Hazydaze in Pukawa, an A frame construction plus a new built cabin beside, has a large flat area for parking a boat next the house and the driveway is flat also. A covered carport for one car is next to the house where the entrance door is located.
BIRDS
Pukawa is a small, quiet settlement and a mecca for native birds. You'll see many birds on our property which is surrounded by bush down into a valley on one side and shrubs and mature trees on the other sides of the property creating a haven for the birds. Watch the antics as they land clumsily in trees (Wood Pigeon- Kereru), listen to the beautiful birdsong (Tui and Bellbird), see families of Quail, and look out for the shy and cute little black and white Tomtit, Bellbirds, Fantails and many other birds.. you'll want to bring out your camera!
STARGAZING
If you are a fan of Star gazing, Pukawa is well away from city lights, so, on a clear, moonless night, bring a rug out onto the lawn to look out for satellites moving across the night sky, help the kids identify the Milky Way, the Pot, The Southern Cross and sometimes if you are lucky, Elon Musk's Satellite Train. Magic!✨️
FISHING
For trout fishing, Lake Taupo, the largest lake in the Southern Hemisphere, has incredible fish and Pukawa Stream which comes out into Lake Taupo is a 5 minute walk down the hill. There is a jetty, where you can launch a boat and a large area to park your vehicle down next to the lake. The mighty Tongariro River is a 20 minute drive for awesome fishing or take the kids to the Trout Hatchery on the river. For more trout fishing info please ask as we can advise on flies, good spots to fish etc. Turangi has some good fishing stores for all fishing gear.
WALKING or MOUNTAIN BIKING
If you like walking, there are some lovely trails both in Pukawa and nearby. A popular bush walk, or bike ride, goes through beautiful bush to Omori (there is a store here) and Kuratau (cafe here during holidays and some weekends), and another trail is at the top of Hauraki Terrace (the road Hazydaze is on) that has great lake views over the lake. You can also drive for about 20 minutes to walk, or bike, the Tongariro River trail or head towards the mountains (similar drive time) to walk around the beautiful Lake Rotopaunamu. The famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing is about 35 minutes drive from Pukawa.
JUST CHILLIN!
If you just want to chill at Hazydaze, we have a large flat and private lawn, surrounded by mature trees and shrubs, perfect for star gazing and playing games like Petanque, cricket and croquet(games found under the stairs inside). Outside there is a brazier and fire pit♨️ for roasting marshmallows over or sit around having a quiet drink in the evening looking down over the valley. Or sit with your morning coffee on the deck looking through the trees to the lake. There's an outdoor picnic table and umbrella on the lawn for a lazy brunch or dinner. If it's wet, it's cozy inside with a heat pump for heating, card games, numerous puzzles, listen to some music or build Lego.
IF YOU LIKE TO COOK
The bach has most equipment you are likely to need, including the BBQ on the deck, full oven, bread maker, pots and pans, oven trays and dishes, utensils, food processor etc
ORETI WEDDING VENUE and RESTAURANT
Do you have a wedding to attend at Oreti Village or just want to eat at the restaurant and bar? The venue is very close only 3 minutes drive from Hazydaze. You could walk to it, however, there is no footpath or street lights beyond the settlement so you would need to take extra care walking on the road.
GROCERIES
It's a 15 mins drive to Turangi for groceries, cafes and restaurants, or for emergencies the Omori Store is open 7 days a week for all the basics including alcohol and sometimes warm bread on the weekends. However, we recommend you bring your groceries with you .... or stop in Turangi, Taupo or Tokoroa on your way?
SKIING
There are 2 options for skiing on Mount Ruapehu, one is Whakapapa the other Turoa. There are magnificent views of the surrounding countryside including Mount Ngarahoe right beside Ruapehu and on a clear day you can see all the way to Mount Egmont in Taranaki. Mount Ruapehu is unique for its rocky, volcanic surface, but with good snow, some lovely valleys and plenty of chair lifts and T bars to ferry you up the mountain. You'll take the glass gondola (Sky Waka) up the mountain to the many skifields at the top. Take your own gear or hire from Tokaanu on the way to the mountain or get your gear once you have parked your car. There are buses to take you from lower carparks to the ticket booths, ski hire, cafe and gondola. Take your own snacks or eat at the cafes on the mountain. Its about 50 minutes to the skifield from Hazydaze and Turoa skifield is further around the mountain, about another 30minutes.
SHOPPING
Hazydaze is about 15 minutes to Turangi or an 1 hr to Taupo. .
PETS
Your dog is most welcome, however please no cats to protect the birdlife in Pukawa, but we also spend time there and have allergies to them.
CLEANING and LINEN
Linen is NOT usually included for Vrbo guests, however please ask if required as we can provide @ an additional cost to cover for additional cleaning.
For Airbnb guests linen is included..please take sheets and pillow cases off beds and leave in the bathroom.
We expect and appreciate ALL guests to leave Hazydaze, clean and tidy on departure..
