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The Fidgety Fantail

Photo gallery for The Fidgety Fantail

The Fidgety Fantail
Dining area to lounge
Lounge and dining
The main house
Large flat backyard to enjoy

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 9

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor barbecue

Explore the area

View map
Lake Tarawera, Rotorua
  • Place, Lake Tarawera
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Polynesian Spa
    ‪25 min drive‬
  • Place, Skyline Rotorua
    ‪32 min drive‬
  • Airport, Rotorua (ROT-Rotorua Regional)
    ‪28 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 9)

1 Single over Double bunk bed

1 Single Bed and 1 Double Bed

1 Std King or can be 2 singles

1 King Bed

1 Std King or can be 2 singles

1 King Bed

1 Super king or can be 2 singles

1 King Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Outdoor shower

Spaces

Deck or patio
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

The Fidgety Fantail

Fully self contained log house in a garden setting next to a reserve (that has a playground) and close to boat ramp and a good swimming beach this is a wonderful holiday house for families.
Dog friendly. Perfect for children. Sheltered, sunny and quiet with a large, flat, grassy section.
There are 2 bedrooms inside the main house with king size beds that can be separated into singles plus 2 sleepouts close to the house. One sleepout has a king size bed and the other a set of bunks with a double below and single up top. In addition to the main bathroom in the house, there's a cute semi outside bathroom (shower & toilet) between the sleepouts where you can shower in the "outdoors"! The house has a large deck in a garden setting. Well-behaved and house-trained dogs welcome. There are Kayaks available. Heat pump for winter. The "Cheeky Tui" holiday home at the top of the driveway is also owned by us, making it ideal for 2 families who are friends to rent one each.
There's room for a boat and lots of space for children to run around and play in the garden and reserve. There are also board games and a trampoline to use.

Portacot and high chair provided.

TV and phone.

Use this home as a base to see Rotorua sights as well as using the lake environment. Close to the Mountain Bike Parks

Special conditions:
We ask that visitors leave the property clean and tidy.

Extras: Cleaning (Required, NZ$150per stay); NOTE: Under Kiwi bach tradition you are expected to: Bring your own linen (towels/sheets/tea towels); Alternatively we can hire in linen at a cost of $35per person per stay.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 10:30 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: limit 2 total
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Under Kiwi bach tradition you are expected to: Bring your own linen (towels/sheets/tea towels)

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Lake Tarawera

Located in Lake Tarawera, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a lake. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park, while Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village and Tamaki Maori Village are cultural highlights. Travelling with kids? Consider Skyline Rotorua, or check out an event or a game at Racing Rotorua. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with ecotours and hunting nearby.
View more Holiday homes in Lake TaraweraOpens in a new window
Map
Lake Tarawera, Rotorua

What's nearby

  • Lake Tarawera - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest - 20 min drive - 19.9 km
  • Polynesian Spa - 25 min drive - 25.2 km
  • Eat Street - 27 min drive - 25.9 km
  • Skyline Rotorua - 32 min drive - 30.5 km

Getting around

  • Rotorua (ROT-Rotorua Regional) - 35 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬24 min drive
  • ‪Terrace Airside - ‬26 min drive
  • ‪Pizza Bros Lynmore - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Robert Harris Coffee Roasters - ‬26 min drive
  • ‪Great Spice Indian Takeaway - ‬23 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Fidgety Fantail pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total).

How much does it cost to stay at The Fidgety Fantail ?

As of 15 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Fidgety Fantail on 4 July 2026 start from AU$207, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at The Fidgety Fantail ?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The Fidgety Fantail ?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Fidgety Fantail ?

Checkout is at 10:30 AM.

Where is The Fidgety Fantail located?

This family-friendly Lake Tarawera holiday home is located on a lake, 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from Lake Tarawera, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Lake Okareka and Lake Rotokakahi. Lake Tikitapu and Buried Village are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 76 out of 126 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 37 out of 126 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 13 out of 126 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 126 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 126 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Samantha W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome little get away

The property was great for a family getaway with lots of rooms for all of the family
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Markus D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

family stay

we enjoy beeing there ...thanks!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

bridget o.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family friendly in quiet paradise

Lovely stay in family & dog friendly house. Lots of room, all you need is there. Gorgeous spot to get away and so close to the lake.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Aug 2021
Thank you - great to see you had a fabulous stay - we look forward to welcoming you back again soon
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michelle R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic spot for a family stay. Great location for the 24hr Blue Lakes Challenge, very convenient.House was exactly what we expected and more. Very comfortable beds, freat ahower and plenty of room for the grandson to run around in with the park next door. So wonderful to have our little dog be welcomed as well. Thank you for a wonderful stay, we will be back again, probably next year
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charlotte R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing place for a big family get together or 3 generations

