Think: Coffee and cafés
Whether you’re on a weekend escape or a week-long relax and retreat, allowing yourself time to stop in at least a couple of Taupō’s cafes and brunch spots is absolutely essential.
For the coffee aficionado, head straight to Sacred Grounds, tucked away from the busyness of downtown Taupō—you’ll almost always get a carpark here. A local coffee bean roastery, you can get a fresh barista-made brew at Sacred Grounds, while also grabbing beans to go.
On a chilly morning, enjoy a warm welcome at Cozy Corner in the Suncourt Plaza, where you’ll find a wide range of delicious, freshly-baked cabinet food as well as an abundance of menu items catering to all sorts of dietary requirements. But if you prefer to people-watch, Replete on Taupō’s mainstreet is always a favourite with locals and visitors alike.
Breakfast or brunch with a view of the lake and mountains? Sounds like bliss. So check out Cafe Baku or Espresso Cove—you can easily pop into either one before or after a walk along the lakefront (depending on which way you’re heading). And down at the bustling boat marina is Stir Cafe.
Indulge: Locally-sourced
From honey to coffee, beef to gin, chocolate and more, there’s plenty of amazing produce being made right here in Taupō. And many of our eateries, restaurants and retailers are only too happy to supply it to you when you’re in town.
Enjoy a Five Mile Gin at the Two Mile Bay Sailing Centre, taste locally-made honey at Huka Honey Hive, and order fresh cuts of Taupō beef and lamb right from the the menu at The Bistro or the Brantry Eatery.
Or, you could buy it straight from the source and ‘meet the maker’ themselves, as you’ll find some of them head along to Market Central (on every Sunday in Northcroft Reserve). The Merchant of Taupō is also a fabulous specialty store who stock plenty of regionally-made artisanal products.
After the adventure: Time to refuel
When you’ve got a big hunger to satisfy, there’s no time to waste. Texas Pete’s Barbeque Joint is surely the answer to most grumbling stomachs, and for something sweet, stop by Baked with Love.
Whether you’re after an eggs bene, burger or everything with a side of fries—check out Café Lacus, Rosemary’s or Mavericks Gastro Pub.
Homegrown: Farm to plate
With the Taupō region home to some incredibly fertile soils, it’s the perfect place for grazing and growing. And one local success story who has made the most of this is Lakeman Farms. They brew beer alongside running a cattle farm, supplying beef and beer to their local lakeside burger bar and eatery Jimmy Coops. (You’ll also find Lakeman Beer in many nationwide liquor outlets).
Most of Taupō’s restaurants also look to, where possible, source homegrown produce—so when dining out, it’s always worth asking whether some of Taupō’s finest fare is on the menu!
Lakeside dining: Where views meet flavour
Care for a side of ambience with your appetiser? With prime vistas at many of Taupō’s eateries, you’ll always be spoilt for choice when it comes to your outlook. Catch a sunset with your woodfired pizza at Two Mile Bay Sailing Club, a lake lapping at your window at Manuel’s, and the mountains in all their glory from Lionel’s.
Final bite
There’s no doubt about it, you certainly won’t be short of places to satisfy any craving when you’re in Taupō—just don’t forget to slow down and savour every bite.
