48 Hours in Taupo with Mike Puru
TV personality and host of TV3’s The Café, Mike Puru spent a weekend in Taupo recently to MC the Service IQ Great Lake Taupo Business Awards.
With just 2 days to spend, he made the most of the time he had in our town to experience the vibe, the adventure and our hospitality. Before he left, I grabbed the chance to catch up with him, getting his take on our beloved town.
What were the first things that stood out when you arrived?
As soon as I landed I couldn’t get over how beautiful the scenery is, the airport has free parking (you don’t get that in Auckland), and coming into town I could see it’s grown bigger and busier than I can remember.
The highlights of your visit?
Storehouse Café – best chicken sliders I’ve ever had.
Throwing myself out of a plane from 15,000 feet, can’t beat that.
Winding down after the jump at Wairakei Terraces, then having the best buffet in town at the Wairakei Resort.
Visiting the town centre while it was buzzing with the marathon participants and supporters.
Craters of the Moon – the best $8 I’ve spent in a long time. It was scenic, peaceful and fascinating walking the steaming ground and reflecting on the volcanic plateau.
What’s your first impression of Taupo businesses and locals?
I love that there’s a smorgasbord of businesses here – businesses that have been here a long time and become generational, with previous employees who grew to own their own businesses. They are so well supported locally and really helping the economy.
And the locals, people here are so friendly and helpful everywhere I go.
Your favourite activity while you were here?
Has to be Skydiving. Everything about it was so memorable – getting picked up in the Hummer Limo, the views and the whole experience. There’s no better place, no better day, and no better company to do it with than here.
Even a walk along the lakefront – the views and atmosphere are so relaxing, and it’s away from the bustling town but still so close.
I’ve only been here a couple of days, and I’ve fallen in love with the place – it’s a perfect town all-round. Great for families, action-seekers, the quiet ones – anyone can fit in. Plus, being supported by a large infrastructure of businesses makes it even more versatile. Taupo is big enough to have everything a city offers, and small enough for everyone to enjoy it.