On a trip from Australia we had booked accommodation at Creel Lodge upon recommendation from some friends who have been regular visitors to lodge for years. The second we drove through the entrance of Creel I instantly felt relaxed and content. The gardens are the first thing to take you by surprise. They are completely lush and beautifully maintained. Despite there being numerous cabins, you would hardly know that the others existed with each being nestled into a prime spot on the property surrounded by trees and with a lovely outlook which we enjoyed from our own covered outdoor patio. We stayed in a 2 bedroom garden suite which was perfect for our needs. The suite was spotless and with crisp clean sheets and a fully equiped kitchen it was like a home away from home only better! The Tongariro River is literally just at the bottom of the garden and we thoroughly enjoyed taking advantage of the walks along it's banks. The managers, John and Lyn are delightful and were more than happy to suggest activities in the area and book them for us! We enjoyed an early morning trout fish on Lake Taupo and it was arranged for our caught fish to be smoked and packaged so that we could take them back to Australia with us! Don't think twice about staying here, just book it!