CHECKING IN

TOUR GUIDE

Lake Taupo

The delicious fare at Body Fuel Cafe

Taupo, New Zealand

MOST TRAVELERS TO

The backdrop for Ironman New Zealand and The Lord of the Rings is fantasy come to life. By Holly Bennett
city trac and get your left-side-driving bearingstransfers you to Taupo (population 22,000). Along the way youll pass through a variety of villages, with plenty of roadside pit stops for a wake-up espresso or a traditional meat pie snack. Taupo town center boasts several blocks of bustling caf-lined streets. The vibe is Euro-cool meets down-under casual, and your greatest challenge will be deciding which of the welcoming eateries to sample. Body Fuel Caf is an obvious favorite with a line that reaches out the door. The chef crafts wholesome, local ingredients into breakfast avors youve only dreamed possible. Try the tall bowl of scrambled eggs ued with smooth feta, garnished with garden-grown ba-

New Zealand hire campa vans and tour as much of the magical North and South Islands as possible. And while exploring the land of the long white cloud (the meaning of the countrys Maori name, Aotearoa) has its merits, honing in on a single small towns charm can be equally rewarding. Smack in the middle of the North Island sits Taupo, home to the famed Ironman New Zealand and two of the countrys endurance sports superstars, the Docherty siblings (brother Bevan, two-time Olympic triathlon medalist, and sister Fiona, pro triathlete-turnedmarathoner). An easy peasy 3.5-hour scenic drive from Auckland International Airportonce you move beyond

sil, tomato, avocado and Bermuda onion, partnered with whole-grain toast. Youll swear the chicken put her every eort into laying the freshest eggs especially for you. Theres rarely an empty seat at this bustling bistro, which caters to the gluten-free and vegan crowds, too. Another hotspot is Coee Plus Caf, serving up a killer open-faced grilled chicken sandwich, augmented with brie, eld greens and colorful shredded carrots and beets. Or, sample a kebab from any number of lunch counters along Taupos downtown streets (my favorite: Caf Levant). If a sweet treat is in order, the frozen yogurt blended with chopped fresh fruit from Tank Juice Bar will nish o your meal in low-fat, guilt-free style. A delicious downtown dinner awaits at Taupos Waterside Restaurant & Bar, a casual yet upscale lakeshore establishment. Kick o the evening with your choice of Kiwi-themed cocktails, including Taupo Sunset, Southern Cross or North Island iced tea. Carnivores will delight in the beef tournedos atop

HOLLY BENNETT

46

TRIATHLETE.COM | August 2011

CHECKING IN

TOUR GUIDE

sauted spinach and horseradish mash, or the lighter but no less elegant grilled New Zealand lamb salad enhanced with feta, cherry tomatoes and a roast cashew and mint dressing. The vegetable lasagna more than satises the vegetarian palette, brimming with bualo mozzarella, garden-fresh squash, oven-dried tomatoes and a roast bell pepper sauce. A ve-minute drive from downtown will land you at the Hilton Lake Taupo, a posh home base for your getaway. Perched atop the Napier-Taupo Highway hill, a short but steep climb that leads out the Ironman bike leg, the Hilton oers numerous rooms and luxury apartment suites, a relaxing innity-edge pool and accompanying spa, and decadent dining at the onsite restaurant, Bistro Lago. If in-town convenience is more your cup of tea, book a stay at the Suncourt Hotel, where youll nd comfy studio-style

Lake Taupo welcomes y-shing and boatingor book a guided kayak tour to view the Maori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay, more than 30 feet high and only accessible from the water. The mighty Waikato River feeds into the lake; go a bit higher and youll nd Huka Falls, the most visited natural attraction in New Zealand. The Spa Park Walk and connecting Aratiatia Rapids Walk follow the rivers course and provide a serene venue for lengthy trail runs, as well as spellbinding views of the rapids. Running is also encouraged lakeside, with a pedestrian path winding along the shore, amid fragrant eucalyptus groves and around quaint neighborhoods with uniquely appealing architecture. If cycling is on your agenda, tackle the looped course of the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge (Cyclechallenge.com), a single round-the-lake circuit of approximately

TAUPO SHOUT-OUTS If you want

A view with your vino Try the lounge at the Hilton Lake Taupo, a southern veranda-style bar where youll quickly unwind in sunsets glow. Hilton.com/laketaupo Whitewater thrills A Taupo must, the Hukafalls Jet boat takes you on a hair-raising 30-minute ride to the base of Huka Falls. Hukafallsjet.com High-yin chills Choose the hand splash or the full body dunk; either way, Taupo Bungy will get you wetonce theyve coaxed you o the cli . Enjoy the heart-racing thrill and inverted view, or try the slightlyless-insane Taupo Cli hanger extreme swing. Taupobungy.co.nz A soothing soak A post-adventure spa bath is possible in paid locations throughout Taupo. But follow the advice of locals and soak for free. Take Tongariro Street from town, turning right on Spa Road. Take the rst left after Taupo Bungys sign; continue down to the parking lot and follow the walking path to the river and tiered thermal springs. (Be prepared to change into your suit surfer-style, underneath a towel in public.) A scone to remember Grab one of Body Fuels homebaked scones, full of fresh date chunks and orange citrus zest. A takeaway at white(a popular espresso drink, smaller and stronger than a latte and smoother than a cappuccino) completes your mini-meal, the perfect snack for wandering the lush pathways of Tongariro Domain (directly across the street). 67 Tongariro Street, Taupo Two-wheeled tech support The Avantiplus Taupo Corner Shop serves your every cycling need. Avantiplus.co.nz/taupo To arrive in style With easy access from Auckland Airport and the kindest prices in the country, Jucy Rentals has your car or campa of choice. Jucy.co.nz

rooms with lake view decks, all within walking distance (0.3 miles) of town. As easy as it would be to lose your days in the allure of Taupos caf society, the true adventures await outdoors. To fuel your multisport interests, nothing beats a swim in the lake itself, the largest freshwater nd in Australasia. Hop in at multiple spots along the shore, or from the Yacht Club where Ironman kicks o, and enjoy what is likely the cleanest water ever to cross your lips. New Zealanders take deep pride in their natural environment. Aesthetics are important as well even the trash and recycling bins are picturesque in this eco-rich region.
48

Tongariro Domain, or park, is located in downtown Taupo.

160 kilometers. Though challenging, its not as hilly as you might imagineLake Taupo is 357 meters above sea level and the ride climbs to 650 meters at its peak. For truly outdoorsy types, plan an all-day adventure to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Widely touted as the best one-day trek in New Zealand, Tongariros otherworldly scenery provided the setting for The Lord of the Rings lm trilogy. You, too, can climb Mount Doom. Expect the entire 18.5-kilometer hike to take seven to nine hours and be prepared for steep slopes, unpredictable weather and transcendent vistas.

HOLLY BENNETT

TRIATHLETE.COM | August 2011