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Rotorua has the area's most diverse dining scene. You can order anything from Indian to Japanese fare, or, for true local flavor, try a M?ori h?ngi (a traditional meal cooked in an earth oven or over a steam vent). Hawke's Bay is another hot spot; its winery restaurants emphasize sophisticated preparations and food-and-wine pairings. Around Eastland, which is so laid-back it's nearly horizontal, the choices are simpler, and you'll be treated with the area's characteristic friendliness. One thing you won't find on any menu is fresh trout. Laws prohibit selling this fish, but if you catch a trout, chefs at most lodging establishments will cook it for you.
Dressing up for dinner, or any other meal, is a rarity, expected at only the most high-end lodges and restaurants.
For a meal with a view of Lake Taupō, try Waterside with its huge picture windows and deck for sunny day dining. The team pride themselves in excellent food matched with a great drinks list and friendly service. The cooking is simple and hearty, fish-and-chips, steak, and as a bonus a menu for children. If you are in the sharing mood there are also platters covering seafood or traditional food from the land.
