Official food guide
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New Zealand on a plate Bistros and restaurants Small wonders Room with a view CafĂŠs Restaurants and bars
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Lying in the heart of the North Island, Taupō is the “land of milk and honey”. Rich volcanic soils create fertile pastureland for grazing sheep and cattle, while the forests and crystal-clear rivers call game hunters and anglers from around the world. The region is home to specialist growers and artisan producers, as well as guides who lead bush foraging tours to collect New Zealand’s native herbs, plants and berries. There’s world-class dining at the luxury lodges, and the main towns boast excellent
bistros, bakeries, cafés, boutique food and wine merchants, award-winning takeouts and locally brewed craft beer. Great street food, sweet treats and coffee can be found at the relaxed weekly Saturday morning market in Taupō town. And of course, there’s the trout, which isn’t sold in shops, so the only way to enjoy its unique flavour is to catch it yourself. The chefs at many local restaurants and lodges will happily prepare your catch for you — just call and book in advance.
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New Zealand on a plate Taupō’s vibrant seasonal produce and unique local ingredients are centrepieces of the innovative and distinctive fine dining offered by Taupō’s lodges, hotels and restaurants. Working with an ‘estate to plate’ philosophy, the region’s top chefs often use ingredients produced on their own extensive grounds or sourced from the wild to create dishes that compete with the restaurants’ breathtaking views for their guests’ attention. The region’s award-winning beef and lamb, fresh-caught game, native herbs, foraged
berries and flowers, locallygrown saffron, mānuka honey and luxurious artisan ingredients from fresh truffles to specialty fruit and vegetables come together alongside New Zealand’s world-renowned wines, spirits and craft beers, in a dining experience that will stay with you. For anglers, wild rainbow trout caught in the pure waters of the lake or the rivers gives the ultimate taste of the region. Lodge and fine-dining chefs are skilled at preparing the fish to its best advantage, to serve alongside their daily menu.
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Bistros and restaurants Kiwis love relaxed outdoor dining, and through the warm months, Taupō’s streets are alive with people sharing meals al fresco and enjoying the glorious views across the lake. In the colder months, crackling fires welcome diners into the warmth of the region’s bistros, pubs and family restaurants. The region’s position in the heart of the North Island’s agricultural country makes it easy to find a hearty meal. Award-winning restaurant The Bistro serves up honest food with clean flavours using local produce, while the Southern
Meat Kitchen is a BBQ meatlover’s heaven. Independent establishments like The Steak House and Plateau are known for their bustling atmosphere and menus of Kiwi classics, from juicy roasts to fish and chips, as well as lighter meals and vegetarian offerings. Many eateries serve renowned New Zealand wines and a wide range of beer, from international labels to local craft beers like Lakeman, Escape or Crafty Trout. After a day on the snow or exploring Taupō, they’re a great place to recover with a sunset drink or a meal.
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Small wonders You’ll come across some of the best food in the country tucked away in unexpected spots throughout the Taupō region. It might be the Baked With Love Eatery, a treasure trove of feather-light cream doughnuts, fresh sourdough and gorgeous cakes. Or Pauly’s Diner, a gourmet burger and Southern fried chicken joint that’s chattered about on foodie forums. Or even the Fast & Fresh Bakery, a casual spot that bakes the perfectly rich and golden venison, mushroom, bacon and cheese pie that took out New Zealand’s Supreme
NZ Pie award in 2017. In Turangi, Creel Café’s delicate pastries and tarts, hearty pies and savoury quiches are handmade daily. Taupō’s artisanal eateries are (mostly) small in scale, but their food is created with aroha. From the delicious empanadas and excellent local Volcanic Coffee served from caravans at the weekly Saturday morning Taupō Market, to the expansive contemporary café-andgalleries of the Storehouse, Creel Café, Lava Glass, Replete and L’Arte, this is food from and for the soul.
