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Jack's Hut

Bay of Plenty


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Eating and Drinking

EATING AND DRINKING

Jack's Hut is self-catering. Just bring your own food, and cook meals using the Weber 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

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.

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.

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Your Hosts

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. In addition to Jack's Hut, they also created Ponga Lodge and The Woolshed to their collection of holiday homes.

TESTIMONIALS

“ Loved Jack's Hut. It was so cosy, an amazing set up and beautiful view. Thanks for having us, we loved it. ”

Esther Keown- 2025-06-08

20 / 20

“ A cosy, private and indulgent get away to recharge. Loved the outdoor bath and cinema felt completely decadent and a great way to wind down the evening. Highly recommend this gorgeous little hut. ”

Alexandra Asman- 2026-03-10

1 / 20

“ Jacks Hut was a fantastic getaway for a long weekend. We were able to relax, enjoy the view, walk to the lake for swims, and best of all, have our dogs with us. Angela and Dave communicated with us before, during, and prior to leaving, and were super easy to work with for any of our requirements during our stay. Highly recommended, and yes, it’s even better than it seems on the website! ”

Kiri Ohlson- 2026-02-12

2 / 20

“ The hut is in a lovely setting, just a short distance from the lake, nice walks, and the water taxi, with the herd of deer as your nearest neighbours. A peaceful place to relax. ”

Steve Fanning- 2026-02-03

3 / 20

“ Such a lovely setting and a neat experience to stay at Jacks Hut. Loved it! ”

Catherine McLean- 2026-02-01

4 / 20

“ Super nice stay. Very private. The hot tub was good after long hiking days. Thanks again! ”

Jeffrey Poirier- 2026-01-22

5 / 20

“ Great stay, awesome views from the hut to Lake Tarawera. ”

Sharon Hendry- 2026-01-15

6 / 20

“ A beautiful oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the world. The weather wasnt the best for our stay but the hut was lovely and cosy and we had the most relaxing holiday with our four legged family member. Hosts and Spencer (the dog) are awesome. Would highly recommend to anyone planning a holiday. Perfect spot. ”

Paula Ward- 2026-01-05

7 / 20

“ Private, picturesque and peaceful! Lots of swims at the beautiful lake. Would highly recommend this place! ”

Mel Rogers- 2025-12-10

8 / 20

“ A stunning place in paradise, even in the rain as everything is on the deck and surrounded by nature. A very peaceful setting which makes it so relaxing. Loved watching the tui in the flax bushes, listening to the bird life, relaxing in the amazing bath, toasting marshmallows over the brazier and enjoying the views from the swing seat. The hut is cosy and has the most comfortable bed. The hosts have thought of everything for a comfortable and relaxing stay. Would definitely love to return. ”

Kevin Peacock- 2025-11-21

9 / 20

“ Beautifull place!!! ”

Lian Maas- 2025-11-17

10 / 20

“ Cracker spot, bed was lovely and comfy, and the outdoor bath was a delight. ”

Steve Kelly- 2025-10-16

11 / 20

“ Such a special spot. We made great use of the outdoor bath and movie screen, and fire pit for toasting marshmellows. The robes were a lovely touch and perfect for the cool mornings. Would definitely stay again. ”

Melanie Wallis- 2025-10-05

12 / 20

“ Great location and setting. ”

Jan Priest- 2025-09-30

13 / 20

“ A picture-perfect luxury escape for two. The weather on arrival was wet, but that didn’t make the slightest bit of difference. If anything, it added to the atmosphere and made waking up to the spectacular views the next morning even more special. Fabulous hosts and a stunning location. We particularly enjoyed watching the cinema from the hot tub under the stars. ”

Kirsty Gorman- 2025-09-27

14 / 20

“ This was the most unique and magical place I have ever stayed at. I would highly recommend staying at Jack's Hut! ”

Mary Boyd- 2025-09-21

15 / 20

“ Such a gorgeous hidden gem surrounded by nature right beside the lake. We spent a week here and would definitely go back again. Our favourite feature was the outdoor cinema setup, where we spent most nights watching a movie and relaxing in the hot tub under the stars. ”

Hannah Roche- 2025-08-30

16 / 20

“ Jack's Hut is set overlooking the beautiful lake. Hot tub at night, shower overlooking the lake...outstanding little place. ”

Holly Miller- 2025-08-11

17 / 20

“ The hut provided a beautiful escape and was exactly as advertised. I came looking for peace and quiet to unwind and recollect, and it’s what I found. ”

Aaminah Vahed- 2025-08-08

18 / 20

“ Amazing stay, it's even beautiful in the rain. ”

Natasha Thompson- 2025-07-01

19 / 20

“ Loved Jack's Hut. It was so cosy, an amazing set up and beautiful view. Thanks for having us, we loved it. ”

Esther Keown- 2025-06-08

20 / 20

“ A cosy, private and indulgent get away to recharge. Loved the outdoor bath and cinema felt completely decadent and a great way to wind down the evening. Highly recommend this gorgeous little hut. ”

Alexandra Asman- 2026-03-10

1 / 20

Scenic coastal landscape viewed through a golden tent opening, showing lush green hillside with forest line meeting turquoise ocean waters under clear blue sky

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