Taupo
Taupō's coolest cafe is just outside the town centre, filling an old plumbing store over two warren-like levels. Indoor plants drape over warehouse beams…
Must-see restaurants in Taupo & the Ruapehu Region
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Taupo
Under the same ownership since opening in 1993, this fabulous spot is one-half cafe and one-half shop selling designer kitchenware, ceramics and souvenirs…
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Taupo & the Ruapehu Region
After a day of play in the mountains, there's nothing better than these beast-sized burgers cooked on a custom-made manuka wood-fire grill. A burger’s…
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Taupo & the Ruapehu Region
Bagels, innovative salads, and tasty American and Tex Mex–influenced dishes combine with the best coffee in town at this modern, white-as-snow spot on…
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Taupo & the Ruapehu Region
At the time of writing, Allan Nation is 64 years old. He's been getting up at 2am to bake since he was 17. Allan learned from his late father, who also…
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2 Mile Bay Sailing Centre Cafe & Bar
Taupo
There’s nowhere more lakefront than this Two Mile Bay cafe-cum-pizzeria-cum-bar that's as chilled as the lake (and the Bob Marley tunes). The main dining…
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Taupo & the Ruapehu Region
Perched at the top of the Sky Waka gondola is this gathering of three eateries – NZ's highest restaurants – including the food-truck-style Four Peaks…
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Taupo
You know you're onto a good thing when the cabinet items – ham, cheese and asparagus vol-au-vents, keto rolls, corn fritters piled high, bacon scrolls –…
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Taupo
Bistro is in danger of underselling itself with its ‘simple but nice’ strapline, given its ability to turn local and seasonal produce into creations such…
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Taupo
Forgive the corny phrases on the wall ('espresso yourself', 'stay grounded', etc.), Body Fuel delivers something for everyone. From raw breakfast salads…
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Taupo
Championing NZ artisan producers and importing specialities from abroad, this grocery on the town fringe is a fruitful stop for those looking to stock up…
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Taupo & the Ruapehu Region
Wind back the years with a dainty selection of sandwiches, scones and other sweet treats with high tea in the Chateau's elegant lounge. Ask for a spot by…
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Taupo
Two brothers from Auckland set up this popular burger joint in an old fish and chipper, and it seems they've got the formula just right (selling out isn't…
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Taupo
An ambient place for a handle or two of the Monteith’s range, popular Plateau delivers in the food department, too. Its menu of modern pub classics…
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Taupo & the Ruapehu Region
Open year-round, this restaurant and bar serves up Italian and Kiwi-influenced dishes: think wild venison on potato-and-herb rosti to slow-cooked lamb…
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Taupo
This modern Thai street-food cafe is a local favourite. It's the kind of menu where you won't know what to order because you want to try a little of…
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Taupo & the Ruapehu Region
Short for Old Coach Road, OCR has limited opening hours but remains a favourite among locals and visitors. Burgers, sandwiches, salads and breakfasts are…
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Taupo
Calling all carnivores! SMK slow-cooks beef brisket, pulled pork and shredded chicken on an American wood-fire smoker. It arrives with mac 'n' cheese,…
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Taupo
With a Tiffany-blue colour scheme, local products for sale and 'green dollars' for customers' excess fruit and vegetables, this cafe is all about…
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Taupo
Run by two local sisters and operating out of an unobtrusive 1950s house, the Brantry reigns as arguably the best in the region for well-executed,…
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Taupo & the Ruapehu Region
The Powderkeg is the party bar of the Powderhorn Chateau, with DJs in winter and occasional dancing on the tables. Food-wise, it's also no slouch year…
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Taupo
If Alice in Wonderland lived in a mosaic world, this is what it would look like. Teacups balancing on flowers (dubbed 'tea totems') and oversized chairs…
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Taupo & the Ruapehu Region
This cosy little restored railway station has cakes as timeless as the 1908 station itself – Florentines, spicy apple cakes, crumbles – as well as eggy…
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Taupo
Nab a popular street-side table at Kefi, which is Greek for joy. Inside the decor is a little 'cafeteria', but don't let that put you off. This is the…
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Taupo
Our pick of Indian restaurants in Taupo, Malabar has a broad menu but is especially good at vegetarian dishes, such as dal makhani made with black lentils…
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Taupo & the Ruapehu Region
Chateau Tongariro's elegant and formal à la carte restaurant, with white tablecloths and chandeliers. Bookings are recommended and the dress code excludes…
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Taupo & the Ruapehu Region
New to town is this grill and bar with hubcap-studded walls. Steak headlines the menu among other meaty mains, with a vegan bake for any non-carnivore who…
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Taupo & the Ruapehu Region
Although the interior of this bright-orange Indian restaurant is a little odd (plasticky Italian-style table covers and metallic lotus wallpaper), this is…
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Taupo
This Tudor-style pub is fronted by a lovely outdoor deck, while indoors English paraphernalia dominates, from a full suit of armour to bulldog cushions…
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Taupo
Amid the faux-Tudor style of what was formerly an English pub, Rose on Roberts surprises with a menu offering innovative spins on hearty classics, and a…
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Taupo & the Ruapehu Region
Warm up with a pizza or generous risotto in this contemporary Italian restaurant with rustic touches (wooden chairs, open fireplaces, old photos and the…
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Taupo
Eschewing the staid, traditional curry house vibe in favour of varied – if not clashing – floral feature walls and pearly high-back leather chairs, this…
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Taupo & the Ruapehu Region
Fergusson’s is a casual brunch spot with outdoor tables, and proffers a daily buffet breakfast (per person $12.50), sandwiches, cakes and coffee. Just up…
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Taupo & the Ruapehu Region
This shop-cum-service station stocks groceries and tramping food. Fill your backpack here before doing the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
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Taupo & the Ruapehu Region
Self-caterers should head for New World, your best bet for stocking up before heading to National Park Village or Whakapapa.
