Hitch the boat on Friday night, and by Saturday morning you're idling out of Kinloch Marina before the first coffee has gone cold. The boatshed sets the tone. At 9.2m x 3.8m (approximately) with an automatic door, it takes the boat, the biscuits, the paddleboards and the fishing gear. There's a single garage alongside for the car and two more parks off the street.

Inside, 271sqm (more or less) of single level living keeps everyone together without anyone underfoot. The kitchen, dining and lounge open to the full length deck and BBQ area, so whoever's cooking stays in the conversation. Three generous bedrooms sleep the family and the friends who always seem to come along. The main bedroom has its own ensuite and oversize walk in wardrobe.

Built in 2005 (approximately) in cedar under a Colorsteel roof, the home has ceiling and wall insulation. Two heat pumps, a woodburner and six wall heaters make it just as inviting for a winter weekend of skiing or fishing as it is at Christmas. The level 832sqm (more or less) section, just around the corner from the marina, is fully fenced and landscaped, with irrigation and security lighting, so you can lock up on Sunday and leave it to look after itself. Fibre, an alarm and central vacuum take care of the practical side.

Located in the older Kinloch area, a beautiful and sought after part of New Zealand on the shores of Lake Taupo, always has a way of turning weekends into traditions. This is the place to start yours.