Taupō is set to welcome a new independent food festival celebrating the region's best produce, eateries, chefs and dishes.

Treats of Taupō launches on September 28, and will offer 24 food events ranging from exclusive and ticketed, to free and walk-up – something for every local, visitor, preference and budget.

The festival is the brainchild of Fleur Wolstenholme, who moved to New Zealand from the United Kingdom in 2016 and fell in love with her adopted home’s food.

“We have such a rich and varied cuisine scene here, from our breweries and distilleries to our growers, farmers, organic meat and honey, coffee roasters and chocolatiers, not to mention globally acclaimed restaurants and chefs,” says Fleur.

She was inspired to establish Treats of Taupō after she saw a map outlining New Zealand’s best food and noticed the town had not been mentioned in the guide.

“It showcased the wines of Hawke’s Bay, kiwifruit of Bay of Plenty and the whitebait of the west coast – but there was a huge gaping hole where Taupō is and I couldn’t believe it, because our food scene here is unreal,” says Fleur.

Founder Fleur Wolstenholme. Photo: Supplied.

Also behind her decision to launch Treats of Taupō was the endless stream of negative news stories covering the struggling hospitality sector – a narrative she hopes to change through the festival.

“I was quite fed up with the doom and gloom approach – stories about restaurants closing, how rising costs are crippling businesses and Kiwis have less money to spend,” she says.

“Although it’s obviously true, it’s not the whole story and there’s still plenty of positive news within hospo that’s not so readily picked up.

“Treats of Taupō is trying to change that narrative and showcase how amazing our local suppliers, producers, owners, operators and staff are!”

Festival highlights

The festival will take place over nine days and will be packed full of events sure to satisfy every type of foodie.

“The Treat Degustation Tour is a standout event where ticket holders visit five of the best eateries in Taupō across one night,” says Fleur.

“Each eatery – Embra, The Bistro, Plateau, The Brantry and Lionel’s – hosts a course and drink match.

“The Market Takeover is a great way to meet our local suppliers, plus it’s free to have a walk around with specials available for purchase on the day.

“Personally, I love Indian cuisine so am looking forward to the Indian street food night, Taste of the Streets.

“And for parents looking to fill an afternoon, we have a cupcake decorating contest with Simple Bakes Taupō and a scavenger hunt with Kona Kones.”

Embra. Photo: That Green Olive.

Other highlights include a cooking demonstration hosted by popular foodie and content creator Vanya Insull from VJ Cooks, a Kinloch Honey-themed high tea and a coffee roasting and barista skills workshop at Sacred Grounds.

With the Treats of Taupō food festival launch only a month away, Fleur says some events are already at capacity.

“I’m urging people to jump online, peruse the programme and get booking to avoid disappointment.”

Treats of Taupō, from September 28 to October 6 2024 at various locations around Taupō. For details, the programme, and to book see https://www.treatsoftaupo.co.nz/