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Room with a view From New Zealand’s highest café, perched 2020m above sea level on the edge of the active volcano Mt Ruapehu, the view is nothing short of spectacular. This year, the journey up to its alpine location in the Whakapapa Ski Area will become just as breathtaking, with the opening of the new ‘Sky Waka’ gondola that carries visitors through the epic landscape of the UNESCO dual World Heritage Tongariro National Park to the warmth of the Knoll Ridge Chalet. With breathtaking views of the Pinnacles and valley 8
below, the café, led by award-winning chef Jude Messenger and architecturally designed to reflect its mountainous backdrop, will offer multiple dining options using locally sourced ingredients. From market fresh grab-and-go meals and coffee to a high-end buffet, guests can enjoy the sunrise and set themselves up for the day with a delicious breakfast, rest their legs over lunch and stay into the evening to wine and dine as the sun sets across an unforgettable panorama. Taste and Shopping
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We invite you to indulge in New Zealand dishes and Mediterranean influenced menus in a classy but casual atmosphere. Grab a whiskey, craft beer or wine from our full bar, then choose fireplace, table or booth setting. Enjoy from an extensive range of tapas, shared plates or Ă -la-carte options. Our wind-sheltered Alfresco dining area on the sunny side of the street is perfect all year round; from the longer evenings to relaxing winter lunches.
Open 7 days from 11 am
info@vineeatery.co.nz www.vineeatery.co.nz
37 Tuwharetoa St, Taupo Tel: 07 378 5704
Cafés
Spoon and Paddle
Located in a 1950’s house renovated with upcycled pallet walls, Spoon and Paddle’s menu is influenced by each season’s produce. Where possible they use local, environmentally sustainable growers and providers to create a unique dining experience.
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Spoon and Paddle’s highly experienced chefs pair classic café selections with some tasty modern, street-style options, excellent coffee and a concise beer and wine list. The garden playground will get the kids exploring, while mum and dad relax on the lawn.
101 Heuheu Street, Taupō +64 7 378 9664 cafe@spoonandpaddle.co.nz
Storehouse
At Storehouse you will enjoy a range of coffee options including espresso, filter and cold brew as well as an amazing range of organic cold drinks. We offer a seasonal soul food style menu as well as delicious cabinet food options
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and always fresh baking that’s better than Grandmas. Featured in numerous nationwide magazines and cookbooks, you don’t want to miss out on this award winning café.
14 Runanga Street, Taupō +64 7 378 8820 storehousetaupo.co.nz facebook.com/storehousenz
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Industrie French Kitchen
Discover Taupō’s French inspired kitchen and patisserie. Our daily breakfast and lunch menu offers a variety of free-range, organic and gluten free meals alongside a delicious cabinet range with pastries and sweets baked fresh daily.
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Try our signature dishes: Truffled Polenta Black Pudding or House Cured Salmon. Proud to serve authentic Fixation coffee by an award-winning barista. Opening Hours: 7 days from 6.30am - 4.00pm
1/200 Napier Taupō Road, Taupō +64 7 376 5591 facebook.com/industrie.frenchkitchen
Columbus Coffee Taupō
At Columbus you’ll find freshly roasted premium coffee, wholesome breakfasts, lunches and treats – all freshly prepared by our chefs, using seasonal and local produce. We also offer unique Local Favourites menu items, alongside Columbus favourites, healthy options and options for intolerances. A T E W
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We are passionate about great coffee and food, and providing a friendly atmosphere where our customers feel they belong. Opening Hours: 7 days from 8.00am - 4.00pm
99 Bella George Lane, Taupō +64 7 929 8990 taupo.mega@columbuscoffee.co.nz columbuscoffee.co.nz
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Cafés
McDonald’s Taupō
Taupō
ensuring that you enjoy your coffee in clean and tidy surroundings with awesome views of our beautiful lake and mountains. You can even get our barista made coffees in our Drive Thru on the McDonald’s side.
In our McCafe our fully trained and experienced baristas proudly use rainforest-certified Arabica coffee beans. They produce a wide range of high quality espresso coffees and beverages at affordable prices. Our team are friendly and welcoming A T E W
SIMPLY GOOD COFFEE
48 Roberts Street, Taupō +64 7 378 8679 0049@nz.stores.mcd.com mcdonalds.co.nz
MCF0869
Piccolo Cafe Available at participating McCafé
Experience our reputation for top food and beautiful hand-crafted Supreme coffee in superb surroundings. We use the freshest ingredients and pride ourselves on a great cabinet food selection and delicious breakfast and lunch menus, including vegan and gluten-free options. A T W
41 Ruapehu Street, Taupō +64 7 376 5759 taupocafe.co.nz
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The café is licensed, has free WiFi, is wheel chair accessible, and high-chair friendly . 2016 Upper North Island People’s Choice Café of the Year. Opening Hours: 7 days, 7.00am - 4.00pm
LICENSED CAFÉ
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Cafés
Bodyfuel Cafe
Bodyfuel Cafe has been operating since 2007, and has become synonymous with amazing breakfasts and lunches using only the best organic and free-range ingredients! Add great coffee and lots of space, and you get Bodyfuel - an award winning
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cafe located in the beautiful town of Taupō. We even have gluten free and dairy free, and a number of vegetarian options to suit everyone’s needs, so no one misses out!
