The Little Lab is a private home studio at 24 Matarangi Lane, in a rural setting near the Kinloch township, outside Taupō. It is run by Julia Donaldson, a Taupō local who spent much of her career in the town before opening a more private, intimate studio. Julia holds a diploma in film and television makeup from 2000 and a diploma in beauty therapy from 2007. Services include facials, waxing, brows and lashes, massage, manicure and pedicure, body treatments and wedding makeup. Group bookings and mobile services are available on request.
The facials begin with pressure point and scalp massage, then a deep cleanse, a skin analysis and a mask, followed by a foot or hand massage. The Glow package, which includes a 45-minute body massage and a 45-minute revival facial, is $145 as at 2026 for 75 minutes. Gift vouchers are sold through the website. Julia also grows seasonal blooms, and bouquets can be ordered or collected from Coco & Sage in Taupō. Our pick near Kinloch for a relaxed treatment in a rural setting.