The Top House, Lake Taupo

Commanding magnificent views across New Zealand's largest lake, to the mountains of the Central Plateau beyond, The Top House is a self-contained luxury holiday home. Situated at Whakamoenga Point, an exclusive private residential estate on the shores of Lake Taupo, this unspoilt, environmentally-sensitive development spans 58 acres overlooking Lake Taupo and beyond to the Tongariro National Park.

The Top House is perched on a hillside and accommodates up to 12 people. It is an airy and inviting home which features four double bedrooms, three bathrooms, a wellappointed kitchen, a large open-plan living and dining area and a second living room on the lower floor (which can be used as an additional bedroom if required). Two large hardwood decks lead off the main living room and out to the native garden. The house also boasts a games room (which can also be converted into a bedroom if necessary).

The living areas at The Top House not only enjoy spectacular expansive views of Lake Taupo, but they also provide generous space for entertaining. The contemporary kitchen has a dishwasher, double oven, microwave and superb crockery, cutlery and glassware - all you need for some enjoyable 'New Zealand-style home cooking'! Throughout the day, you can relax on the decks and admire the stunning vista - and as the dusk begins to settle, the large gas barbecue provides the perfect excuse for some alfresco dining under the clear starlit sky.

If you insist on being active, the estate has a number of recreational activities including two floodlit tennis courts, bush walking trails, fly-fishing, quiet beaches and a sheltered harbour where all the family can enjoy safe swimming. The Top House also provides a golf buggy for use during your stay.

Taupo is a renowned holiday retreat for many New Zealanders. The lake is undoubtedly best known for its world class trout fishing - and we can arrange for you to have your own private fishing guide for a half or full day if you wish. If you are keen on outdoors pursuits, you can also try numerous adrenaline and water sports including jet boating, rafting, parasailing, sky diving, water skiing, wind surfing, kayaking, mountain biking and even bungy jumping! In addition, you can visit the bubbling thermal springs and mud pools of 'Craters of the Moon', the dramatic Huka Falls or you can explore the spectacular scenery of the Tongariro National Park. Taupo is also just under an hour's drive from Rotorua - New Zealand's geothermal centre.

Stay at The Top House and discover this magnificent region for yourself - we guarantee that you won't ever want to leave!

PRICES Prices from £33 per person per night (based on 8 people sharing) Fly to New Zealand (Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch)  via Los Angeles or Hong Kong on the award winning services of Air New Zealand from only £890 including taxes and fuel surcharges. Please ask your consultant about upgrading to spacious Pacific Premium from only £280 per sector.