Explore Taupō
We are often asked for our favourite things to do in and around Lake Taupō so we thought we'd share it here.
Please note, this is not an exhaustive list by any stretch - simply the favourites we frequent on a regular basis. For more information, you can check out the Regional Tourism Office site - www.lovetaupo.com
Cafes & Coffee
Cafe Baku
Situated on the lake front in the centre of town. Cafe Baku offers a huge range of cabinet food as well as a full menu for breakfast and lunch. All dietaries are catered to, and the coffee is always good. (Allpress)
42 Roberts Street, Taupō.
L'Arte Cafe & Gallery
This is where we take all of our visitors, it's out of town just past Acacia Bay and features a stunning mosaic garden and art gallery. Food is always delicious and service great. A real destination for brunch or lunch.
255 Mapara Road, Acacia Bay
Creel Tackle House & Cafe
What is now a bit of a Taupō institution and an ideal spot for lunch while you're walking, cycling or rafting in the Turangi area. Homemade food, great coffee, you'll struggle to make a decision!
189 Taupahi Rd, Turangi
Lava Glass Cafe
Sticking with our 'arty' theme, this is a great spot to take in a bit of glass-blowing, or explore the stunning glass garden. Wholesome seasonal produce is used in all their dishes, and it's open for breakfast, lunch & afternoon tea.
165 State Highway 5, RD4, Taupō
Time for a Drink?
Two Mile Bay Sailing Centre
You cannot get closer to the lake than here. A perfect spot at the end of a day sightseeing, to enjoy the sunset and a few drinks. Woodfired pizzas are a specialty here, and you can hire SUPs, sailing boats too.
331 Lake Terrace, Taupo.
Jimmy Coops Lakehouse
If you love craft beer, don't miss Jimmy Coops on the lakefront in town. Taupō's own award winning brewery with a great selection of other craft beers and beverages available.
10 Roberts St, Taupō
Plateau
Join the locals most nights of the week at Plateau, a favourite night spot for many years. Also a fabulous restaurant but the garden bar is a great spot to hang out and enjoy a glass of prosecco.
64 Tuwharetoa St, Taupō.
Vine
Sophistication in the heart of the towncentre. Fun cocktails, a huge wine list and a great selection of whiskey ensures something for everyone at Vine. Has a restaurant on-site too.
37 Tuwharetoa St, Taupō
Turangi Tavern
Located right in the heart of Turangi, you'll find the tavern bursting with locals and travellers. A great place to relax and watch the rugby and refuel before your next adventure.
277A Te Rangitautahanga Rd, Turangi
Restaurants
Embra
One of our newest offerings, Embra brings exquisite food, sourced locally on an ever changing 3 or 5-course menu. Wine match available. Relax in a casual yet sophisticated venue.
97A Kaimanawa Street, Taupō
The Brantry Eatery
An award winning restaurant that is consistently good. Two and three course menus available, an extensive wine list and fabulous service. Make sure you head upstairs to check out the Zeayou Gallery.
45 Rifle Range Road, Taupō
Incredible India
If you love Indian food, you'll love Incredible India. All of the usual favourites plus some chef specials to enjoy. Fabulous service, and they'll also deliver if you don't want to eat in.
19 Pāora Hapi Street, Taupō
Oreti Village Restaurant
180 degree views of the lake, fine dining lakeside. Dine alfresco or indoors and enjoy the fabulous views as you taste the mouth-watering food.
Mission House Drive, Pukawa, Lake Taupō, New Zealand
Hare & Copper Eatery
Hare & Copper Eatery is a casual contemporary restaurant set in the old River Wines Vineyard. Their aim is to source the best possible local ingredients to create great dishes in a peaceful setting.
2/134 Grace Rd, Turangi
FREE Stuff to do
Huka Falls
New Zealand's most visited natural attraction. Approx 800k people visit each year which shows just how worthwhile a visit is. Check out the view from the many vantage points from the carpark. You can visit the base of the falls by jet boat or river cruise.
Aratiatia Rapids
Watch thousands of litres of water rush from the dam gates to transform the peaceful gully into raging rapids.
The dam opens three times a day in winter and four times a day in summer. Summer: 10am, 12noon, 2pm, 4pm
Winter: 10am, 12noon, 2pm
Mt Tauhara
Need some exercise while you're travelling? The view is best when you've earned it. The trail is 2.5kms and climbs to the summit at 1088m. It's steep and challenging in parts but the view is incredible on a clear day. Take a water bottle and stick to the trail.
Tongariro River Trail
Follow the banks of the Tongariro River alongside farmland, through native bush and urban areas, enjoying magnificent river views. An easy, mainly flat track with multiple entry points - a great family friendly option.
Mountain bike or walk, the option is yours.
Rotopounamu Track
This is an ideal walk to tag on after your rafting trip. The track circles a beautiful lake and is a favourite with tree lovers, bird watchers and families.
5km easy walking track. Parking available on the main highway.
Shopping
Spacecraft
Curators of cool stuff...
Spacecraft is a boutique store offering unique products that make you and the planet happy.
Find carefully curated cool stuff, homewares, and gifts that inspire.
The Woolshed
You’ll find a range of fine knitwear, clothing and essential accessories – including beanies, scarfs, socks, gloves and footwear made from world-renowned wool, Alpaca yarns, merino, merino possum, mohair and angora.
Charlie WHO
Art + Fashion + Homeware + Design
A beautifully curated hub of fashion, art and homeware, the independent lifestyle store will showcase both local and international designers, with an emphasis on creativity and individuality.
Huka Honey Hive
Rich, full and flavorsome, discover the largest range of honey and honey-based products in Aotearoa.
Excite the senses with the best of New Zealand honey and mānuka honey.
Try the ice cream, it's delish!
