Café Culture
Let’s start with the café culture - it’s vibrant, contemporary and sometimes quirky. For a front row lakeside view, head to Café Baku where the coffee is outstanding, the salad bar is always fresh and the baked goods are dreamy. Baked With Love Eatery is famous for its incredible doughnuts and cakes, but there’s also delicious savoury brioche and hearty sandwiches.
The Storehouse food is seasonal and soulful and ranges from delicious menu items such as Ranchers Eggs, sliders and waffles to fresh baking that’s better than grandma’s. Their Kokako coffee is pretty good too. Victoria's Cafe Kitchen Bar consistently serves up delicious food and excellent coffee in a friendly, relaxed surroundings. Their fluffies come highly recommended even for the not-so-little kids.
Creel Cafe in Turangi really is a hidden gem - blink and you could miss this tiny eatery tucked away behind a tackle shop. Serving the best pastries this side of France, scrumptious home-cooked food and a great range of drinks.
For something a little different, turn your café visit into an arty experience at Lava Glass Café. The café has an extensive menu, comfortable couches to relax on and a glassblowing gallery full of beautiful, colourful masterpieces. Venture outside to the glass sculpture garden and, if your timing’s right, you might also get to view the glass blowing process with artists at work in the studio.
If you’re a coffee connoisseur, don’t miss the Manuka Brothers coffee at The Tipsy Trout in Kinloch – it really does taste like the manuka that the beans are roasted with. This is a great stop-off if you’ve been mountain biking or walking on the Great Lake Trail.
The local roast is Volcanic Coffee which can be found in supermarkets, speciality food stores and cafes throughout the region.
Restaurants
For killer views of the lake and mountain peaks and a fine dining experience, The Lodge at Kinloch Club with its ‘Estate to Plate’ organic philosophy is the ultimate indulgence.
Back in Taupō town, Vine Eatery & Bar is the place to be seen on a Friday night, Edgewater Restaurant at Millennium Manuels is possibly the most romantic location in Taupō, and The Bistro has won numerous awards for its fresh, local produce-based cuisine. Cosy and charming, The Brantry Restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a night out whether with friends or for that romantic evening you have been planning.
Lakeland House Restaurant situated next to Braxmere Lodge in Tokaanu, is very much a destination restaurant. It is as much about the food as it is about the glorious location, which is right on the southern shore of Lake Taupō, affording stunning views.
If you’re in Taupō town with a group of mates, check out SMK Southern Meat Kitchen for wood-smoked barbecue-style meals, craft beer in the form of their own Escape Brewery ales and a unique selection of ryes and bourbons. The Lakehouse is another popular haunt for groups looking for hearty pub meals and a good range of craft beers. Try the local Lakeman Brewing Co Dirty Hairy Double IPA here. Plateau Bar & Eatery serves up fresh local ingredients including Taupō’s own brand of beef, and the all-day bar menu is inspired by casual dining and the shared eating experience.
Specialty Foods
For artisan food stalls, handmade breads and the freshest organic produce in the region, head to The Taupō Market on a Saturday morning and stock up for the weekend. Don’t miss the empanadas, lemon curd doughnuts and local Volcanic Coffee.
Other local specialty foods include Marty’s microgreens, locally grown saffron and truffles and grass-fed Taupō beef and lamb.
Local Wine
The volcanic pumice soil and higher altitude of the central plateau region make for unique growing conditions and distinctive flavours. Local wines are served in many of Taupō’s restaurants and bars or visit The Merchant of Taupō for the biggest retail selection. Local favourites include Rive Gauche Pinot Gris and Karapiti Pinot Noir.
There are some great local vineyard experiences to be had during summer. Head to Floating Rock Vineyard and Café in Kuratau for delicious woodfired pizzas and wines produced from handpicked grapes harvested from their single block vineyard. Streamblock is a winery and olive grove in Omori specialising in unique accommodation, weddings, events and spa weekends.
