Pauly's Diner

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 uncommon) – good honest burgers (no bun-less options, no gluten-free) of the sort that still believe in mustard and good pickles. Inside it only seats nine, plus a few more at the outside picnic tables.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Taupo attractions

1. Taupō Museum

0.26 MILES

This small but fascinating museum has an excellent Māori gallery and quirky displays, which include a 1960s caravan set up as if the occupants have just…

2. Hot Water Beach

1.29 MILES

At the end of the long town beach are patches of warm water right in front of a car park. It’s no Coromandel, but have a dig and you might find some…

3. Huka Falls

2.6 MILES

The Waikato, New Zealand’s longest river, squeezes through a narrow chasm at Huka Falls, making the dramatic 11m drop into a surging crystal-blue…

4. Huka Falls Lookout

2.67 MILES

Excellent spot to view spectacular Huka Falls. From the car park, cross the bridge and turn left.

5. Craters of the Moon

2.77 MILES

This geothermal area sprang to life when hydroelectric tinkering around the power station in 1958 caused water levels to fall. The pressure shifted,…

6. Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley

4.77 MILES

This thermal walk (1.8km) on a secluded property explores the steaming banks of the Wairakei Stream and the deep pit of the Witches Cauldron. Kids will…

7. Māori Rock Carvings

4.8 MILES

Accessible only by boat or kayak, these 14m-high carvings were etched into the cliffs near Mine Bay by master carver Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell in the…

8. Aratiatia Rapids

5.84 MILES

Two kilometres off SH5, this gorge was a spectacular part of the Waikato River until a hydroelectric dam was plonked across the waterway, shutting off the…