Family-friendly dining in the Taupō region (with food the kids will love!)

Well, never fear, the Taupō region is full of incredible restaurants and eateries that offer family-friendly dining. And so you can find them quickly (before anyone gets ‘hangry’) here’s the ones to have saved as favourites in Google Maps.

• Mavericks Gastro Pub 
• Two Mile Bay Sailing Club 
• Dixie Browns 
• Jolly Good Fellows 
• Gutterballs Bar and Bistro 
• Hare & Copper Eatery & Bar 
• Ploughman's
• Jimmy Coops Lakehouse 

Mavericks Gastro Pub

From great food to amazing views, and an epic mini golf right on its doorstep, Mavericks Gastro Pub is an awesome place to take the kids for a meal. And its vintage aviation-inspired themed interior is sure to keep the young (and young-at-heart) happy, with an actual replica WWII US Navy spotter plane hanging from the ceiling!

Two Mile Bay Sailing Club

When you’re in Taupō and the sun is shining, the Two Mile Bay Sailing Club is a must if you have the kids in tow. Located right on the lake, you can park yourself at a waterfront table and enjoy an incredible wood-fired pizza while the kids play. There’s often live music, and the atmosphere is always great!

Dixie Browns

Located in the heart of town, Dixie Browns is a top spot for delicious food with the family. They have an extensive menu, including specials for the kids, and the rotating dessert display cabinet is always a delight to see. The only difficulty is deciding what to eat! They also have complimentary pencils and colouring in, helping to bridge that time between ordering and the food arriving.

Jolly Good Fellows

If you’re looking for a meal with a view, you can’t go past Jolly Good Fellows on Lake Terrace. Uninterrupted across the lake and to the mountains, this is the perfect place for family-friendly dining all year round. In summer you can sit outside in the courtyard, and in the cooler months, it’s cosy and warm inside. They have an incredible menu, complete with all your pub favourites, and pretty much everything else too.

Gutterballs Bar and Bistro

Inside the Dropzone entertainment centre you’ll find the family-friendly Gutterballs, a bar and bistro perfect for grabbing a feed before or after a game of ten pin bowling. But you don’t have to play to come in and enjoy a meal here! The menu is packed full of all the family favourites, like pizzas, burgers and chips - and a few special treats too, like poutine and parmesan hash sticks.

Hare & Copper Eatery & Bar

Hare & Copper is another top Tūrangi eating establishment perfect for taking the kids. It’s all about sharing here, with some incredible platters on offer. For those 12 and younger, they can choose from named meals such as the ‘I don’t know’ and ‘I don’t care’, and of course the ‘I’m full’ for dessert. There’s also an outdoor play space, ideal for keeping the kids entertained before and after dinner.

Ploughman’s

Ploughman’s is another great family-friendly Taupō pub with an awesome outdoor area, not too far from the lake’s edge. From pizzas to loaded fries, pasta and seafood platters, they also offer a selection of vegetarian and gluten-free meals. Parking is easy right out front and their children’s menu comes with some fun activities to complete! It’s dining with the kids, made easy.

Jimmy Coops Lakehouse

Located on the lakefront in town, Jimmy Coops is a great place to fill hungry tummies before heading back to your accommodation for the night. The Deli Toasties are sensational, or you could order a selection of dishes to share from the snack menu. You might have to whisper ‘Eating Nemo’ if the fish burger is in your sights.

So, hungry yet? Now that you’ve got the food sorted, make sure you check out the family-friendly must-dos while in the Taupō region. See you soon!