McDonald's Taupo — Restaurant in North Island

It was SUPER crazy busy when we went in. Understanding it was school holidays and the lunch rush, it was a bad time to even walk into order.

However, the order kiosk we used was malfunctioning between each meal I was adding to my order, which really held up the works. When we finally process and paid the order then it was a very long wait. I could see the staff frantically trying to bust out everyone's orders as efficiently as possible. A few orders were being called out but no one collecting. There was such a messy system of drinks for each order, congregated in the one area. I have no clue how the staff member could match up with the food orders. I truly believe this could be better improved in a more tidy, easier way. The young man who finally called out our order, apologized for the wait in such a nice manner. All I had was empathy for him to have to work through the mess of drinks to match with orders. Unfortunately I didn't quite get his name but I commended and wished him luck!

All in all, management need to seriously consider proper processes and procedures for a waiting area for orders being picked up (inside). Even if it means people need to sit down at the tables to wait for their number being called. Speaking of calling orders out, it could pay to have an intercom installed instead of staff trying to yell and scream orders out. With the amount of background noise, it was no wonder people were not able to hear their orders being called. With COVID still lingering, and the amount of people waiting inside, you could definitely find someone will contract the virus in...

What an incredible idea to have a McDonald’s in an airplane-shaped setting! This unique dining experience in Taupō is absolutely brilliant and one-of-a-kind. From the moment you see the vintage DC-3 airplane standing proudly as part of the restaurant, it’s impossible not to feel amazed by the creativity and design. The attention to detail is impeccable, from the sleek exterior to the interior seating area inside the plane itself, giving you a sense of dining mid-flight!

Located just a 2-minute walk from the stunning Lake Taupō, this McDonald’s is perfectly situated for visitors to enjoy a quick meal with a view. The outdoor seating area complements the quirky setup, making it an excellent spot to relax after exploring the lake. I was impressed by how seamlessly the airplane integrates into the overall restaurant design, adding an element of fun and surprise to the dining experience.

The staff were friendly, and the service was efficient despite the steady flow of curious customers wanting to experience this iconic spot. The food quality was up to McDonald’s standards, but the real star here is the ambiance and uniqueness of the location. It’s not just a place to eat; it’s an experience to remember. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite or just stopping by to admire the setup, this airplane-shaped McDonald’s is a must-see in Taupō. Brilliant concept, great execution, and an...

I saw another review regarding a staff member rudely approaching someone bringing in their dog inside and I wanted to share my past experience too. I visited to see the McDonald’s plane and was traveling with my small dog, whom I was carrying in my arms. As soon as we walked inside, a staff member started yelling at my family and me, shouting, “No service for you!” in a loud and unprofessional tone. Everyone in the restaurant stopped and stared.

Firstly, there were no signs indicating that dogs were not allowed. Even if that’s the policy, the situation could have been handled far more politely. The staff member could have pulled us aside and explained the rules calmly. When we tried to speak with her afterward to suggest a better approach, the rest of the team hid in the back and refused to engage with us.

This experience was incredibly disappointing, and I wouldn’t return. The plane itself, which I was excited to see, was poorly maintained and in need of a deep clean and renovation—not at all living up to the hype.

The funny thing is, over the next few days, we visited the Rotorua McDonald’s, and when we asked if dogs were allowed, they welcomed us warmly, saying, “Of course, dogs are part of the whānau, and we understand that.” Where is the consistency, McDonald’s? This experience highlights the need for better communication and training across your locations, or...