Foodie Heaven right here in Taupō

Embra owner and chef Phill Blackburne creates another dish as part of the degustation tour in 2024.

Taupō’s food and drink festival is back.

From September 20-28, Treats of Taupō is showcasing the best of the district’s restaurants, cafés, producers and chefs.

There are more than 40 local businesses involved in 30 events and activities.

Now in its second year, the festival is quickly cementing itself as a highlight on Taupō’s event calendar, putting the district on New Zealand’s foodie map, says organiser Fleur Smith.

The festival includes everything from hands-on workshops to degustation tours, long lunches and tastings. There is even a fun run with a tasty twist (The Treat Trail).

Fleur says there are more local businesses taking part this year, with a focus on community and collaboration. 

“Taupō has such incredible talent in its kitchens and producers making world-class products. Treats of Taupō is about celebrating that together, and following the success of last year, this one’s bigger and better.”

This year sees the publication pf the Treats of Taupō Recipe Collective, a book of recipes contributed by local chefs and eateries.

The cover is designed by local budding artist, Amara 11, who won the design competition in the July school holidays. 

The recipe book is “a true community effort” and designed to give food lovers a way to take the festival home and keep enjoying Taupō flavours all year round, Fleur says.

Events across the nine days, range from casual bites and free family-friendly fun through to fine-dining experiences including an opportunity to dine at the exclusive Poronui estate. 

Tickets are available from the TreatsofTaupō.co.nz website.