to escape to and celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary. From the smallest detail in the choice of soap to the luxurious comfort and cleanliness, Hare's Rest is firmly planted in my "exceptional" category. Alli's catering was exquisite - tastes that only happen when food is made with love. Homemade muesli and bread, fresh eggs , even a full bikkie tin for an afternoon tea snack. The option of being able to self-cater our own dinner made was great, especially when Alli had adorned the table with gorgeous fresh flowers and embroidered napkins and linen. What's more, on top of ALL that, we were able to take our puppy with us - who Alli and Glynn then babysat while we completed our final section of the Great Lake Trail.

It is one thing to create a place, but a whole other thing to create one so filled with genuine warmth and with such an obvious desire to want to share it. My only complaints - that our timeline was too tight AND that we should have taken up Alli's offer to provide a catered dinner! My advice - You need to spend time here to truly appreciate all that Hare's Rest can offer. It is a shelter from the storm indeed and one we cannot wait...

We are return visitors to Hare’s Rest and can undoubtedly say it is one of our favourite spots. Just a short drive out of Taupo, you are immediately taken by the winding driveway that takes you on a mini trip through paddocks, vines and natives to wind round to the Lodge. Nestled in beautiful grounds, the Lodge is a warm, spacious yet intimate space that is beautifully decorated, fully equipped and with the world’s most comfortable bed! The fireplace is a plus in the winter and the pizza oven in the back courtyard sets a scene for wonderful al fresco dinners in warmer weather. The grounds are beautifully kept. Walking through them is such a pleasure and the sense of retreating into nature cannot be overstated. We especially appreciated being able to stay with our dog who loved all the open space as well as the opportunity to chase rabbits. The hosts Glyn and Alli are wonderful people who offer hospitality from the heart. Not to mention Alli’s incredible bread and muesli. The breakfast is first class. Hare’s Rest has so much to offer and must be experienced. Glyn has expert knowledge of the area so be sure to get tips from him on things to do and places to visit that are special to Taupo. Thanks Alli and Glyn for sharing your slice of...

Hare’s Rest is exceptional. The accommodation is wonderfully equipped, comfortable and welcoming, with many thoughtful and artistic touches. The grounds are absolutely stunning and great to explore. Alli and Glyn are incredible hosts – a real example of New Zealand hospitality, you can feel how genuinely they want you to enjoy your stay and they go out of the way to help facilitate this. The welcoming goodies and daily breakfast provisions are fantastic – Alli’s homemade bread in particular was such a treat! There are lots of interesting places to visit around the area and Alli and Glyn are very knowledgeable about what might suit you. If you are going to be in this part of the North Island we would highly recommend you go and stay at Hare’s Rest. And if you aren’t planning to be in this part of New Zealand, then perhaps you should reconsider and go there, as we’re not sure a trip to New Zealand would be complete without a visit to Hare’s Rest! Our family of four absolutely loved our stay here. Thanks very much for everything Alli and Glyn.

Anna, Patrick,...