67 Tongariro Street, Taupō +64 7 378 9555 bodyfuelcafe@hotmail.com
Victoria’s Café Kitchen Bar
There’s a relaxed elegance about Victorias, the coffee is made with care on a sunshine-yellow Wega by equally sunny staff (filter coffee also available). Delicious cabinet food is loaded with big flavour, and everything is made on site. A T E W
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The menu, crafted by chef Paul Kepa, always manages to find the balance between exciting, beautiful and just plain yum. This modern, inviting space is somewhere you want to return to soon. Victoria’s caters to small or large groups.
127 Tongariro Street, Taupō +64 7 376 7310 lifeisgood@victorias.co.nz victorias.co.nz
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Cafés
Café Baku
Taupō
Friendly service, great coffee and perfect location all combine to make Café Baku the ideal meeting place for friends, family and colleagues. Café Baku uses only certified free range eggs through our ‘Good Chef, Bad Chef’ focused menus. Meals are made on-site in our large kitchen and our aim A T E
is to serve up fresh, seasonal produce that will delight your tastebuds. Epicurean delights are added frequently to our cabinet and specials board. You’ll be wanting to come back again and again... Opening Hours: 7 days from 6.00am - 4.00pm
42 Roberts Street, Taupō +64 7 378 6715 admin@cafebaku.co.nz
Kefi
Taupō
Kefi and Kefi at the Hub Mediterranean cafes have built a reputation for serving amazing coffee and Taupō’s best eggs benny! Keto, vegan, raw and gluten free cabinet and menu options are handmade onsite daily. Discover a huge range of salads, or try the daily A A T W
smoked NZ salmon, Greek poutine loaded fries, or pulled lamb or pork – which have all become firm favourites. Don’t miss the gluten free chocolate dome, flaky baklava or keto tiramisu to top off your meal.
Kefi: 47 Horomatangi Street, Taupō Kefi at the Hub: 415 Huka Falls Road, Taupō +64 7 376 7694 facebook.com/keficafe
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Cafés
Fine Fettle Café
Taupō
Fine Fettle is a warm, family café that has a variety of gluten free and vegan options. A fantastic place to meet friends, colleagues, or take the family, with kids play area and organic fair-trade coffee. A T E W
39 Paora Hapi Street, Taupō +64 7 378 7674 finefettlecafe@hotmail.com facebook.com/finefettlecafe
L’Arté Café & Gallery
Taupō
The L’Arté Café kitchen team produce their delicious food fresh on-site. All day breakfast and lunch menu, great cabinet selection, yummy cakes and slices.