Loved our stay. And true to its name there were fantails everywhere. The native busy around the house is amazing, and the adjoining park was such fun for the kids to freely run around. Would love to come back and explore the area more
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Danny B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome Location and Deck

Perfect place to stay with famy and friends for the Blue Lakes 24 hour challenge. We loved the flexible sleeping arrangements with two sleepouts. Kitchen is well equipped and the BBQ and deck was fantastic. Such a great location with amazing Bird life!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Taryn M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Just what we needed

Hosts were awesome dealing with us, 3 rather sleep deprived adults and their children. Place had everything we needed for a weekend of torrential rain.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 11 July 2020
Glad you had a fabulous stay - Thanks again for being so patient and understanding. We look forward to hosting you again soon
Verified

6/10 Okay

Pru D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location
Disliked: Communication

Lovely location, accomm is tired

We had a lovely family time here. The accommodation is a bit tired. The sleepouts are in need of repair. We were lucky with the weather - if it was wet, the living area would have been crowded. No wifi.It felt a bit pricey.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Leilani N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Pleanty of space for our whanau.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

lee b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

perfect spot to relax and unwind

really nice Bach, had everything we needed. Good sized fully fenced section for our 2 dogs to run around. would recommend this place to family and friends. Only one complaint, the people before us put the dishes away dirty so we had to wash them before use.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rhiannon D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family loved it

My family loved it, unfortunately I couldn't join them. But they said it was a beutiful cute place and would be fantastic for kids.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Kim M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Holiday by the lake

The weather was average but the house was loaded with games/books/Winter Olympics to keep us entertained! Great space for 7 adults and 1 toddler, I didn’t feel like we were tripping over each other. The hosts were very friendly and helpful.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

les h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend get away

Thank you, the home was comfortable and well located for a get away.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute and cosy cottage

We had awful weather but the house was lovely and warm, comfy beds and lovely location - would like to return in summer and enjoy the surrounds!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

NIck C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome place

Great bach, will definitely be back. Thanks
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Samantha O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely weekend stay

Steve and Nicole were fantastic hosts. The property was perfect for our group who were attending a wedding
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

quiet and relaxing location

Good
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verena K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Serenity at its best!

Awesome communication with owners Nicole and Steve. Thank you for sharing your piece of paradise. Peaceful, relaxing and perfect for us and our family, including our furry members!! Loved the outdoor shower 😀 See you next year!!
Stayed 14 nights in Feb 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

ian w.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

lovely location

Family friendly home that has a beautiful outlook to native bush and all the conveniences for a trouble free stay.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Emma P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tarawera

Wonderful Bach, well set up, clear info and prompt communication from hosta
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Booked again already

Tranquil spot that you won't want to leave. Other than for a short walk at the blue lake, followed by coffee at airstream.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

ray w.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Back 30 years later

We were married at Solitare Lodge at Lake Tarawera November 1990 so it was great to goBack the area with the lodge just 5minutes down the the road to celebrate our 30th. Anniversary
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2020
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Very versatile for our large group and lovely to be adjacent to the reserve for ball games and coffe

Very versatile for our large group and lovely to be adjacent to the reserve for ball games and coffee. Enjoyed an evening meal from the fabulous cafe on the reserve. will be returning.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Such a lovely and tidy place!

Such a lovely and tidy place!! The sleepouts were just perfect for the kids!! Highly recommend it!!! Thanks for a great stay at a beautiful place!!
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

It was what we were after - away from the hustle and bustle, beautiful scenery, lots of native bird

It was what we were after - away from the hustle and bustle, beautiful scenery, lots of native bird life - everything we needed at the bach, beautiful lakes and walks and lots of information at the bach for choice of activities/entertainment.

About the host

Hosted by NZTarawera

Host profile image
Meet our family, Steve, Nicole and Sam. Welcome to our little piece of paradise.

Why they chose this property

After spending time with family in bustling Mt Maunganui, we wanted somewhere peaceful to retreat to .... a relaxing destination to escape to at holiday time. An internet search led us to the Cheeky Tui at Lake Tarawera. After 10 years plus of booking the house and many lake friends later, we feel very fortunate to be given the opportunity to share this property with you.

We love our outdoor Tarawera, Rotorua lakes experiences both on and off the lake from boating picnics, water sports, mtbing, fishing to horse riding and hiking in the area.

What makes this property unique

Get back to nature and share in the bush and birdsong at the quiet end of the Lake. A boat ramp for launching your boat is only a quick 1 min drive away. Sheltered, family and pet friendly spaces - relax and enjoy paradise!

Languages:

English
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