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Totara Perch

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Totara Perch

Taupō, Waikato


Totara Perch is located 25 minutes from Taupō and 10 minutes from Kinloch.

It's set high on a hill with beautiful views out across bush and to the lake beyond.

The accommodation consists of two beautifully appointed huts and an outdoor covered bathroom. The first hut is the bedroom complete with a king-size bed and a set of single bunks. The other, just a couple of metres away, is a cosy 'living' hut.

Completely private, you're enveloped in nature - perched on a tree-clad hillside amongst mighty, Kamahi, Rewarewa and Ti Koura. Kereru make their way up the valley in the evening, fantails dance around all day and morepork call to you while relaxing in the bath. The lake view of Whangamata Bay is mesmerising - and close enough that you can just make out the boats going in and out.

You'll enjoy absolute serenity at Totara Perch. You feel miles from anywhere, but just a short drive takes you to the cafes and buzz of Kinloch or Taupō.

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Eating and drinking near Escape

EATING AND DRINKING

Totara Perch is self-catering. Just bring your own food, and cook meals using the BBQ and facilities provided. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

If you want a break from cooking at any stage, Taupō itself has numerous cafes and restaurants to choose from. Our favourite go-to for a good curry is Siam Thai Infusion. For something a bit special, your hosts recommend The Bistro (bookings are essential) or The Vine Eatery and Bar. The Hub Cafe is also delicious, especially after a mountain bike ride.

Closer to home is the Kinloch General Store which, along with all your general grocery supplies, make sumptuous wood-fired pizzas and fish and chips; head over the road and enjoy a picnic on the beach!

https://www.kinlochstore.co.nz/

Things to do near Escape

THINGS TO DO

Totara Perch has board games, books and of course the huge outdoor bath with a view to keep you entertained. But if you're keen to explore the surroundings, there is plenty to do!

Guests are welcome to explore the farm and have some friendly sheep and cattle to visit - especially Bruno the black sheep.

Bring bikes and ride 3km down to Kawakawa Bay - a peaceful spot only accessed via track or boat. On the eastern side of the bay is a very popular natural rock climbing wall. Down the same track is a canyon where you'll find glow worms.

If you're keen on more bike action, there are mountain biking loops ranging from 16km to 32km accessed directly from the property. And 20 minutes drive away is the purpose-built Craters Mountain Bike Park and Hub Cafe.

Kinloch, 10 minutes away, has the world-class golf course designed by legendary Jack Nicklaus, there’s a course-side cafe here available to everyone - not just the golfers! If you have a boat, you can launch this in Kinloch.

There are several walking tracks nearby, but a must-do is the ten-minute walk from Totara Perch to Old Codgers Rock, which is ranked number 3 in Taupō's Top Ten Photo Locations! This track also connects to the Great Lake Trails. From Codgers Rock, it’s about 2km down to Kawakawa Bay, where you can access the K2K and O2K tracks, both also part of the Great Lake Trail,

The location of our farm is very unique in that you can access this without having to get in your car.

Taupō is the events capital of New Zealand, you can do everything from visiting the Huka Prawn Park to Skydiving or sailing on the Lake.

TESTIMONIALS

“ An absolute haven of peace. What an incredible place of tranquility and escapism. ”

Robyn Fawcett- 2025-08-03

20 / 20

“ Beautiful, quiet spot to completely switch off and relax. The views were stunning. Loved the outdoor bath. Perfect little getaway. ”

Krystal Holleron- 2026-05-21

1 / 20

“ Amazing views! ”

Vanessa Crespilho Grisante- 2026-05-14

2 / 20

“ Such a relaxing spot to wind down. I will for sure be recommending to friends. ”

Josh Vodanovich- 2026-05-07

3 / 20

“ Amazing location with a beautiful outdoor bath. Cosy bed with a view out to the stars. ”

Sharon Stewart- 2026-04-18

4 / 20

“ Totara Perch is set in an amazing spot! Tuis galore, private and secluded. We stayed as a family of four (two daughters aged nine and eleven) and absolutely loved the space, outdoor bath, fireplace, and the bunks were perfect. Would highly recommend! ”

Royce Sharplin- 2026-04-11

5 / 20

“ Really enjoyed our stay. We’ll be back. ”

Richard Spicer- 2026-03-26

6 / 20

“ Great quiet spot which had easy access and great facilities. The outdoor bath under the stars was a highlight. ”

Debra Burke- 2026-03-22

7 / 20

“ Novel experience. Great to get back to basics without the stress of actually camping. So beautifully appointed and quiet. Great for the soul. ”

Christine Goodin- 2026-03-09

8 / 20

“ We had the most lovely stay at Totara Perch! Such a beautiful and serene setting, stunning walk down to the lake, and amazing stargazing in the incredible outdoor bath. We definitely want to come back again! ”

Natasha Murrihy- 2026-03-08

9 / 20

“ This is our second time visiting Totara Perch, we've done quite a few Canopy Camping escapes and this is our favourite. The views. The setting. The stay. The location, everything to love, nothing to hate. We will be back in another four years. ”

Archie Barnes- 2026-02-25

10 / 20

“ Amazing place to stay to unwind! Super clean and tidy. The outdoor bath was incredible! ”

Annette Matthews- 2026-02-17

11 / 20

“ We arrived at Totara Perch just as the sun was setting, and it was the perfect welcome. The whole place felt peaceful, private, and beautifully set in nature. The cabin was spotless, cozy, and thoughtfully designed, you can tell a lot of care goes into this place. Highly recommend for anyone wanting a quiet escape with stunning views. ”

Maybelle Palma- 2025-12-08

12 / 20

“ Incredible stay at Totara Perch! We loved the peace and tranquility of this off grid spot, the birdsong was amazing and the accommodation itself was so special! Would highly recommend staying here if you want a wee bit of R&R in beautiful surroundings! ”

Emma McGachie- 2025-12-07

13 / 20

“ Wonderful stay. ”

Madeleine Jonsson- 2025-11-27

14 / 20

“ Nice and peaceful, amazing bird life, and beautiful views. A great place to relax and reconnect. ”

Pam Irvine- 2025-11-20

15 / 20

“ A beautiful setup that was a true retreat and a place to rest the weary soul. Even though it rained throughout, the accommodation itself was so cosy and had plenty to do. The owner Jane was a gem and helped get a lost item back to me. I will definitely recommend this to anyone looking to disconnect from the fast tech driven life. ”

Aaminah Vahed- 2025-09-16

16 / 20

“ A beautiful spot for a relaxing weekend away. ”

Sarah Rowland- 2025-09-01

17 / 20

“ My wife and I absolutely loved our stay at Totara Perch. Unparalleled views with everything you need and nothing you do not. Thanks for having us Jane. ”

Steph Tabaillou- 2025-08-19

18 / 20

“ A cosy winter getaway. Beautiful setting with fantastic walks right on the doorstep. We loved it, and our little spoodle was totally delighted too. ”

Claire Laybourne- 2025-08-16

19 / 20

“ An absolute haven of peace. What an incredible place of tranquility and escapism. ”

Robyn Fawcett- 2025-08-03

20 / 20

“ Beautiful, quiet spot to completely switch off and relax. The views were stunning. Loved the outdoor bath. Perfect little getaway. ”

Krystal Holleron- 2026-05-21

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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