Location: Turangi
Top Restaurants in Turangi
Top Things to do in Turangi
Where to Eat in Turangi: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Turangi is a small town on the west bank of the Tongariro River, 50 kilometres south-west of Taupo on the North Island Volcanic Plateau of New Zealand. It was built to accommodate the workers associated with the Tongariro hydro-electric power development project and their families. The town was designed to remain as a small servicing centre for the exotic forest plantations south of Lake Taupo and for tourists. It is well known for its trout fishing and calls itself "The trout fishing capital of the world". The major Māori hapu (tribe) of the Turangi area is Ngati Turangitukua.
Things to do in Turangi
1. Parklands Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By islandgirl76 - Vancouver
We had a very nice dinner here as we were staying at the motel and were tired after a long drive and soak in the nearby Hot Springs. Pleasantly surprised by the interior decor. Great friendly service, good food and value (large portions!). Not a destination restaurant but we were very happy and would eat here again if we found ourselves in Turangi.
2. Tongariro Lodge Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 84 reviews
The Tongariro Lodge restaurant, is renowned for excellent food. The menu is updated seasonally to incorporate the best of local produce. We are open for Breakfast from 7am and Dinner from 6.00 pm Lunch by appointment. To avoid disappointment we recommend you make a booking.
Reviewed By BayouWanderer - Shreveport, LA
Quality ingredients combined with attentive service in wonderful setting that felt like a New England inn setting.
Joyes and Kim <sp> did a great job.
The soup was well crafted. The entrees/mains were super great.
Lots of little touches.
This is a great example of why Tripadvisor ratings are to be taken with a grain of salt. No way should this place be anywhere but in top 3 in Turangi.
3. Valentinos Italian Restaurant
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 105 reviews
Reviewed By andrewrobarts - Porangahau, New Zealand
As always friendly reception and atmosphere. A great menu, enough choice to meet anyone's palate without being too complicated. Food cooked to perfection, a true Italian experience. Not cheap but the bank was not broken. We will go back soon.
4. Floating Rock Cafe
Overall Ratings
5 based on 38 reviews
Floating Rock Cafe/Winery is situated on the banks of the Kuratau River in the South Western corner of Lake Taupo. The Cafe is open for business 10am till 4pm during school and public holidays or by appointment. When open we serve delicious thin crust pizzas cooked in our new wood fired oven on decks above our boutique vineyard with expansive views down the beautiful river valley and of the ranges beyond.The property has two luxuriously appointed chalets within the vineyard which are available for rental (see bookabach listing numbers 4916 and 4917 for further details.4500 Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris grapes provide the juice for our award winning single vineyard wines. All wines are available for tastings and sale at the Cafe.You definately won't be disappointed in a trip to our place!
Reviewed By jsclink - Wellington, New Zealand
When we are in Kuratau, one of the daily treats is to go to Floating Rock Cafe. The pizzas are fantastic and the coffees and wines are always terrific. A high point is the excellent staff who are always cheerful and ready to help. There are few things better than sitting with good food, good friends, and gazing out at the fantastic view of a beautiful winery. Highly recommended.
5. Mustard Seed Cafe
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 104 reviews
Reviewed By AAGills_Cat - Napier, New Zealand
We've had a few breakfasts and brunches here over the years and those have been good but dinner was another story: mind bogglingly expensive, with the food and service average at best. I get the feeling that everyone concerned means well but that standards in Turangi just aren't terribly high.
6. Lakeland House Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 304 reviews
Reviewed By FinB - Sydney, Australia
Overall a mixed bag. The view from this restaurant at the southern end of Lake Taupo is stunning, so go for lunch rather than dinner. Seating outside is nice, wooden tables and benches however they really need refurbishing - a section from our tabletop was missing with jagged wood exposed, a backrest on one of the benches had broken slats. The quantity and quality of the seafood in our dishes was of an excellent standard however both our main courses were somewhat drowned in the same "Thai" sauce which really amounted to watered-down warm sweet chilli sauce. One dish Thai Prawn and Scallop Salad stated "thai chilli vinaigrette" this suggests a dressing NOT the aforementioned sauce in enough quantity to drown the salad components to the point lettuce leaves were soggy. The other dish the Seafood Teaser suffered the same fate. Two dishes with the same sauce ?? Thai sweet chilli sauce is a condiment for dipping your spring rolls in and that is where it stops.
