Art cafe feeds body and soul
Just around the lake edge from Taupo¯, in Acacia Bay, and founded by the motherdaughter team Jo and Judi Brennan, L’Arte Cafe and Gallery is a delight for all the senses, which is deservedly popular.
Tucked into a neat garden back from the bay is colourful and original art and a licensed cafe serving such delicious food that it is a relief the breakfast and lunch menus are available all day. Whether it’s a proper meal you want, or an in-between treat, you’ll find it, with drinks to match.
Even better, there is art to admire in the garden. There are metal and pottery sculptures to catch your eye as you walk up the path, some of them kinetic, but the main attraction is the spectacularly colourful outdoor living room with sofas, an armchair, fireplace, tables, and a window.
Each surface is a marvel of jigsawed pieces of bright tile, smooth and decorative. Even more marvellous, given the hard nature of the materials, the seats are superbly comfortable. With flowers and birds part of the creation, it’s quirky, cheerful and clever, and irresistibly photogenic. This decorative theme is continued in the cafe and throughout the garden.
Why go?
When did you last feed body and soul at the same time, this colourfully? From the corn fritters and yummy Mexican bowl, to the flower birdbaths and kete wall art, a visit to L’Arte Cafe and Gallery is deeply satisfying.
Insider tip
Take a proper wander around the garden to see all the art, you’ll need sharp eyes for some of them. Look twice at those flowers and butterflies. Don’t miss the gallery where there’s a range of creations, large and small, to admire and buy, and where the workshop behind is a pottery studio that produces much of the art you’ve been admiring.
On the way/nearby
After your fill, head to Acacia Bay and use some of that energy at Taupo¯ Kayaking Adventures. It has a variety of hiking and biking activities, with or without guides, but it’s hard to beat a paddle around the lake to view the spectacular 14-metre-high Ma¯ori rock carvings at Mine Bay.
If that sounds too much like hard work, take a stroll along the lake edge on nearby Rangatira Point Track for some great views.
If it’s a Saturday morning, head towards town for a browse around the Taupo¯ Market, off Acacia Bay Rd.
How much?
No charge to enter the garden, so you could theoretically enjoy the mosaics for free, but then you would be depriving yourself of that excellent food and coffee.
Best time to go
The cafe can get busy, so time your visit wisely. A sunny day is best to enjoy the garden art. Currently open Wednesday to Sunday, 8am until 4pm. See larte.co.nz.