A conversation with Patrick Dault, Love Taupō and Rudolf Segers, Bistro Lago Restaurant at Hilton Lake Taupō
If there was ever a time where Love Taupō would be relevant, it's now. With Valentine's Day approaching this weekend, Patrick Dault, General Manager of Love Taupō, has a timely reminder: you don't need to travel far to feel like you're on holiday.
"Valentine's Day is a perfect excuse to rediscover what's on your doorstep," Dault told Lake FM listeners during the weekly Love Taupō check-in. "Treat yourselves to some amazing experiences while also supporting our local tourism operators at the same time."
Adventures and Artisans
For those leaning toward shared experiences, Dault suggested parasailing on the lake - "relatively low adrenaline." Or for the truly bold, popping the question just before a bungee jump at AJ Hackett.
"Imagine you pop that question to your loved one and say 'hey, you're going to take the leap with me' and then you literally take the leap," he said. "If anybody was doing that, we'd love to get some video."
Quieter moments can be found at Orakei Korako or Craters of the Moon, while sunset sailing with Taupō Sailing Adventures or Sail Barbary offers something in between — "just getting out on the lake and enjoying the moment."
For those who prefer tangible tokens of affection, local artisan producers deliver. Volcanic Chocolates, the Huka Honey Hive with its "amazing ginger honey" that speaks to "spicing things up," and Lava Glass Studio across the street all offer gifts with a story.
"I've brought so many people to both those retail shops and tourism experiences," Dault says of the honey hive and glass studio. "It blows people's minds."
Singles, Couples and Everyone In Between
Not everyone is paired up on February 14th, and Taupō's hospitality scene hasn't forgotten. The Landing is hosting a singles bowling night — "a great way to meet people," Dault says — while Hole in One is running a golf night from 8–10pm with couple deals, single specials, spot prices and Valentine's-themed gelato.
"If you're flying solo or on a date, I think there's some pretty amazing stuff," he says.
A Chef's Journey and Valentine's Vision
For those looking to mark the occasion with a delicious meal, the Hilton's Bistro Lago has something special planned — courtesy of newly appointed executive chef Rudolf, who brings 30 years of culinary experience, including 17 years with Hilton's Waldorf Astoria brand in the Middle East.
After returning to New Zealand via Gisborne and Hawke's Bay, Rudolf jumped at the chance to rejoin Hilton in Taupō. When he's not in the kitchen, you might find him unwinding on his Harley around the lake — his way of clearing his head between services.
For Valentine's Day, Rudolf has designed a degustation menu showcasing New Zealand produce. The evening begins with cocktail aperitifs and canapés before moving to the culinary journey including Kinloch honey, Lumina lamb from Southland, Skull Island tiger prawns, and pistachio panna cotta to finish. "I think it's a well-rounded menu for a special night with your better half," Rudolf says.
Bistro Lago opens at 5:30pm on Valentine's Day, with bookings available through the restaurant's website or by calling the hotel directly.
Bistro Lago Beyond Valentine's Day
Rudolf's vision for Bistro Lago extends well past February 14th. He's championing New Zealand produce with a methodical approach — local first, then regional, then national — and actively seeking partnerships with Taupō and Waikato producers. "We have black truffles just 100 kilometres away, beautiful sturgeon caviar available. There's so much that nobody knows about," he says. For growers and producers, Rudolf has an open invitation: reach out through the Hilton.
The restaurant operates seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with February programmes including Little Shakers (a mocktail class for kids, Thursdays and Saturdays at 4pm), ongoing high tea, and the Sip Society featuring six exclusive cocktails with Teremana Tequila.
Whether you're parasailing over the lake, sampling ginger honey, meeting someone new over bowling, or settling in for a degustation menu, Taupō offers ways to celebrate connection. As Dault puts it: "For locals it's about enjoying what we have here. For visitors, maybe stay a bit longer, experience a bit more what the region has to offer."
For Valentine's Day bookings at Bistro Lago, visit the restaurant's website or call Hilton Lake Taupō. For Taupō inspiration, head to Love Taupō's Instagram @lovetaupo or visit lovetaupo.com.
