The Food Guide to Taupō: Places to Eat & Food Tours

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The Best Food Tours in Taupō

From Māori cuisine to internationally inspired foods created by talented artisans, Taupō’s food tours are vast and varied. A good place to start, however, is catching your own meal.

Fishing Charters and Fly Fishing

Taupō really puts you to work, in a leisurely way, of course, with trout fishing and even prawn fishing. Let’s start with the trout: the pride of Lake Taupō!

Fishing charters can take you on the lake to catch your own trout no matter how experienced you are. Alternatively, fly fishing poses more of a challenge, but the local guides will keep you right and supply all the gear you need.

With your catch, contact either the Vine Eatery, Bistro Lago, The Bistro, Plateau Bar & Eatery or The Brantry who will cook up your fish for you.

Something fun for all ages, the Huka Prawn Park offers a unique foodie experience in New Zealand where visitors can catch their own prawns in geothermally heated pools.

Take a tour of the nursery and hatchery and even feed baby prawns before making your way to the pools to give catching the critters a go. Whether you’re successful or not, you’ll be able to try prawny cuisine at the on-site Riverside Restaurant.

Honey Tasting and Guided Tour

It’s not all fishy business in Taupō, however, with some sweet tastings to be done at the Huka Honey Hive. Try New Zealand’s famous manuka honey, as well as all sorts of bush honey and honey meads. There is even a bee display to see the honeybees at work, while the on-site cafe is a good place to try delicious ice creams and sweet treats.

The Huka Honey Hive also offers guided tours in the high season (October to April) to visit their gardens and learn about all things honey, even getting the chance to extract your own jar of honey spun fresh from the comb.

More Food Tours in Taupō

• Try the local artisan goods and produce at The Taupō Market
• Take a brewery tour at the Crafty Trout Brewery
• Visit the artsy cafes with a difference at L’Arte Cafe and Lava Glass
• Indulge in Taupō’s cafe, restaurants and other eateries
• Discover Māori flavours in a traditional hāngī
• Dine on Lake Taupō with a floating pizzeria

And there’s a lot more foodie treats to discover, including a local craft brewery, the Taupō Market and a couple of interesting cafe experiences. Check them out in the 10 Things to Do in Taupō for Foodies.

© Krystle Rakatau - Destination Great Lake Taupō (www.lovetaupo.com)

About the Best Places to Eat in Taupō

With its mix of lakeside views, volcanic landscapes, and a growing foodie scene, Taupō is a destination where dining is as much about the setting as it is about the food. Whether you’re craving world-class fine dining, authentic international flavours, or casual cafés serving brunch and coffee, Taupō has something to satisfy every appetite.

Where to Eat: The Best Restaurants in Taupō

Taupō’s culinary scene offers some standout dining experiences that are well worth your time.

A name that consistently rises to the top is Embra (97A Kaimanawa Street). This fine-dining establishment artfully combines New Zealand ingredients with European influences, creating a seasonal menu that’s both elegant and inventive. Expect dishes like duck breast with local produce or beautifully plated vegetarian options, all served on handmade ceramics for a distinctive touch.

Where to Eat: International Restaurants in Taupō

Taupō’s dining scene offers a vibrant mix of international cuisines, extending far beyond traditional New Zealand flavours.

Italian food lovers should head to Sorrento Italian Dining & Wine Bar (42 Tūwharetoa Street) for authentic pasta, pizza and gluten-free options.

For those craving aromatic curries and fresh naan, Indian Affair (34 Ruapehu St) consistently receives high ratings.

Meanwhile, Roquette Restaurant (13 Tongariro Street) in the town centre adds a modern, global flair to the mix, blending comforting favourites like brisket and burgers with contemporary twists.

Where to Eat: New Zealand Restaurants in Taupō

If you’re after a true taste of Aotearoa, Taupō has some exceptional restaurants showcasing Kiwi ingredients. Vine Eatery & Bar (37 Tūwharetoa Street) is famous for its sharing plates, extensive wine list, and sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere.

