Your Care
At Lake Taupō Hospice, care is centred around you—supporting your physical, emotional, cultural, and spiritual wellbeing so you can live in the way that matters most to you.
Self Referrals
We’re committed to supporting your wellbeing in a way that feels whole and personal—medically, spiritually, culturally, psychologically, and socially—so you can live each moment in the way that matters most to you.
The earlier we see you, the more we can help you and those who are caring for you.
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Lake Taupō Hospice welcomes referrals for people who live in the greater Lake Taupō district, including Tūrangi and surrounding areas.
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We work alongside your GP and others to ensure the highest level of personalised care.
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We care for you wherever you call home. We offer varying levels of support tailored to your unique, individual needs.
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There is a common misconception that hospice is where you go at the very end of your illness. We’re here for you weeks, months, sometimes years before death.
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The earlier we see you, the more we can help you and those who are caring for you.
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Simply click the “Self or Family Referral” button and complete the form.
If you need to be seen within 24 hours, please call us directly so we can prioritise your referral.
Hospice care is free to anyone who needs specialist support at any stage when diagnosed with any progressive, life-limiting illness which has little or no chance of a cure.
If you need to be seen within 24 hours, please call us directly so we can prioritise your referral - 07 377 4252
Palliative Care
What is Palliative Care?
Palliative care is specialised care focused on improving quality of life for people living with a serious illness. It supports not just physical needs, but also emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing.
Unlike treatments aimed at curing illness, palliative care focuses on comfort, dignity, and helping people live as fully as possible—no matter their stage of illness.
It helps to manage pain and other symptoms effectively, support informed decision-making about care options, improve overall quality of life, and provide comfort, dignity, and reassurance during challenging times.
Why is Palliative Care Important?
Serious illness can affect every part of a person’s life—not just their body, but their sense of identity, relationships, and peace of mind. Palliative care recognises this and provides holistic support.
Palliative care also supports families and caregivers, ensuring they are not alone in navigating complex emotions and decisions.
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Palliative care can begin at any stage of a serious illness—not just at the end of life. Early support often leads to better quality of life and helps people feel more in control of their care.
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Anyone living with a serious or life-limiting illness can benefit from palliative care. This includes conditions such as cancer, heart disease, respiratory illness, neurological conditions, and more.
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Palliative care is holistic and may include:
Pain and symptom management
Emotional and psychological support
Spiritual care
Help with practical needs and planning
Support for family and caregivers
Care is tailored to each person’s goals, preferences, and cultural values.
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Palliative care can be provided in many settings, including:
At home
In hospitals
In hospices
In aged care facilities
The goal is to provide care in the place that feels most comfortable and appropriate for the individual.
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A team of trained professionals works alongside your existing support networks to care for each person. This may include doctors, nurses, social workers, counsellors, family, spiritual care providers, and volunteers.
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Not at all. Palliative care is about living as well as possible. It supports people to make choices that align with their values and helps them maintain control, comfort, and dignity.
Patient & Whānau Support
How does hospice support families?
When someone you love is living with a life-limiting illness, the impact is felt by the whole whānau. There can be changes to family life, relationships and responsibilities, along with uncertainty about what lies ahead. It can be difficult to know what to expect, what to say, or where to turn for support.
At Lake Taupō Hospice, we care for the whole person — and that includes the people who are important to them. Our support extends to family and whānau, helping you feel informed, supported and less alone throughout the journey.
You don’t have to have all the answers, and you don’t have to navigate this alone.
Supporting you and your whānau
Our team can provide:
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We can help you understand what is happening, what you may notice as an illness progresses, and what to expect as your loved one approaches the end of life. We provide information in a way that is clear, compassionate and easy to understand.
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Caring for someone you love can bring many different emotions — sadness, fear, anger, uncertainty, guilt and sometimes even moments of relief. There is no right or wrong way to feel. We are here to listen, without judgement, and provide a safe space to talk about what you are experiencing.
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Our counsellor, Lisa, provides support for patients and whānau experiencing the emotional impact of life-limiting illness, loss and grief. This support can be helpful before a death, as you adjust to changes and prepare for what may come, as well as following the death of someone you love. Grief and Bereavement Support
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We can help you have conversations about what matters most to your loved one, including their wishes for their care and the things that are important to them. We can help families navigate difficult decisions while respecting the patient’s values, culture and beliefs.
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There can be a lot to manage when someone is seriously ill. We can help you understand what support is available, connect you with appropriate services and provide guidance around some of the practical challenges that can arise.
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When someone in the family is seriously ill or dies, children and young people can experience grief in different ways. We can provide guidance to help whānau talk with children about illness, dying and death in an age-appropriate and supportive way.
