The Deck is a bar and eatery in Taupo Central, set above Waterside Restaurant and Bar on the lakefront at 5 Tongariro Street, opposite the big fish on the waterfront. It's known for stunning panoramic views of Taupo's lake and mountains, along with a relaxed, social atmosphere the venue calls 'the best vibes in town.'
The menu covers pub favourites like juicy burgers, pizzas loaded with toppings, and crispy loaded fries, alongside a drinks list spanning cold beer, wine, spirits and expertly crafted cocktails. Beyond food and drink, The Deck offers entertainment including Sky Sports screenings, pool tables, and a selection of free board games including Cards Against Humanity.
The Deck is open every day from 11am to 10pm, with easy parking available down Ferry Road.
Up the stairs above Waterside Restaurant and Bar on Taupo's lakefront, The Deck has built its reputation on one simple promise: the best vibes in town. Set opposite the big fish on the waterfront at 5 Tongariro Street, the venue looks out over stunning panoramic views of Lake Taupo and the mountains beyond, making it a natural spot to settle in for a few hours.
The Deck's menu sticks to pub classics done well. Burgers are the headline act, each one packed with flavour, while the pizzas are baked to perfection and loaded with toppings for anyone after something cheesy. For a side that steals the show, the loaded fries come crispy and golden, smothered in toppings that make them hard to stop eating.
Alongside the food, The Deck pours a full drinks list - cold beer, a solid range of wine, and a variety of spirits for anyone after something stronger. The standout, though, is the cocktail list: fusion drinks described as genuinely Instagram-worthy, crafted to match the setting as much as the taste.
What sets The Deck apart from a standard bar is everything built around the food and drink. Sky Sports plays on the screens for anyone catching the game, the pool tables are rated among the best in town, and a stack of free board games - including a well-loved copy of Cards Against Humanity - are on hand for groups wanting to make an afternoon or evening of it.
The Deck keeps consistent hours, open every day from 11am to 10pm, so there's no need to check ahead before a visit. Parking is straightforward too - just park down Ferry Road and walk on over to the lakefront entrance.
Regulars at The Deck are affectionately known as 'Deckheads,' a nod to the venue's laid-back, social culture. Between the views, the food, the cocktails and the entertainment on offer, it's built to be the kind of place people come back to again and again.