Another local favourite is The Brantry Eatery (45 Rifle Range Road), also in the town centre, serving three-course seasonal menus that change often but might include dishes like lamb, venison, or seafood, all plated with modern flair.

For a meal with scenery to match, try Edgewater Restaurant (243 Lake Terrace, Waipahihi) on the lakeside, where you can dine on New Zealand classics while gazing out across the lake to the peaks of Tongariro National Park.

Where to Eat: The Best Cafes in Taupō

Taupō boasts a thriving café culture, perfect for a relaxed breakfast or a lazy coffee stop. We’re big fans of Storehouse (14 Runanga Street, Taupō), known for its industrial-chic style and hearty brunch favourites. Their fried chicken and waffles, paired with excellent coffee, are a must-try.

Another standout is Replete Café & Store (45 Heuheu Street, Taupō), a long-time local favourite serving inventive cabinet food, fresh baking, and seasonal breakfast and lunch plates. We love their creative menu that changes with the seasons, offering something new on each visit.

For more recommendations, check out fine dining in The Luxury Guide to Taupo, romantic eateries in The Honeymoon Guide to Taupō and the Cheap Eats in Taupō.

© Hilton Lake Taupō

Where to Stay: Accommodations in Taupō for Foodies

When it comes to gastronomical experiences at your accommodation, Taupō has a choice of resorts with fabulous restaurants or self-catering accommodation, should you want to spruce something up with local ingredients.

Although we outline all your options in the 10 Best Accommodations in Taupo for Foodies, here are some of our top picks for foodies.

Hilton Lake Taupō – Prestigious Lakefront Hotel with On-Site Dining

Elevated far enough away from town for a relaxing ambience yet close enough for convenience, Hilton Lake Taupō is one of the most prestigious hotels in Taupō.

The hotel boasts 113 contemporary-style rooms, suites and apartments, with options in the “Heritage Wing” offering fabulous views over Lake Taupō and the Onekeneke Thermal Valley.

Guests can enjoy free access to the outdoor thermally heated pool, hot tub, gym and tennis courts. The spacious rooms feature private balconies with views over the lake or the hotel pool and Thermal Springs, as well as LCD TVs.

Indulge in a meal at the on-site Bistro Lago Restaurant, where you can savour a menu created by chef Gareth Stewart, or relax with a refreshing beverage in the lounge bar. They offer refined European-style dishes such as pork belly, venison and fresh seafood highlight the region’s bounty.

Discover why Hilton Lake Taupō is perfect for food enthusiasts, and book your stay through Booking.com or Expedia!

Quest Taupō – Modern Self-Catering Apartments in the Heart of Town

Quest is known across New Zealand for its convenient yet modern serviced apartments and it’s no different at the apartment hotel in Taupo.

Quest Taupō offers 38 sleek apartments, including studios and one, two, and three-bedroom options.

We love the mix of home comforts and hotel luxuries, with fully equipped kitchens in apartments and kitchenettes in studios. The outdoor pool is perfect for a refreshing dip, while free WiFi (for one device per room) keeps you connected.

What’s more, it’s just a short stroll from town, making it an ideal base for exploring Taupo’s attractions.

Learn more about what makes Quest Taupō ideal for travellers seeking self-catering options, and secure your stay through Booking.com or Expedia!

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Alternative Things to Do in Taupō

While it’s hard to believe, it’s not all about the food in Taupō. There is a big lake with stuff to do on it, not to mention scenic flights, bungy jumping, skydiving and other cool and crazy activities. Complete your getaway to the lakeside town with some of these:

• Visit a geothermal park such as Craters of the Moon or Orakei Korako
• Rafting the Tongariro River with Tongariro River Rafting
• Sail the lake with Sail Barbary or Taupō Sailing Adventures
• Take on the Taupō Bungy
• Relax in some mineral thermal pools at Taupō DeBretts Spa Resort or the free Otumuheke Stream at Spa Park
• Skydive over Mordor with Taupō Tandem Skydiving.

And the list goes on! Get more details on these activities and more in the 15 Taupō Must-Dos.