You don't have to wait until things become overwhelming
Asking for support is not a sign that you are struggling to cope. Sometimes having someone to talk to, even for a short time, can make things feel a little more manageable.
Our team is here to walk alongside you and your whānau, wherever you are in your journey. We will listen to what matters to you and provide support that is respectful of your individual needs, values, culture and beliefs.
We’re here when you need us.
“Walking alongside whānau every step of the way.”
Meet our counsellor
Our counsellor, Lisa, provides free support for patients and whānau as they navigate the emotional challenges and changes that can come with life-limiting illness, loss and bereavement.
Lisa has a professional background in loss, bereavement and healthcare settings and brings empathy, compassion and an understanding that every person’s circumstances are unique.
Counselling can provide a safe and supportive space to talk about what you are experiencing, explore your feelings and find ways to cope with the changes and challenges in your life. Lisa works in a person-centred way, supporting you according to your individual needs, values and circumstances.
Support may be available either at Lake Taupō Hospice or in your home.
You may find it difficult to ask for help, particularly when there is so much happening around you. Counselling is simply a space for you — a chance to pause, talk and feel supported.
You don't have to face grief and loss alone.
Contact Lisa: lisaw@laketaupohospice.co.nz
Grief & Bereavement Counselling
Grief can begin long before someone dies. When a person you love is living with a life-limiting illness, you may already be experiencing changes, uncertainty and a sense of loss. After someone dies, those feelings can continue and may change over time.
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Grief is a natural response to losing someone we love, but knowing that does not make it easy. Everyone experiences grief differently, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve.
Our Coping with Grief booklet provides information about some of the feelings and experiences you may have following a loss, along with practical suggestions for looking after yourself and/or your family as well as finding support.
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There are many organisations and resources available to support people living with serious illness, caring for someone they love, or coping with grief and bereavement.
We have brought together some helpful resources and trusted organisations that you may find useful.
The Grief Centre www.griefcentre.org.nz
Grief Support NZ www.griefsupport.co.nz
Family Grief Support Hub www.familygriefsupporthub.org.au
Carers NZ www.carers.net.nz
Healthify www.healthify.co.nz
Resources for children and young people:
Skylight Trust www.skylight.org.nz
Kenzie’s Gift www.kenziesgift.com
Mana Ake www.manaake.health.nz
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Sometimes you may need someone to talk to outside of our normal service hours, or you may be looking for support with a particular issue.
This section provides contact details for organisations and support services available throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or needs urgent medical assistance, please call 111.
Need to Talk - Call or text 1737 www.1737.org.nz (24/7)
Youthline - Call 0800 376 633 or text 234 www.youthline.co.nz (24/7)
Lifeline - Call 0800 543 354 or free text 4357 (HELP) or www.lifeline.org.nz (7am – midnight, 7 days a week)
Samaritans - Call 0800 726 666 (24/7)
Depression Helpline - Call 0800 111 757 (24/7)
Carers NZ Helpline - Call 0800 777 797 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5.30pm)
There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and no set timeframe for how long grief lasts. Everyone’s experience is different.
Patient Activities
Location: Izard Hospice House, 29 Huka Falls Road, Taupō
Transport: We can collect you and drop you home
Accessibility:
Wheelchair and walker friendly
Parking on site
For more information or to organise transport to and from the activities, please contact us:
Tuesday Group
10:00am - 1:00pm
Tuesday Group brings patients, whānau, friends, and carers together at Lake Taupō Hospice for a social morning focused on connection and shared time.
In an informal setting, the group includes a range of activities such as guest speakers, music, creative sessions, games, and occasional outings – each designed to spark interest and bring people together.
At midday a nutritious lunch is provided by our wonderful volunteers.
Living Well Friday
10:00am - 12:00pm
Our Friday programme at Lake Taupō Hospice is a small group focused on taking time to look after yourself and support your wellbeing.
Through a mix of gentle, engaging activities such as mindfulness, creative sessions, music, cultural experiences, and simple treats, we create space to relax, connect, and feel good.
Morning tea and lunch are provided by our wonderful volunteers.
Real Stories
Every journey through hospice care is unique, and every story matters. In this space, we share the experiences of patients and whānau, offering connection, comfort, and understanding through real voices.
Resources
Find helpful information, guidance, and support to navigate palliative care and hospice services.
Patient & Whānau Feedback
At Lake Taupō Hospice we are committed to providing the best possible hospice care for our patients and their families.
Gathering feedback is an essential part of improving our services and ensuring that we meet the unique needs and expectations of those under our care. We encourage patients and their families to share their thoughts, concerns, and suggestions about our hospice services.
To share your thoughts please fill out our Feedback Survey.
