And whether you’re all about short black and a bowl of muesli, or love a full English with a pot of tea, here’s a quick wrap-up of where you might like to grab a feed.
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12 blissful breakfast spots around Lake Taupō from a long black to full English
There’s no better way to start your day in the Taupō region than with a smashing good breakfast! After all, you’ll need plenty of fuel to get you through all the adventures and activities on the itinerary.
From a cabinet of epicurean delights, to full meals made fresh on site with seasonal produce, there’s also a large selection of hot and cold drinks on offer.
2. Storehouse
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Taupō town is the Storehouse, where you’ll find good vibes, great food and a cool, laid-back atmosphere.
With plenty of seating upstairs and down, it’s ideal for a crowd, and kids are most welcome too, with a little play area down the back. Fried Chicken Waffles are a firm favourite for many, but if you’re after gluten-free and vegetarian options, there’s plenty to choose from here.
3. Baked with Love
With a cabinet bursting full of colour and flavours, your eyes are always in for a surprise at Baked with Love. It’s no wonder they have earned a reputation as the ‘go-to’ place in Taupō for mouthwatering sweet treats!
But they also have a generous all-day menu covering off all the favourites like eggs bene, porridge and mince on toast. Or you can even start with a blank plate and build-your-own meal with their long list of sides.
4. Victoria’s Cafe Kitchen Bar
No matter the weather, Victoria’s is always friendly, cosy and warm - just right for enjoying a relaxing, delicious breakfast. But if the sun is shining, you can make the most of outdoor seating to watch the world go by!
With plenty on the menu for gluten-free, vegan and other dietary requirements, you can also fill your boots with a range of healthy treats. When the hunger pains have got you good, try The Works. And if you have kids in tow, they have a wonderful selection for little ones.
5. Kefi Cafe
Kefi’s so nice; they created it twice! You’ll find one Kefi in the centre of Taupō township (Horomatangi Street to be exact), and the other is Kefi at The Hub, out on Huka Falls Road.
Both locations offer a menu with all the favourites, as well as a few specialities - like the Fresh Greek Breakfast, My Big Fat Greek Breakfast and Pork Belly Benedict. Yum!
6. Cafe Lacus
Cafe Lacus at The Landing, out near Taupō airport, and this fresh, modern eatery is a delight from start to finish.
With a lovely Scandinavian feel to its decor, you can sit back and enjoy yummy food in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. The outdoor area is the perfect little sun trap to catch morning rays, and if the tummy is rumbling, you can’t go past the Yorkshire Breakfast.
7. Replete Cafe & Store
Front and centre on Te Heu Heu Street, you’ll get plenty of people-watching done here from their outdoor tables, or inside window seats.
But most importantly, you’re absolutely spoilt for choice from their generous cabinet selection and breakfast menu from 8:00 am - 11:30 am. Gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options are plentiful, and the coffee is insanely good!
8. The Cozy Corner
Just as the name suggests, you’ll find this cosy little corner cafe in Suncourt Plaza with a lovely sheltered courtyard, relaxed seating and a kids' play area.
With all sorts of tasty gluten-free and dairy-free treats in their cabinet, as well as unprocessed and organic menu items, it’s a place that prides itself on serving delicious food that’s nutritious too.
9. Creel Tackle House & Cafe
If you’re spending time in and around Tūrangi, then a visit to Creel Tackle House & Cafe for brekkie is a must.
This boutique cafe is famous for its pastries (all made fresh on-site), the atmosphere is intimate and the service is second-to-none. If you need to grab something on the run - check out the Hangover Pie, it comes complete with a little smiley face made out of sausages and bacon.
10. Hydro Eatery
If you need to get good food into you before a day up the mountain, on the river or partaking in a little sightseeing, then check out Hydro Eatery in the centre of Tūrangi township.
Their hearty meals will have you feeling full in no time, and the coffee offers the perfect hit of caffeine to kick-start your adventures.
11. Licorice Cafe
If you have to hit the road before your first meal of the day, then make sure you stop at Licorice Cafe in Motuoapa - in between Taupō and Tūrangi.
In summer you can enjoy a lovely shady courtyard, and in the winter, there’s a cosy fireplace to sit beside. The homemade cabinet and menu items are super tasty and fresh and it really is well worth a visit on your way past.
12. Ata’s Bar & Eatery
When you’re in Mangakino, check out Ata’s Bar & Eatery for breakfast or brunch.
The coffee is superb and so is the hash stack! It truly is a little gem of a cafe - the perfect place to relax and have a chat if you’ve got nowhere to be or to re-fuel the stomach before getting back on the road.
There's heaps more delicious breakfast options to get your day started right! Check out more options here
