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Telephone Exchange

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Telephone Exchange

Taupō, Waikato


The Telephone Exchange is set on Wolfhaar Farm, just 25 minutes North of Taupō.

The hut was originally a 1950s Telephone Exchange building, rescued and restored to become a charming off-grid glamping retreat, and moved to its spot under a stand of Eucalypts on the farm.

The facilities are made up of a romantic and spacious bedroom hut (the Telephone Exchange) and a kitchen and bathroom hut - designed to mirror the same style. An outdoor bath a short distance from the huts among the trees is elevated to look out over the idyllic views of the valley.

Whether you're travelling through the North Island, or just wanting to escape for a few days, the Telephone Exchange is the perfect spot to stop and take a breath. Step back into a time when life was slower and less complicated. The view down the valley and the tranquillity of the pastoral surrounds are beautiful, and the sunsets from the porch of your little hut are stunning. Sip your drink, relax and watch the visiting rosella and kingfishers swoop through the trees, while the farm animals lazily graze. Bliss.

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Eating and drinking near Escape

EATING AND DRINKING

Telephone Exchange is self-catering - bring your own food, and cook meals using the BBQ and facilities provided in your private camp kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

Celebrating a special moment during your stay? Let us sweeten the experience with a custom cake, lovingly crafted by a talented local baker. Check out the 'Rates & Extras' button for more information.

If you want a break from cooking at any stage, drop into the Bullring Restaurant and Bar - about a 15-minute drive away. You can dine in or take out - the burgers are amazing and the fish and chips are good too.

If you don't mind driving a bit further, Taupō is just a 25-minute drive away, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants to choose from there. The Storehouse cafe comes highly recommended by your hosts - great coffee! If you're looking for a dining experience, The Brantree is great for a nice meal out.

There are both Pak n Save and Countdown supermarkets in Taupō for stocking up on supplies.

Things to do near Escape

THINGS TO DO

With Taupō just 25 minutes drive away and Rotorua just 45 minutes away - you have some great options for local attractions and activities the region offers.

Experience geothermal luxury at the Wairakei Terraces - beautiful, hot pools, just 25 minutes away toward Lake Taupō. Or head to Rotorua to check out the amazing thermal parks the area offers.

If you're a keen walker or mountain biker, hit the Waikato River Trails - which can be accessed just 10 minutes down the road. Guests can also fish and/or swim in Lake Whakamuru - 15 minutes away. If you have a boat, Lake Atiamuri and Lake Taupō are both within a 30-minute drive.

Alternatively, don't go anywhere! Soak in the bath, play cards, read or just watch the world go by...

Your hosts at Escape

YOUR HOSTS

Dylan and Emily are dairy farmers working on their family farm.

They have 3 lovely children, Louie, Gabe and Anabella. Dylan was originally a builder who decided to put down his tools in 2012 to return to the family farm and start a new career in the dairy industry.

Emily has had an extensive career in marketing but is currently focusing on being a stay and home mum and relief milker/calf rearer. They are passionate about their animals and currently have approx 350 cows, 20 chickens, and a fox terrier called Tulip.

They love having people stay on the farm, are passionate food/wine/craft beer lovers - and always up for a good laugh or a chinwag.

TESTIMONIALS

“ A peaceful and tranquil place to stay. The hosts were very accommodating to our needs. Nice to escape from the everyday mundane. ”

- 2024-01-25

20 / 20

“ We had a very quiet and relaxing weekend getaway at the Telephone Exchange. Would highly reccomend if you're looking for something 'off the grid' to escape to. ”

Maddison Johnston- 2026-05-14

1 / 20

“ Gorgeous location felt like we were in another little world entirely. It still has the charm of camping, with a very special twist. ”

Tonya Dunn- 2026-04-26

2 / 20

“ This is a lovely place to reconnect and get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Awesome way to recharge! The place is a home away from home. ”

Merenia Gilbert- 2026-02-26

3 / 20

“ This was a lovely retreat, it was very clean and well appointed. It had everything you needed for a relaxed and peaceful night away. The outdoor bath under the stars was lovely and it was so quiet. Definitely recommend. ”

jasmine hansen- 2026-02-26

4 / 20

“ I enjoyed that it was like living off the grid. The bath was my favourite! We had no issues with there being no power outlets. It was perfect to turn off from the world. ”

Liana Rennie- 2026-02-15

5 / 20

“ Super peaceful, unique spot to relax. Beautiful setting among a working dairy farm. Cosy setup, great facilities. ”

Megan Ewen- 2026-02-14

6 / 20

“ Lovely place for an escape from the city. Cute, cosy, peaceful and serene. The outdoor bath and fire pit were highlights! ”

Aaron Baggenstos- 2026-02-10

7 / 20

“ Such a beautiful location that was private and tranquil. It's definitely worth visiting this place! ”

Jorja Perko- 2025-11-10

8 / 20

“ Perfect surroundings, so very peaceful and happy to be able to take our little dog along with us. So much to do at The Telephone Exchange, very warm and cosy with the little fire in the bedroom and loved the outdoor bath. ”

Heidi Osborn-Dunn- 2025-10-29

9 / 20

“ Beautiful place to stay! Loved the rolling hills, peaceful surroundings and the bath looking out at the sunrise. ”

Natasha Lamb- 2025-06-24

10 / 20

“ This stay was absolutely magical. Our favourite parts were the wood fire, waking up to the magpie songs in the morning and spending time in that beautiful kitchen. ”

Madeleine Sefton- 2025-06-17

11 / 20

“ Enjoyed the stay here on the farm. Nice atmosphere. ”

Elise marshall- 2025-05-16

12 / 20

“ Amazing experience. It had everything you needed to make it a great stay. ”

Fergus Kennedy-Davey- 2025-03-17

13 / 20

“ What a great hideaway from the world! A fantastic setting with great rustic charm! The perfect place to unwind. ”

Max Drennan- 2024-11-04

14 / 20

“ The most gorgeous little getaway spot. Surrounded by gum trees and rolling hills, this little gem of a hideaway is set up so perfectly to ensure you relax. From the cute woodburner and stunning outdoor bath to the fabulous morning bird song, The Telephone Exchange’s peaceful and soothing vibe is intoxicating no matter what you're doing. Close enough to town to whip in for supplies and a soak at the hot pools, but remote enough to shut the world out, it made for an absolutely outstanding stay. ”

Chloe Ford- 2024-07-19

15 / 20

“ Loved our stay at Telephone Exchange. Peaceful location with a great view. Felt so relaxing and worlds away but with great facilities. ”

- 2024-04-20

16 / 20

“ Fabulously peaceful, felt like we could have been a million miles from anywhere. Super relaxing. ”

- 2024-04-16

17 / 20

“ Awesome farm setting with a great sunset. Cooking, shower, and toilet facilities were top-notch, and the fire made it very cosy! ”

- 2024-04-02

18 / 20

“ I highly recommend this as your next micro-adventure. You have the best of both worlds here: a secluded retreat for relaxation, but close to Taupo and/or Rotorua for day excursions. After three glorious nights and two days exploring the sights, I felt like I'd been away for a week. ”

- 2024-02-13

19 / 20

“ A peaceful and tranquil place to stay. The hosts were very accommodating to our needs. Nice to escape from the everyday mundane. ”

- 2024-01-25

20 / 20

“ We had a very quiet and relaxing weekend getaway at the Telephone Exchange. Would highly reccomend if you're looking for something 'off the grid' to escape to. ”

Maddison Johnston- 2026-05-14

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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