Tasty event takes top honours
Treat of Taupō organiser Fleur Smith
Treats of Taupō won Food, Beverage or Lifestyle Event of the Year at the New Zealand Event Awards.
Treats of Taupō debuted in 2024 and was held again at the end of September 2025.
The nine-day event is designed to showcase the best of the district’s restaurants, cafés, producers and chefs.
There were more than 40 local businesses involved in 30 events and activities last year and the event is set to return in September this year.
Last year, organiser Fleur Smith said the festival was quickly cementing itself as a highlight on Taupō’s event calendar and putting the district on New Zealand’s foodie map.
The festival includes everything from hands-on workshops to degustation tours, long lunches and tastings. There was even a fun run last year with a tasty twist, called The Treat Trail.
The Bistro chef Jude Messenger hosts a fine dining experience.
Fleur says the focus was on community and collaboration.