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The Reef Resort

4.0 star property
The outdoor pool at this Waipahihi paradise offers a perfect spot to unwind after exploring nearby cycling trails or relaxing in the garden retreat

Choose dates to view prices

The Reef Resort in Waipahihi blends relaxation and recreation with a spa tub and garden setting. Guests enjoy free in-room WiFi and a library for quiet moments. Nearby bike trails attract cyclists, and the outdoor pool offers a refreshing alternative.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Free airport shuttle
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
The current price is NZ$172
includes taxes & fees
1 June - 2 June
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Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: 7:30 PM

Contactless check-in and check-out are available

Late check-in subject to availability

Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM

Contactless check-out

Late check-out subject to availability

A late check-out fee will be charged

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport; to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 72 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation

The front desk is open daily from 8:00 AM - 7:30 PM

Front desk staffed during limited hours

If you are planning to arrive after 7:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

This property enforces quiet hours from 9:00 PM to 8:00 AM

Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Cots (infant beds) are not available

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Fee for cooked-to-order breakfast: approximately NZD 15 to 25 for adults and NZD 15 to 25 for children
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and mobile payments; cash is not accepted
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
Pool access available from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM
Alcohol is not served at this property
Parking height restrictions apply
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly)

National rating

Property class, provided by our rating system, is based on property type, amenities and services.

Frequently asked questions

Does The Reef Resort have a pool?

Yes, this property has 2 outdoor pools. Pool access is from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM.

How much does it cost to stay at The Reef Resort?

As of 21 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Reef Resort on 1 Jun 2026 start from NZ$172, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is The Reef Resort pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking at The Reef Resort?

Self-parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at The Reef Resort?

Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: 7:30 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at The Reef Resort?

Checkout is at 10 AM. Late checkout is available for a fee (subject to availability).

Does The Reef Resort provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's a free airport shuttle that runs from 8 AM to 7:00 PM on request.

Where is The Reef Resort located?

With direct access to the beach, this Waipahihi motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Waipahihi Botanical Gardens, Lake Taupō and Three Mile Bay. Maori Carvings and Taupō Hot Springs are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on selected room rates because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

9.8

Cleanliness

9.2

Location

9.6

Staff & service

9.4

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 737 out of 973 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 200 out of 973 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 26 out of 973 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 973 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 6 out of 973 reviews

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Raewyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a lovely stay with the ex room conditions and all staff were so nice and very pleasant to talk with. Would stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joanna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Helpful staff and great location. Lovely lake front walk into town, about 1.5km. Great pool and spa.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a fantastic stay at The Reef Resort in Taupō. The location right on the lakefront was beautiful, with amazing views (the sunset and Mt Ruapehu were especially pretty) and easy access to walking tracks and town. The room was spacious, clean, and very comfortable, and both the thermal plunge pool and in-room spa were a real highlight after a day exploring the area (the main pool was out of action for re-painting, however this didn't bother us and we were offered free use of a sister complex pool not far away). The staff were friendly and helpful throughout our stay, and the entire complex was well maintained, clean and quiet. Overall, a relaxing and enjoyable stay — we’d happily return and would definitely recommend it to others visiting Taupō.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff, wonderful view from room. Great facilities.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great room overlooking the lake, Clean room and friendly staff. Excellent amenities and lovely heated outdoor pools.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

j

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely motel right on the lake. Quiet, comfortable and clean room which was a good size, with good amenities and a nice balcony and lake views.The staff were lovely and very helpful. Taupo is a lovely town with lots of cafes, bars, restaurants. Plenty to do.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Terrence

Enjoyable stay , nice view ,
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alun

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fabulous location and luxurious accomadation.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel was in a quiet location with a lovely warm pool, just what was needed after a few days on the go
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Denise

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff, amazing pool, comfy, clean room with lovely beds.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Catrina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The host Jenny was an absolutely beautiful host Thank you for letting us stay early Also breakfast was delicious
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amanda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful place to stay. Lovely staff, great room, nice pool and spa 😊
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sheta

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Absolutely fantastic! Location is perfect - love the gate to the lakeside pathway. Pools are devine. Cooking facilities all exceptional. Like a luxurious home away from home.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anna

Easy check in, fantastic location,
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gabriele

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We absolutely loved our stay here. The staff are so lovely, the location is incredible right on the lake, and our room was perfect and had the most amazing view. The pool was heated and we LOVED it — we spent at least 3 hours a day in it after our activities that day. Thank you to the team at Reef Resort, y’all make this a very special place.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Craig

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great heated pool. Good breakfast was available. Nice tidy room
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful resort on the lakeside. Nice pools, great well equipped rooms and a very helpful owner/manager. Highly recommended.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Luigi

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Like the clean room nice hot pools
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Tony

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great mid winter stay. Spa pool excellent. Staff friendly. Recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hunter

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely place, staff are super friendly and heated pools were nice, would definitely visit again.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Barry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean, friendly and a great heated pool.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
great location and property
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marjorie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the location, bicycles, kitchenette, lake view, and staff hospitality. Lots of great dining options.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Myrla

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great room. Great location. Nice hosts. Would stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Property has great location. The bikes for hire are great option. Pool is lovely. Really enjoyed our stay
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025