Notes from the host
Black Beauty Near Mangakino Recreation Reserve
Black Beauty offers spacious, comfortable accommodation for up to 12 guests across two private living areas—ideal for families or groups, with year-round comfort.
The main house has two queen bedrooms and an open-plan kitchen/living area. The cabin adds another queen room and a large rumpus/living space, each with a full bathroom—perfect for teens or extra guests needing space.
With room to relax or gather, and flexible sleeping options, the hardest part might be deciding who sleeps where!
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Set on a generous 800sqm flat section, Black Beauty and its separate cabin offer a warm, pet- and kid-friendly retreat—complete with a fully fenced backyard for peace of mind and plenty of room to play.
Thoughtfully designed for comfort and convenience, this spacious holiday haven features double glazing throughout, two air-conditioning units, three queen bedrooms, a large rumpus room, two full bathrooms, an outdoor shower, and a brand-new spa—making it ideal for families, groups, or multi-generational stays.
The main house boasts a bright, open-plan kitchen and living area, with French doors at both ends that invite in natural light and lake breezes, creating a fresh, airy atmosphere. Both front and rear decks are covered by all-season pergolas—perfect for BBQs, relaxed outdoor dining, or lounging on bean bags with a good book, rain or shine.
With two separate living zones, it’s easy to host a second family, give teens their own space, or simply spread out and enjoy a little privacy. Whether you’re here to connect or unwind, the layout offers flexibility for everyone.
After a day of lake swims, boating adventures, or biking through the neighbourhood, rinse off in the outdoor shower, then soak in the hot spa under the stars—the perfect way to end your day.
There’s no shortage of entertainment, indoors or out. Take on backyard cricket, soccer, pétanque, Connect 4, Risk, Jenga, and frisbee challenges. Inside, a foosball table, toys, books, and board games promise hours of fun for all ages. We also provide two kids' kayaks for the lake and a few well-loved bikes—great for cruising local trails or nipping out for fish and chips.
Both the house and cabin are fully insulated, double-glazed, and equipped with large heat pumps for year-round comfort. Solar panels support energy efficiency, while each space features a smart TV with Freeview, Netflix, casting options, and fast fibre WiFi.
With ample off-street parking for boats, jet skis, caravans, and all your holiday gear, you'll have the space and freedom to make the most of your stay.
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Both front doors feature electronic code locks, allowing you to set your own personalized access code before arrival. For added security and convenience, the doors automatically lock after 5 minutes.
We’re happy to accommodate early or late check-ins and check-outs whenever possible—usually at no extra charge. Just let us know your preferred times when booking, and we’ll do our best to fit your schedule.
The entire house, cabin, spa, and grounds are all yours to enjoy, whether you’re relaxing solo or sharing the space with family and friends.
Our local cleaning team is nearby, so if you need any assistance during your stay, we’re ready to respond promptly.
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While our Kiwi Bach may not yet be a 5-star property, it’s a cozy, welcoming space perfect for unwinding and making lasting memories. This is our family lake house, where we love exploring the local area and using it as a base for all kinds of adventures.
In true Kiwi Bach spirit, we kindly ask guests to leave the house tidy. If possible, please wash the dishes or at least load and start the dishwasher before you leave.
We provide high-quality mattresses, pillows, and duvets on all beds, with extra blankets available if needed. Our Sleepyhead beds are consistently praised for their comfort!
A $100 cleaning and linens fee per stay covers the work of our local cleaning crew, who ensure the house is spotless before and after your visit. They also assist with guest reviews.
We’re pet-friendly with prior notice, charging the same rate for pets as for extra guests. Some booking platforms may not allow pets, but we’re happy to arrange this directly after booking. The pet fee helps cover additional cleaning, including carpet shampooing, to keep the space fresh and welcoming for everyone.
Please note smoking is only permitted outside, and all cigarette butts must be properly disposed of in the bin—please do not leave them on the grounds.
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Location
Black Beauty is perfectly positioned within walking distance of everything you need in Mangakino—local shops, a small grocery store, bakery, café, pharmacy, takeaway options, and several children’s parks. The closest petrol station is just 5 minutes away in nearby Whakamaru.
We're conveniently located about 45 minutes to 1 hour from both Taupō and Rotorua, and approximately 2.5 hours from Auckland.
About Mangakino
Mangakino is a peaceful lakeside village nestled beside Lake Maraetai, in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island and the Great Lake Taupō region. Once a bustling hub during the dam-building and forestry boom, it’s now a tranquil getaway loved by holidaymakers, families, and adventure-seekers.
The area is ideal for water sports, swimming, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, and relaxed weekends by the lake. Enjoy a picnic on the lakefront while watching wakeboarders glide across the water, take a dip in the warm summer shallows or swim out an enjoy the floating waterpark.
Kayaks and mountain bikes are available for hire also, and the scenic Waikato River Trails run right along the lakeside—perfect for walking or biking. The southern section of the trail leads to Whakamaru Dam and includes a stunning 70-metre suspension bridge over the river.
For those keen on more challenging hikes, the nearby Pureora Forest Park is home to the famous Timber Trail, offering a spectacular backcountry cycling and tramping experience.
Getting Here
A car is essential to reach the property, as there is limited regular public transport to or within Mangakino.
Once here, you’re within walking distance of just about everything—shops, cafes, the lake, walking and biking trails, playgrounds, a golf course, a frisbee golf course, and more. Whether you're after adventure or downtime, Mangakino offers the best of both worlds in a laid-back lakeside setting.