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255 Mapara Rd, Acacia Bay, Taupō +64 7 378 2962 us@larte.co.nz larte.co.nz
The Cozy Corner
Taupō
Healthy and delicious soul food made in-house. There’s something for everyone including paleo, gluten-free and vegan diets. Cool down with fresh juices and smoothie bowls, or get cozy with organic coffee and nourishing burgers. A T E W
Suncourt Plaza, 19 Tamamutu Street +64 7 377 1233 camilla@thecozycorner.co.nz thecozycorner.co.nz
Baked With Love
Taupō
Your must-do when visiting the Great Lake! The Eatery has our famous doughnuts along with a huge selection of sweet and savoury treats. Coffee is available too. The Cakery has all your cake requirements. Taupō Market is where you’ll find them on Saturdays. A A T W
Cakery, Service Lane 4, Taupō Eatery, Marama Arcade, Taupō +64 27 289 9671 bakedwithlove.co.nz
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Restaurants and bars
Plateau Bar + Eatery
Taupō
Located in the heart of Taupō, Plateau Bar + Eatery offers the best dining experience for lunch, dinner and everything in between. Established in 2004, Plateau has truly stood the test of time and continues to be a locals’ favourite. Locally owned and operated, we have a passion for hospitality. Our food is inspired by fresh, local produce and the changing seasons. We love fresh, innovative food that’s delicious with just a little fuss. Our food is complemented by a great selection of craft beers, boutique wines and professional, friendly service. Plateau Bar + Eatery has been awarded the 2019 Beef and Lamb award for achieving the highest culinary standard in beef and lamb. Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday Lunch 11.30am – 3.30pm, Dinner 5.00pm – 9.30pm A T E W
64 Tuwharetoa Street, Taupō +64 7 377 2425 info@plateautaupo.co.nz plateautaupo.co.nz
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Bistro Lago
With views over Lake Taupō, quality local produce and a seasonal menu, Bistro Lago is a local favourite. Located at Hilton Lake Taupō, Bistro Lago’s Executive Chef works closely with Nourish Group Head Chef Gareth Stewart to showcase the best our region has to offer. A T E W
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Pop in and ask our team about Lago Locals, offering Taupo locals exclusive offers. Located at Hilton Lake Taupō. Opening Hours: from 7.00am - 9.00pm for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
80-100 Napier Road, Taupō +64 7 376 2319 email@bistrolago.co.nz bistrolago.co.nz
The Steak House Taupō
The Steak House Taupō has been welcoming tourists, families, couples, corporate groups and local residents since 1984. We are committed to creating a culinary destination that showcases New Zealand’s finest produce, delivers genuine service, and supports local trade. A T W W
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We serve Canterbury Premium Angus beef, Ovation lamb, fresh fish, free range chicken, vegetarian options, salads and pasta. Opening Hours: 7 nights a week, 4.00pm - late. Bookings recommended, but not essential.
17 Tongariro Street, Taupō +64 7 378 6788 steakhousetaupo.nz facebook.com/steakhousetaupo
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Restaurants and bars
Edgewater Restaurant
When you want to spoil, impress, or simply want the best, Edgewater is second to none. Our award-winning Chef prepares superb menus using only the best New Zealand produce. Gourmet excellence with a wine list to match. A T E W
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Relax in comfort, enjoy the elegant ambience and magnificent setting on the water’s edge. A truly magical place to watch our beautiful sunsets. Opening Hours: from 6.00pm
Millennium Hotel, 243 Lake Terrace, Taupō +64 7 378 5110 info@manuels.co.nz manuels.co.nz
Beach 243
Beach 243 is the perfect place to meet friends and relax while enjoying the views, sitting right on the lakefront. Offering all day dining - breakfast, brunch, lunch, morning and afternoon teas, enjoy unique gourmet New Zealand cuisine with stunning views. A T E W
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For special occasions enquire about private dining and superb High Teas. Opening Hours: 7.00am – 9.30pm
Millennium Hotel, 243 Lake Terrace, Taupō +64 7 378 5110 info@manuels.co.nz manuels.co.nz
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Restaurants and bars
Cobb & Co. Taupō
Now locally owned by Peter and Heather. It’s always a warm friendly welcome at Cobb & Co., a New Zealand favourite since 1973. Cobb & Co. serves simple, fresh New Zealand food with plenty of choices, from classic burgers to tender AngusPure steaks. The kids menus A T W W
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are the BEST in town – Traffic Light mocktails are kiwi favourites! Opening Hours: 7 Days from 12.00pm. Book online, call or simply come in and see us - right across from the gardens with views of the lake.
29 Tongariro Street, Taupō +64 7 377 1112 cobb.co.nz facebook.com/cobbtaupo
Huka Prawn Park
Located 9 minutes from town, you’ll find Taupō’s only river side restaurant. Huka Prawn Park offers an idyllic setting featuring tasty prawn and non-prawn dishes to satisfy all. We’re a family friendly restaurant with two play areas, one inside and one out. A T E W
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Cosy up by our open fireplace with a mulled wine or dine al fresco with a local craft beer. Suitable for large groups or intimate dining. Opening Hours: from 9.30am (daytime operation only).
