Samuel Chase Estate – Lakefront Camping, Acacia Bay

The place

Wake up to sunrise over Lake Taupō on private, ancestral whānau land in Acacia Bay, just 5 minutes from town.

Kia ora and welcome to the Samuel Chase Estate. We keep things small on purpose – just a handful of camping spots on 1.6 acres of absolute waterfront – so you get plenty of space, privacy and a relaxed, family-friendly vibe.

Swim or paddle straight from the shore, watch the black swans drift past, and enjoy the sunsets across the bay. The Acacia Bay dairy is an easy walk, and Taupō town, the Great Lake Trail and Huka Falls are all close by. In summer you'll catch the boat races and front-row views of the New Year's Eve fireworks across the water.

There are two places to stay: Lakeview Lawn, a big upper lawn for vans, caravans and tents (up to 4 groups), and Lakefront Lawn, a tent-only spot right by the water with its own deck, for one group.

We're off-grid: no power, with a portaloo and a cold outdoor shower. Bring your own drinking water and a gas cooker or BBQ. Kids 14 and under stay free, and dogs are welcome on a lead.

What's included

• Portaloo
• Cold shower only
• Water available (not drinkable)
• No power
• Dogs on a lead welcome
• Bring your own BBQ – OK
• No open fires
• No WiFi
• Good cell coverage
• Grass
• Shared with other guests
• Lake view
• Tents welcome
• Your own space
• Pets welcome
• Private site
• Showers
• Toilets

Sites

• Lakeview Lawn

  Big upper lawn with sweeping lake views on private whānau land, 5 min from Taupō. Room for 4 groups: vans, caravans or car + tent. Short walk to the water. Kids 14 and under free.

  from $60 a night · 4 vehicles at a time

• Lakefront Lawn

  Tent-only waterfront site with a private deck and lawn right by the lake. One group only, up to 8 people. Park up top and walk down. Round table, umbrella, chairs, hammock.

  from $95 a night · 1 vehicle at a time

Which vehicles can stay

• No toilet needed: everyone welcome
• Vehicles: Tents beside a car, Caravans, Motorhomes, Campervans
• Vehicles up to 10m long

House rules

• Check-in: arrival details are sent once your booking is confirmed
• Departure: please leave by 11am

Nearby, from your host

• Acacia Bay Dairy

  Grocery Store in Acacia Bay

• Huka Falls

  Footbridge over a rushing whitewater pool, with views of the 220,000-litres-per-second waterfall.

• Spa Thermal Park

  Geothermal hot pools for bathing & a riverside park with a kids' play area, plus hiking & biking.

• Craters of the Moon

  Geothermal area featuring boardwalks & gravel paths past steam vents & bubbling craters.

• Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings

  Contemporary Maori carvings in lakeside rocks featuring a huge face & smaller figures.

• Two Mile Bay Sailing Club

  Bar in Two Mile Bay

• Shops on Tongariro St, Taupō

  Café, restaurants, bar

How booking works

• Prices are per night for the site, in New Zealand dollars. There are no guest booking fees.
• Some sites charge for extra people or extras. You see the full price before you pay.
• Pick your nights and site, then pay by card on this page or in the Campable app.
• Request to Book: the host replies first, and you're only charged if they accept.
• Your host's address and arrival details are sent once your booking is confirmed.

Cancellation policy · Help and FAQs