Love Taupō check in

Patrick Dault from Love Taupō talks about the region’s first tourism awards on 19 November, including a new People’s Choice award where locals can vote for their favourite business. He also explains why tourism matters to Taupō: around 700 students come home every summer to work and put about $7 million into the local economy.

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Patrick Dault from Love Taupō and Scott Forsythe from 5 Mile Distilling join Lake FM for a Love Taupō check-in ahead of the third annual Treats of Taupō.

They talk about the growing role of food and beverage in Taupō’s visitor economy, why people are travelling specifically for Treats of Taupō, the talent helping shape the region’s dining scene, and what it could take for Taupō to become even better known as a food destination.

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A behind-the-scenes look at Lionel's with Executive Chef Reuben Lynn, fresh off Taupō doubling its count in the 2026 Cuisine Good Food Guide.

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Nora Blackburne from Embra Restaurant joins the Love Taupō Check-In to talk about retaining two Good Food Guide hats for a third year, showcasing New Zealand produce, and why food is becoming an important part of the Taupō visitor experience.

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Love Taupō’s Patrick Dault reveals how a new $974,902 campaign will use food and dining experiences to attract Australian and US visitors to New Zealand, with Taupō set to feature on one of eight food trails.

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The Ernest Kemp is one of Taupō’s most recognisable sights, but how much do you know about the story behind the historic steamboat?

In this Love Taupō Check-In, we meet Pete, the skipper of the Ernest Kemp, who has a remarkable personal connection to the boat. Built in Kerikeri in 1980, the 14.5-metre replica steamboat was caught up in a major storm before eventually making its way south to Taupō.

Pete shares the story of how the boat disappeared from his childhood home in Kerikeri, only for him to unexpectedly spot it again years later on Lake Taupō. We also hear about the history behind the Ernest Kemp name, what visitors love about cruising the lake, and why locals should get out on the water and experience this piece of Taupō history for themselves.

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Ever wanted to climb Mount Everest, dive with whales or battle zombies, all in one afternoon? Grace from The Cave Taupō talks about the incredible range of virtual reality experiences on offer, why it's not just for kids, and how to make the most of a visit during the busy school holiday period.

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Looking for something different to do these school holidays? Geraldine from the Tongariro National Trout Centre joins us to share why this Turangi attraction is one of the region's best-kept secrets. From the fascinating trout fishing museum and native freshwater aquarium to the historic hatchery, family-friendly nature walks and kids' fly fishing experiences, there's something for everyone. We also talk about Taupō's world-famous trout fishing heritage, inspiring the next generation of river guardians, the start of the new trout fishing season, and a special free ukulele performance in the grounds. Plus, a few fishy dad jokes along the way!

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This episode begins with a catch-up on tourism, international marketing efforts, and upcoming opportunities for the Taupō district with Patrick from Love Taupō. Then, Tabitha from Āio Sauna in Ōmori shares how she created a unique wellness retreat overlooking Lake Taupō, offering visitors a chance to relax, recharge, and experience the benefits of sauna and cold therapy.

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Love Taupō GM Patrick Dault joins Jesse to talk slow tourism, why Germans stay 44 days while Americans spend the same in 10, and why visitors come to Taupō to live like locals, not tick boxes. Then Jo from the Huka Honey Hive returns with something special: a $2,499 jar of UMF 35+ manuka honey, rarer than 0.03% of all manuka honey ever tested, and half the price it fetches at Harrods.

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