Karetoto Road, Taupō +64 7 374 8474 info@hukaprawnpark.co.nz hukaprawnpark.co.nz
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Restaurants and bars
Incredible India Restaurant and Bar
Incredible India Restaurant started with a determined vision of capturing the flavours, colours, and hospitality of the exquisite tradition and diverse culture that makes India. The founders of Incredible India strive for constant perfection and innovation. A T W W
Our partners, chefs, and staff take tremendous pride and pleasure in creating and serving every meal with an incredible experience to go with it.
19 Paora Hapi Street, Taupō +64 7 217 0199 incredibleindia.co.nz facebook.com/iirestaurant
The Bay Bar and Brasserie
Welcome to The Bay Bar and Brasserie, your favourite Taupō bar and restaurant. Enjoy the sun outside in summer and the roaring fire inside during winter. We offer a range of Mac’s beers, wines, ciders and amazing food crafted by our talented chefs. A T E W
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You’ll always feel welcome by our friendly staff with their great service. Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 4.00pm - 10.00pm, closed on Mondays.
703 Acacia Bay Road, Taupō +64 7 378 8886 thebaybartaupo@gmail.com thebaybar.co.nz
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Restaurants and bars
Portofino (Family Owned Restaurant)
Portofino’s has built a reputation for exceptional quality and service. Experience the traditional warmth and friendliness of a truly family orientated business, and the passion of Italian cuisine done in a traditional way. Our dishes mostly reflect a Northern Italian influence but more importantly, our A T E W
inspiration comes from the resources of New Zealand produce. We prepare dishes that represent a certain al fresco quality, with an aim to develop a style which reflects the best of Italian tradition with the freshness and abundance of New Zealand.
28 Tuwharetoa Street, Taupō +64 7 377 6293 portofino.taupo@gmail.com portofino.co.nz
Ploughmans Restaurant & Bar
Iconic English pub and bar, open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner. Step back in time and enter another era in Olde Worlde England, right here in Taupō. Gaze in amazement at our period decore, view hidden gems of times past in every corner all the while enjoying our renowned restaurant cuisine, perhaps A T E W
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even a wood fired pizza from our traditional oven accompanied by our large range of wines or local craft and tap beers. A very British experience in the Kiwi heartland, satisfying appetites and quenching thirsts since 1993.
45 Charles Crescent, Rainbow Point, Taupō +64 7 377 3422 ploughmans@gmail.com ploughmans.co.nz
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Restaurants and bars
Jolly Good Fellows
The largest range of international specialty beers in town. Jolly Good Fellows is a casual ‘British Pub’ themed restaurant and bar that has become an icon in dining in Taupō. We offer good value, wholesome food served in a pub type surrounding. A T E W
80 Lake Terrace, Taupō +64 7 378 0457 info@jollygoodfellows.co.nz jollygoodfellows.co.nz
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We have simply the best lake & mountain views from virtually every table (or bar stool) or from our large outdoor deck. Experience 19 tap beer varieties, an extensive selection of bottled beer, spirits, wines and ports, with a great food menu to match.
JOLLY GOOD FELLOWS Restaurant & Bar
Crafty Trout Brewery
Taupō
It doesn’t get fresher or more local than this! Crafted on-site: beer, cider and non-alcoholic ginger beer. Brewery tours daily, liquor outlet, trout gift shop and Austrian Alpine Bier Kafe serving great food and drinks. A T E W
135 Tongariro Street, Taupō +64 7 929 8570 info@craftytrout.co.nz craftytrout.co.nz
Southern Meat Kitchen
Taupō
Southern Meat Kitchen is Taupō’s funkiest American BBQ restaurant. Offering dine in, takeaway, delivery, event catering, food truck and now open in Rotorua too. Head to our website for more details. A A T W
40 Tuwharetoa Street, Taupō Trade Central, 1590 Amohau St, Rotorua +64 21 132 1475 smk.co.nz
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Restaurants and bars
Taupō Cosmopolitan Club
Taupō
Enjoy a friendly environment and great food and drinks at club prices. Open for lunch from 12.00pm (except Sunday) and dinner from 6.00pm daily. TC’s Restaurant is open to the public, some restrictions apply to nonmembers. A T W W
5-7 Taniwha Street, Taupō +64 7 378 4048 taupocossie.co.nz facebook.com/Taupo-Cosmopolitan-Club
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