Wairakei Resort

Wairakei Resort Taupō is a full-service resort hotel at 640 Wairakei Drive, on the northern edge of Taupō. It sits in large, park-like grounds within the Wairakei Tourist Park, surrounded by geothermal landscape and close to Huka Falls, Lake Taupō and the region's walking and cycling trails. It is one of the larger residential conference venues in the central North Island, and suits national conferences, corporate retreats, incentive groups, sports teams and weddings.

History and rooms

The resort's hospitality history on this site goes back to 1886. Over time the original hotel has been replaced by purpose-built buildings set in landscaped grounds. The hotel is listed within Accor's network. There are 187 rooms across 11 room types, from Heritage economy rooms and standard and superior twins and kings to studio and family villas, junior suites, spa suites and the Rangatira Suite. Every room opens onto a patio or balcony. The Tauhara Wing includes mobility-access rooms and spa suites, and many rooms interconnect, which is useful for families and groups.

Facilities

Leisure facilities include two outdoor geothermally heated swimming pools, hot tubs, a sauna, a gym and the Body Firm day spa. There is also a public 9-hole golf course, tennis, squash and multi-use courts, a fenced children's playground, and direct access to walking and mountain-bike trails. Parking and WiFi are free.

Dining

On-site dining is at the Pavilion Restaurant and the Geyser Bar & Eatery. Conference groups can also book the resort's private nightclub in advance.

Meetings and events

The resort says it can host meetings, conferences, dinners and weddings for up to 600 guests. Its published capacity chart lists eight indoor rooms that can be combined in different ways:

• Karapiti and Waikato rooms: 275 m² each; combined they seat 600 theatre-style or 370 banquet.
• Graham Rooms I & II, Heritage Room, Bayview Room and Boardroom: smaller spaces for breakouts and meetings.
• Nightclub: 60 m², available for events.
• Full combination: the Karapiti, Waikato and Graham rooms together cover 722 m², with up to 700 theatre-style or 650 cocktail.
• South Lawn: 2,625 m², for outdoor events of up to 1,000.

Function rooms have presentation equipment and high-speed WiFi. Full AV and catering are available, along with a dedicated event specialist. Planners can use interactive Social Tables floor plans to lay out their event.

Suitability

Wairakei Resort Taupō is a strong option for residential conferences, gala dinners, product launches, team-building programmes and incentive groups. Its combination of large plenary space, breakout rooms, on-site accommodation and outdoor recreation means groups can stay on site for the whole programme.