Mountain Magic – A Family Long Weekend in Pukawa Bay
There’s something so special about packing up the whole family and heading off for a little getaway together. For our most recent adventure, we spent a long weekend at Pukawa Bay Country Lodge with the kids, grandparents, and even a few toboggans in the boot – ready to chase winter magic on Mount Ruapehu.
We based ourselves at Pukawa Country Lodge, a stunning Bachcare accommodation nestled above Lake Taupō. With plenty of space for the whole family and a hot tub overlooking the trees, it was the perfect mix of comfort and adventure.
Snow Days at Mount Ruapehu
One of the highlights for the kids (and let’s be honest, the adults too!) was heading up to Mount Ruapehu. It was Florence and George’s first real snow experience, and they couldn’t get enough of it. They built their very own snowman, squealed their way down the slopes tobogganing, and threw a few snowballs at Dad for good measure. Watching their little faces light up as they touched the snow for the first time is something we’ll never forget.
Exploring the Trails
We made sure to squeeze in some short walks that the whole family could enjoy.
Start of the Waihohonu Hut Track: This one gave us postcard-worthy views of the mountains in the background, perfect for a family photo stop. The track itself is gentle enough for little legs, and the scenery really makes you feel like you’re in the heart of Tongariro National Park.
Tawhai Falls Walk: Just a quick and easy track, but so worth it for the magical waterfall at the end – also known as “Gollum’s Pool” for the Lord of the Rings fans out there.
Adventures in Tūrangi
When we weren’t exploring the mountain or soaking up nature, we took a little trip into nearby Tūrangi. The kids loved the playground, and we all enjoyed wandering across Major Jones Suspension Bridge – a fun spot to stretch our legs and take in the views of the Tongariro River.
Relaxing at the Lodge
Of course, the beauty of a weekend away is balancing out the adventures with downtime. Back at the lodge, the hot tub quickly became the star attraction. The kids jumped in and out all afternoon, while the grandparents and we enjoyed a more relaxing soak under the trees. Evenings were spent cozy inside, with plenty of family time, good food, and laughter filling the house.
Tips for Families Visiting Pukawa Bay & Mount Ruapehu
- Pack layers: The weather changes quickly on the mountain – think sun one minute, snow the next. Warm layers, gloves, and waterproofs for the kids are a must.
- Plan for short walks: Tawhai Falls and the Waihohonu Hut track are perfect with little ones, but always bring snacks to keep the motivation high.
- Stock up in Tūrangi: It’s the nearest spot for groceries, playground stops, and coffee fixes before heading back to the quiet of Pukawa Bay.
- Use the hot tub wisely: If you’re staying at Pukawa Country Lodge, pack plenty of togs – our kids practically lived in the spa between outings!
- Bring the grandparents (or extra hands!): It made the trip so much easier having help with the kids, and meant we could actually relax too.
Why We Loved It
Bringing the grandparents along gave us some extra helping hands (and meant Brett and I even managed a few quiet coffee breaks to ourselves – win!). The mix of snow play, short hikes, and cozy lodge life made for the perfect winter family getaway.
Pukawa Bay really is a gem – close enough to all the big adventures but tucked away enough that you feel like you’re truly escaping.
We’re already talking about coming back in summer to experience Lake Taupō in a whole new way.
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