Boutique hotels
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Huka Lodge
- Style
- Trad Twenties hunting lodge
- Setting
- Banks of the Waikato
Lake Taupo Eating, drinking and dancing
Restaurants
(+64 (0)7 377 2425)
Plateau
It’s all about supporting the locals at this smart but relaxed restaurant and bar. The food is mod Kiwi, there are seven Monteith’s beers on tap and even the music is recorded by NZ artists. On warm days, head for the outdoor dining courtyard.
64 Tuwharetoa Road, Taupo
(+64 (0)6 385 8888)
Powderkeg Restaurant and Bar
Here’s the place for plenty of atmosphere and good rib-sticking food, especially during winter when the snow-bunnies come out to play. Upstairs is the more upmarket Matterhorn restaurant, but it’s only open during the ski season.
Powderhorn Chateau, cnr Thames Street and Mangawhero Terrace, Ohakune
(+64 (0)7 378 0484)
The Brantry
Set in a 1950s townhouse and run by local sisters Prue and Felicity Campbell, The Brantry serves contemporary cuisine fuelled by local produce. Venison, lamb and seafood are all on the menu, and there’s also often a dessert featuring feijoa, a fruit that’s widely grown in NZ and tastes something like a pineapple combined with a guava.
45 Rifle Range Road, Taupo
Bars
(+64 (0)7 377 2434)
Bond Lounge Bar
This is by far the swankiest spot for a cocktail in Taupo. The weekends often see events – A Night at the Playboy Mansion or the Opshop Ball, for example – take over, so if you’re after a quieter atmosphere do the early shift.
40 Tuwharetoa Road, Taupo
(+64 (0)6 385 8664)
Projection Room
Those in the know head to this club – the vibe is a bit industrial glam – after a hard day on the slopes because it’s where the best DJs can be found. Even those who aren’t quite on top of things come here, albeit earlier, for the excellent tapas-style food.
4 Thames Street, Ohakune
(+64 (0)7 378 3900)
The Groove
In the afternoon, pitch a spot on the huge sunny balcony. After dark, things move inside and up a notch when this becomes the place for drinking and dancing.
11 Tuwharetoa Street, Taupo
Cafés
(+64 (0)7 378 2962)
L’Arté Mosaic Café
You can get a hearty breakfast and great coffee here, but people come equally for the famous gardens and artist Judi Brennan’s colourful mosaic sculptures and paving throughout.
225 Mapara Road, Acacia Bay, Taupo
(+64 (0)7 378 0606)
Replete
It’s big traditional breakfasts – the Complete Replete with honey-cured bacon, poached eggs, roasted mushrooms, tomato relish and grilled foccacia should fuel the day’s activities – and lunches with Asian flavours at this popular café.
45 Heu Heu Street, Taupo
