Entire home·Private host

Black Beauty - Spacious Family Retreat for 12 + Spa

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Exterior
Exterior
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Golf
Smart TV, table football, toys, books

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 12135 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Mangakino, Waikato
  • Lake Maraetai
  • Mangakino Recreation Reserve
    ‪1 min drive‬
  • Mangakino Golf Club
    ‪1 min drive‬
  • Taupo (TUO)
    ‪58 min drive‬

Room options

Similar properties

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Black Beauty - Spacious Family Retreat for 12 + Spa

Black Beauty offers spacious, comfortable accommodation for up to 12 guests across two private living areas—ideal for families or groups, with year-round comfort.

The main house has two queen bedrooms and an open-plan kitchen/living area. The cabin adds another queen room and a large rumpus/living space, each with a full bathroom—perfect for teens or extra guests needing space.

With room to relax or gather, and flexible sleeping options, the hardest part might be deciding who sleeps where!

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Set on a generous 800sqm flat section, Black Beauty and its separate cabin offer a warm, pet- and kid-friendly retreat—complete with a fully fenced backyard for peace of mind and plenty of room to play.

Thoughtfully designed for comfort and convenience, this spacious holiday haven features double glazing throughout, two air-conditioning units, three queen bedrooms, a large rumpus room, two full bathrooms, an outdoor shower, and a brand-new spa—making it ideal for families, groups, or multi-generational stays.

The main house boasts a bright, open-plan kitchen and living area, with French doors at both ends that invite in natural light and lake breezes, creating a fresh, airy atmosphere. Both front and rear decks are covered by all-season pergolas—perfect for BBQs, relaxed outdoor dining, or lounging on bean bags with a good book, rain or shine.

With two separate living zones, it’s easy to host a second family, give teens their own space, or simply spread out and enjoy a little privacy. Whether you’re here to connect or unwind, the layout offers flexibility for everyone.

After a day of lake swims, boating adventures, or biking through the neighbourhood, rinse off in the outdoor shower, then soak in the hot spa under the stars—the perfect way to end your day.

There’s no shortage of entertainment, indoors or out. Take on backyard cricket, soccer, pétanque, Connect 4, Risk, Jenga, and frisbee challenges. Inside, a foosball table, toys, books, and board games promise hours of fun for all ages. We also provide two kids' kayaks for the lake and a few well-loved bikes—great for cruising local trails or nipping out for fish and chips.

Both the house and cabin are fully insulated, double-glazed, and equipped with large heat pumps for year-round comfort. Solar panels support energy efficiency, while each space features a smart TV with Freeview, Netflix, casting options, and fast fibre WiFi.

With ample off-street parking for boats, jet skis, caravans, and all your holiday gear, you'll have the space and freedom to make the most of your stay.

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Both front doors feature electronic code locks, allowing you to set your own personalized access code before arrival. For added security and convenience, the doors automatically lock after 5 minutes.

We’re happy to accommodate early or late check-ins and check-outs whenever possible—usually at no extra charge. Just let us know your preferred times when booking, and we’ll do our best to fit your schedule.

The entire house, cabin, spa, and grounds are all yours to enjoy, whether you’re relaxing solo or sharing the space with family and friends.

Our local cleaning team is nearby, so if you need any assistance during your stay, we’re ready to respond promptly.

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While our Kiwi Bach may not yet be a 5-star property, it’s a cozy, welcoming space perfect for unwinding and making lasting memories. This is our family lake house, where we love exploring the local area and using it as a base for all kinds of adventures.

In true Kiwi Bach spirit, we kindly ask guests to leave the house tidy. If possible, please wash the dishes or at least load and start the dishwasher before you leave.

We provide high-quality mattresses, pillows, and duvets on all beds, with extra blankets available if needed. Our Sleepyhead beds are consistently praised for their comfort!

A $100 cleaning and linens fee per stay covers the work of our local cleaning crew, who ensure the house is spotless before and after your visit. They also assist with guest reviews.

We’re pet-friendly with prior notice, charging the same rate for pets as for extra guests. Some booking platforms may not allow pets, but we’re happy to arrange this directly after booking. The pet fee helps cover additional cleaning, including carpet shampooing, to keep the space fresh and welcoming for everyone.

Please note smoking is only permitted outside, and all cigarette butts must be properly disposed of in the bin—please do not leave them on the grounds.

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Location

Black Beauty is perfectly positioned within walking distance of everything you need in Mangakino—local shops, a small grocery store, bakery, café, pharmacy, takeaway options, and several children’s parks. The closest petrol station is just 5 minutes away in nearby Whakamaru.

We're conveniently located about 45 minutes to 1 hour from both Taupō and Rotorua, and approximately 2.5 hours from Auckland.

About Mangakino

Mangakino is a peaceful lakeside village nestled beside Lake Maraetai, in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island and the Great Lake Taupō region. Once a bustling hub during the dam-building and forestry boom, it’s now a tranquil getaway loved by holidaymakers, families, and adventure-seekers.

The area is ideal for water sports, swimming, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, and relaxed weekends by the lake. Enjoy a picnic on the lakefront while watching wakeboarders glide across the water, take a dip in the warm summer shallows or swim out an enjoy the floating waterpark.

Kayaks and mountain bikes are available for hire also, and the scenic Waikato River Trails run right along the lakeside—perfect for walking or biking. The southern section of the trail leads to Whakamaru Dam and includes a stunning 70-metre suspension bridge over the river.

