Amidst Bush and Birdsong, $110 - $185

Architect designed 3-bedroom Pukawa holiday home oriented to capture the sun and magnificent views across Lake Taupo. In a world of its own amidst the tuis and bellbirds!

Very private and set amidst native forest, ferns and birdsong, the open plan living makes for optimal enjoyment of the bush views, lake, and garden. The house is multi-level and features private sitting areas, workspace, and lovely indoor/outdoor flows to enjoy the three decks that surround the house.

The property sleeps up to 8 comfortably if 1 is a child: The blue master bedroom with a queen bed has its own private deck and views across the lake, chest of drawers and walk in closet. Downstairs the yellow second bedroom has 1 single bed and one 3/4 bed in the 'hole in the wall' (a built-in sleeping shelf that is a great favourite with children) and a walk in closet. The third bedroom has 1 queen-sized bunk and 2 single bunk beds with a small desk (access is through the second bedroom). The bathroom has a bathtub and a separate loo, and the laundry is spacious enough to use for drying and storage.

The house is a 1970s pole frame design that seems to float above the ferns and native plants, with extensive views across Lake Taupo to Motutaiko Island, distant volcanoes and the twinkling lights of Taupo city at the opposite end of the lake. The garden surrounding the house is protected by native trees with a network of small trails to better observe the amazing bird life that includes tuis, fantails, bellbirds, quail and wood pigeons. Behind the house is a pristine native bush reserve with several loop trails.

There is plenty to do in the area depending on the time of year - walks and hikes, mountain biking, lake activities, boats/swimming, trout fishing on the famous Tongariro River, Pukawa stream and Lake Taupo (for lake boat charters call Bill Grace 027 620 7326), visits to the NZ Trout Center, and wonderful walking and skiing on Mt Ruapehu in Tongariro National Park. A gentle two-hour walk around scenic Rotopunamo Lake in the National Park, the renowned one-day Tongariro Crossing "best walk in NZ", bush trails in nature reserves adjoining the village, and hot pools to soak in Tokaanu. Or just relaxing and enjoying the view from the deck. Great eating at Lakeland House 073866442 at nearby Waihi on the edge of the lake, Oreti in Pukawa 073867070, and iconic high teas at the Chateau in Whakapapa, Tongariro National Park 07 892 3809.

4 hours drive from Auckland/Wellington, 40 minutes from Taupo Airport, 15 minutes from Turangi.

The calendar and rates below are up-to-date. No need to enquire - make your booking NOW directly online with Bachcare, with visa or mastercard. Just click the link below. Minimum nights, bond and other special conditions may apply. Please see Bachcare website for details and full terms and conditions.