Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
three with grand lake views and one that compensates for the lack of them with a curvy
bath and a private garden ($595). The chef-owner dishes up high-quality fare, with dinner
available. Tariff includes breakfast, pre-dinner drinks, canapes and Taupo airport transfer.
HOTEL
$$$
Hilton Lake Taupo
( 07-378 7080;
www.hilton.com/laketaupo
; 80-100 Napier Rd; from $220; )
Occupying the historic
Terraces Hotel (1889) and a modern extension, this large complex offers the expected
Hilton standard of luxury including swish suites, an outdoor heated pool, and Bistro Lago,
the decent in-house restaurant. It's a little out of town but is handy for the DeBretts
thermal complex.
Eating
L'Arté
(
www.larte.co.nz
;
255 Mapara Rd, Acacia Bay; snacks $4-9, mains $10-19; 9am-4pm Wed-Sun, daily Jan)
Lots
of mouth-watering treats are made from scratch at this fantastically artful cafe on the hill
that backs Acacia Bay. Brunch in the sunshine, then check out the sculpture garden and
gallery.
CAFE
$
Merchant
MAP
DELI
$
GOOGLE MAP
(
www.themerchant.co.nz
;
114 Spa Rd; 9am-7pm Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm Sun)
Championing NZ artisan pro-
ducers and importing specialities from abroad, this grocery on the town fringe is a fruitful
stop for those looking to stock up on supplies ranging from cheese to chocolate to craft
beer.
Piccolo
MAP
CAFE
$$
GOOGLE MAP
(
www.taupocafe.co.nz
;
41 Ruapehu St; mains $12-24; 7am-4pm; )
This sharp, modern cafe is
well tuned, offering a cabinet-load of pastries, sandwiches and salads, with great value
wines by the glass should you feel inclined. Excellent coffee, and sublime home-baked
sweets.
Saluté
CAFE, DELI
$$