For those keen on more challenging hikes, the nearby Pureora Forest Park is home to the famous Timber Trail, offering a spectacular backcountry cycling and tramping experience.

Getting Here

A car is essential to reach the property, as there is limited regular public transport to or within Mangakino.

Once here, you’re within walking distance of just about everything—shops, cafes, the lake, walking and biking trails, playgrounds, a golf course, a frisbee golf course, and more. Whether you're after adventure or downtime, Mangakino offers the best of both worlds in a laid-back lakeside setting.
During your stay at this holiday home, you're just a quick walk from Mangakino Golf Club. Enjoy features like 1 hot tub, laundry facilities and an arcade/games room. The holiday home includes amenities such as free WiFi and a kitchen.
  • Air-conditioned home with kitchen, washing machine and 2.5 bathrooms
  • Free WiFi
  • Amenities include laundry facilities and a car charging station
  • On-site recreation includes a playground
  • Within a 10-minute walk of Mangakino Golf Club and Mangakino Recreation Reserve
As a guest of Black Beauty - Spacious Family Retreat for 12 + Spa, you'll find a hot tub, barbecue grills, and an arcade/games room. The family-friendly Black Beauty - Spacious Family Retreat for 12 + Spa also features a garden and laundry facilities. The front desk is open around the clock.

Property manager

Ness & Karl

Languages

English

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub
  • Massage

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 2.5 bathrooms
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Yard

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • 3 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 3 steps to reach entrance
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • No lift (single-level property)
  • Single level property
  • Smooth flooring in public areas
  • Thin carpet in public areas
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Note from host: Outside only, clean up after yourself.

Services and conveniences

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Housekeeping (limited availability)

Location highlights

  • In a village
  • In the mountains
  • Near a hospital
  • Next to a golf course
  • On a lake
  • On a river

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Bicycle parking
  • Bicycle storage
  • Bicycles
  • Foosball table
  • Golf
  • Kayak
  • Optional golf privileges
  • Water sports equipment
  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • 100% renewable energy
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Bed sheets changed on request
  • Bicycle parking
  • Bicycle storage
  • Bicycles
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Electric car charging station
  • Garden
  • Solar energy
  • Towels (changed on request)
  • Water-efficient showers
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

Guests will receive lockbox information
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Access methods

Lockbox

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 3 pets
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, you can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees.
  • Note from host: With prior approval and fee. Send details.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
Note from host: No Loud Parties
Long-term renters welcome
This property uses solar energy, plus eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Guests will receive lockbox information. You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, which will enable you to manage your booking.

We should mention

  • To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly using the information on your booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property
The Dark Horse Kiwi Bach
The lake, boat, MTB, games or a relaxing wine? Mangakino

Black Beauty - A Multi Family Escape for 12 with a new Spa! Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 14 out of 16 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 16 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 16 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 16 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 16 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Karen B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Brownlies stay

Great place to stay. Close to the wakeboarding event we were watching. Clean, tidy & well set out. Will be back. Thankyou.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Diane W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Black Beauty

Great facility and property owner is really great to deal with. Thank you
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tamara W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great property

Lovely house, well stocked with what you need on a holiday and great location. We enjoyed the spa pool and close location to the lake. Able to walk everywhere.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Frances B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Best communication from host, ever!

Really excellent communication from host, made the whole process so seamless. Lovely place, spa was dreamy. Comfortable beds and everything you need! Will be back!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mandie B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Home away from home

Great communication with owners, everything we needed for our stay, clean, warm and comfortable
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Travelled with family, Travelled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We really enjoyed our stay. Awesomely kid and dog friendly. And the spa pool was an extra bonus for us. What a treat.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ree K., Waikato

Liked: Cleanliness

Weekend StayCa Perfection

4 friends wsnting a relaxing night away. From the moment we arrived we were thrilled. SPA A Total bonus. Beds extremely comfy. Shower pressure was fantastic. We will absolutely book again.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Angela T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Clean and Tidy

Lovely Cottage. Very clean and tidy. Great communication.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Glenda M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Awesome accommodation for the smaller group

The guys loved it, had everything they needed. Clean and tidy accommodation with awesome owners!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sharyna T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Weekend Away

Karl and Vanessa were amazing hosts! Their place is in a great location and has everything you need! Any issues were addressed immediately. Will definitely be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Siggy W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Would definitely recommend this place to my family and friends

Lovely little getaway will tell my family about it
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

John C.

Liked: Cleanliness

lovely place, nice owner

We had a very good stay, will look forward to back again.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2021

8/10 Good

Rod W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Enjoyable stay

Good house well placed for our mountain biking trips. Easy all round, thanks.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Ainsley O.

Liked: Cleanliness

Fun at Mangakino

This property was perfect for our family of 5 (2 kids 9yrs and 12 and an infant). It slept us all comfortably and it was great to have a well equipped kitchen and a bath for the baby. The tramp was a bonus too! Super close to the lake and with plenty of boat parking. We look forward to more holidays at Black Beauty and Mangakino.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Lew D., New Plymouth

Liked: Cleanliness

Mangakino Bach.

A kiwi Bach style holiday home. With well presented grounds and an interior more than in keeping with its bach style. Everything needed for our long weekend stay was there. Handy to Taupo and Pureora (Timber Trail) for MTB activities.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020