Where the lake meets the plate: Taupō life with foodie icon VJ cooks

Welcome to Taupō: Meet Vanya Insull

When most people think of Taupō, they imagine a beautiful lake, snow-capped mountains and steaming hot pools. And they wouldn’t be wrong!

But something else has been simmering away here for a number of years (and no it’s not the steam underground). What may not be so obvious, until you’re here and in amongst it all, is that Taupō has also become a quietly brilliant foodie destination. From serving up local flavours to warm hospitality, and the kind of relaxed vibe that’s perfect for lingering over coffee, lunch, or sunset drinks — Taupō has it all.

And one of the most notable examples of Taupō’s thriving food culture is that VJ cooks, the hugely popular online brand name, was built right here by local food blogger and best selling cookbook author, Vanya Insull.

“I couldn't find any magazine jobs here, which is what I had been doing for over 10 years in Auckland and London,” she laughs, “so during nap time for my boys and in the evenings, I started filming what I was cooking. And it kind of snowballed from there.”

It’s safe to say that the snowball turned into an avalanche. Vanya’s now working on her fourth cookbook, runs a popular meal-planning app (CookPlan), her website visits are off the charts and she’s grown a loyal online following thanks to simple yet delicious recipes that just work - even for the most beginner of cooks.

The Taupō advantage

So what makes Taupō such a good base for her food-based business? For Vanya, it’s the lifestyle and the community.

“We just love living by the lake,” she says. “I always take the long way into town so I can drive along the lakefront. We really enjoy the outdoor activities, especially in summer when we can go for swims after school and I also love that everything’s only five minutes away, and I value the friendly community.”

“I think I just have more brain space because I’m not in the rat race,” she says.

That brain space has translated into creative success. The food blogger who used to work busy roles in London and Auckland now runs her business from a small studio in town, collaborating with a local team of talented mums who share her passion.

“We’ve got great people here,” she says. “They’re overqualified, really good at what they do, and it’s so nice not spending hours commuting.”

Cooking up a business

Of course, food blogging isn’t all pouring sauces in slow motion and perfectly styled platters. Vanya is quick to bust the myth.

“It’s about 95% computer work and 5% cooking,” she says.

That means planning recipes, writing them up clearly for readers, photographing them step by step, managing social media, replying to emails, prepping for book tours, and updating the meal-planning app.

Still, for someone who genuinely loves cooking, it’s a dream job.

“My favourite part is when a new recipe turns out exactly how I imagined. I also really love the connection with people. It’s amazing when followers send me photos of what they’ve made and tell me how proud they are.”

Vanya Insull

That personal connection is a big part of the brand’s success. So is her grounded advice for anyone wanting to follow in her footsteps.

“Pick something you’re really passionate about, so it doesn’t feel like work. Start small, and just keep doing the next best thing,” she says.

A foodie’s guide to Taupō

It’s not hard to see why a food business flourishes here. Taupō’s local foodie scene is friendly, creative, and surprisingly diverse.

“I think people are surprised at how many amazing restaurants we have.”

“There’s a great range of cuisines - from Indian to all kinds of takeaways. And you’ll also find a lot of local restaurateurs who focus on sourcing fresh, local ingredients.”

Vanya has a long list of personal favourites.

Cafés Kefi and The Cove are top of her list, perfect for relaxed brunches with a view.

And for dinnertime, restaurants Lionels and The Brantry are her stand outs, with Lionels being her pick for sunset margaritas, house-baked focaccia with whipped butter, lamb shoulder and - her all-time favourite - chocolate fondant for dessert.

When it comes to takeaways and lunches, Tokyo Sushi’s teriyaki chicken bowl is a go-to. She’s also partial to a cheeky BYO with friends at Thai Delight, and loves the Vietnamese salad from the spot down near ManCraft.

And while the local supermarkets are suitable for everyday ingredients, she also likes visiting Bin Inn or The Merchant for specialty items. On Sundays, there’s also an opportunity to pick up fresh veggies and treats from the Taupō Market.

“I love seeing familiar faces at the market or in shops,” she says. “That friendly community feeling is so special.”

Living the Taupō life

When she’s not cooking, photographing, or planning her next book, you’ll find Vanya soaking up classic Taupō experiences.

“We love grabbing a drink and watching the sunset at Two Mile Bay Sailing Club,” she says.

“In summer, the kids are always in the lake. You can’t keep them out! We’ll have picnics, take the boat out, or do a bit of mountain biking.”

She also loves walking along the lakefront, exploring the Botanic Gardens at Waipahihi, or doing the Rangatira Point walk.

“From the view to the mountains and the pristine waters of the lake. It’s such a spectacular place to live.”

And it’s clearly the perfect base for cooking up success - proving you don’t need to live in a big city to build a big brand. For Vanya and her family, Taupō isn’t just home. It has been, and continues to be, an inspiration.