I’m heading to NZ in two weeks for the IM. Flight, lodging, car: all is set, but I have no idea what sort of food to expect.
Has anyone been to Taupo and if so what sort of food will I find there? I don’t want to stray too far from my IM training diet of Wendy’s double cheeseburgers and Frosty’s. Any ideas on where I can eat pre-race?
Jeremey
was there last yr, lots of places to eat especially on the corner of lakeshore (not far from the race center) there are a couple of very good cafe type places. Francois refers to a bakery on a street back from lakeshore, I think its called Brumby’s, went there everyday and ran into Joanna Lawn a couple of times. Worked great for her! I really wish I was going back there this yr. Have fun.
Jeremey-
I was in Queenstown earlier in the year for Worlds and travelled a bit afterwards as well. You can expect the food to be very similar to North American cuisine, and almost the same as English food. What that means is you’ll be able to get a bowl of pasta almost anywhere, and there shouldn’t be any big surprises. Good luck with the race, NZ is an amazing country. I am jealous, I was just looking through some pictures from my trip wishing that I was going back sometime soon.
Like everyone said, the food is pretty much the same as it is here. No Wendys, but there is Pizza Hut and McDs. Any of the cafes along the lake are good. Nonnie’s is quite good and one of my favorites.
NO WENDY’S? Oh no! I might as well not even go.
Seriously, thanks for all the info. That is one less thing to be nervous about. This is my first IM and being that far from home is a bit nerve wracking in itself. Thanks again for the info.
Jeremey
Taupo has a reasonable variety of food establishments considering it’s size.
There are ton’s o cafe type places, many which serve evening meals also. Typical Western style food. There is also a variety of roadhouse places as well as normal restaurants.
In fast food there’s McD’s, BK, and KFC(gross) plus Subway. no Wendy’s yet. There’s several ice cream shops as well. Combined with supermarkets with roast chickens etc, you can get a decent feed for just about any price.
My personal favourite is BK for a triple cheeseburger, fries and a COLD coke, after my finish line massage. Then I wobble off to the motel for a soak in the hot tub and hours of nocturnal bliss interrupted only by a hobble to the awards banquet where I ply myself with a 6 month supply of alcohol to dull the pain of trying to dance.
I can hardly wait!!
TriDork
12:15, if the planets mysteriously re-align.
12:15. Nice. Hope to be there with you. If we do both finish in 12:15 I will surely see you at BK for the Triple Cheese and a COLD coke. Nothing like a coke and a greasy burger after a long day.
Thanks for the info.
Jeremey
12:15. Nice. Hope to be there with you. If we do both finish in 12:15 I will surely see you at BK for the Triple Cheese and a COLD coke. Nothing like a coke and a greasy burger after a long day.
Thanks for the info.
Jeremey
As long as they have chicken soup and pizza after this thing I will be good.
Actually:
If I go 12:15 I’ll treat you to as many Triple Cheese’s you can stomach
.
You’re gonna love the awards banquet. Bottles of wine (red & white) on each table and cases of beer everywhere. The main sponser is a beer company! The food was excellent! I wuz lit!
Don’t forget the exchange rate. A gourmet dinner will set you back 5 bucks.
Jeremy,
If you are into food and wine, you are in for a treat. I was there in 2000 and I think we ate 3 out of our 6 nights at Villino. I live in San Francisco so I’m a little spoiled when it comes to good food an wine at reasonable prices. This place could hold it’s own in Napa. Venison loin with a bing cherry cabernet reduction, duck, great beef tenderloin, and more. A knowledgeable wait staff about some tasty local wines. They also have a very impressive collection of beers to pair with your courses if you prefer. We ate like kings and were out of there for around $50US. Check it out if you get a chance, lunch or dinner. http://www.villino.co.nz/home.htm
And although not the smartest pre-race food, there’s a bomber Indian restaurant on the corner just down from the expo about a block from the SuperLoo. They do it up right.
And one can’t talk about New Zealand and not mention the lattes. Their milk must be amazing. I was a serious caffeine addict by the time we left town. The lattes are little bowls of heaven.
Have a great race,
Charlie
Oops,
Beer company sponsor is GONE. Bummer
Oops, Kiwi dollar is rocketing compared to the greenback. 2 years ago it was 39 Cents US. Now its 70 cents US!!!
Still a good deal for for you folks though.
TriDork