Service was good, indoors the furniture and decor looked fine.
If you order the Seafood Teaser I would strongly suggest you ask them to put the sauce on the side. As stated before the quantity and quality of the seafood was great.
7. Oreti Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 54 reviews
Oreti Restaurant has elevated panoramic lake Views over Lake Taupo - We serve good kiwi favourites often with a European or Asian Influence. A family owned and operated business , Oreti restaurant is favoured spot amongst locals and holiday makers. Specialising in events Oreti does spectacular weddings and events. Talk to us today about your next special occasion.
Reviewed By sublaloge - Couhe, France
We had a lovely evening at Oreti Restaurant. The ambiance and Service was superb. Looking back down Lake Taupo without the crowds of Taupo City was captivating on a lovely evening. The fish was very well cooked and very tasty. My friend said his steak was "melt in your mouth". The duck I had was sparse and a bit tough and not falling off the bone as expected of a " duck confit". The ginger sauce that accompanied it was lovely.
8. Turangi Bridge Bar & Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 154 reviews
The Turangi Bridge Bar and Restaurant offers a stylish and welcoming atmosphere for sampling mouth-watering New Zealand cuisine. A Turangi icon since 1931, our restaurant has a genuine history and ambience unlike anywhere else. The large open fire makes it the perfect spot for a cosy, lodge-style winter dinner. Or in summer, you can sit on the deck to enjoy a glass of wine and a view of the Tongariro river and New Zealand landscape. The restaurant is also available for hire as your New Zealand wedding venue, conference venue or function room. We can cater to groups of different sizes with our buffet or a la carte options - please talk to us about what you need and we'll make sure you and your guests have a memorable evening. Please take a look at our seasonal menu - we have something to suit everyone's needs or budget.
Reviewed By Avrohom W - Brooklyn
A meal to remember. The place has a great ambiance with dedicated staff. The food was amazingly delicious and masterfully unique with great flavors and and savory additions. A must eat by in Turangi area.Thanks very much. We're very pleased you enjoyed your meals.
9. Creel Tackle House & Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 236 reviews
New Zealands oldest Tackle Shop adjacent to the famous Tongariro River (trout)with a recently added Cafe, with a fly fishing theme, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, all produce is made on sight fresh daily.(Cooked breakfast weekends) Espresso Coffee, loose leaf teas, organic and natural drinks, Takeout lunches. Of course a full range of fly fishing tackle, flies and licences.<br><br>CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY AND DECEMBER 26TH AND NEW YEARS DAY
Reviewed By le0drag0n - Ipswich, United Kingdom
Not knowing the area it was great to find this little jewel which provided a beautifully cooked and presented breakfast - think quality and pay the price $14.50NZ for scrambled egg, bacon and ciabatta with real butter. The added gift shop and tackle shop adds to the charm. Enjoy! Check the cabinet for beautifully presented sandwiches, pastries and cakes. Yummy!
10. Cadillac Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 195 reviews
Turangi's Sunniest Café!Step in to a time zone and check out our Rockabilly 1950's theme and enjoy great coffee, excellent food and service with a smile.With a very extensive menu there is something for everyone here at our family friendly Café.
Reviewed By Judi P - Melbourne, Australia
What a great quirky place to lunch!
There is a great variety for lunch and coffee you will satisfy your tummy here!
The quirky fun bit is the decor it's all retro and brings back memories if you grew up in the 50's or 60's. The other thing I lovedwas there are Board Games available snakes and ladders battle ships connect 4 etc.
There's a giant connect 4 outside you can play while waiting for the meal which we did and loved it. It's small and sweet and worth a visit after doing rafting around the corner!
