New luxury hot pools in Taupo add heat to a mid-winter holiday

• For some people, a nice little spa area out in the garden is the ultimate treat – that won’t impress Llyod Lusty though.

Lusty’s dream resulted in a $2 million poolside resort complete with poolside bar, 130 sun loungers, a grotto with fibre optic glow worm effect, wetas created by weta workshop and a giant TV screen.

To be fair, he does own Lake Taupo Top 10 Holiday Resort with his wife Trish, but that is just more reason to create the ultimate backyard paradise.

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DANIEL HUTCHINSON / FAIRFAX