Set against Lake Taupo and surrounded by adventure tourism, the Taupo McDonald’s plane restaurant is an unlikely curiosity. This piece explores why a converted Second World War aircraft has become one of the town’s most talked-about stops.
Scepticism about McDonald’s as a destination
I don’t get the idea that there is a time and a place for McDonald’s. Some people – even people who will usually eat good food – seem to have an occasional weakness for the golden arches.
It’s seen as a dirty, naughty treat – something of a guilty secret to be indulged in, like listening to Meatloaf whilst drinking Amaretto and Coke or watching Total Wipeout in a onesie whilst making your pet cat dance.
Why McDonald’s usually makes no sense
While I can get this with Burger King (occasionally just the ticket) and I’m quite partial to a Subway or Taco Bell, the whole McDonald’s thing makes no sense to me.
The burgers are consistently dreadful, even if you’re really drunk, and the rest of the food is arguably even more rank.
The list that changed expectations
Even so, I was intrigued when a website called the Daily Meal published a list of the Top 10 coolest McDonald’s. Every other news site seemed to run with it.
What really surprised me, however, was that the number one coolest McDonald’s just so happened to be in the town I was driving to the next day.
Taupo’s accidental fast food fame
I’m sure Taupo on New Zealand‘s North Island would prefer to concentrate on its gorgeous lakeside setting, adventure sports and access to the Tongariro National Park.
But tough luck chaps, you’re now officially the coolest place to eat a shitty burger.
First impressions of Taupo McDonald’s
Pulling up outside the Taupo McDonald’s it’s immediately noticeable that it has a pretty impressive playground for the kids.
An excellent place for them to work off a few calories from those Happy Meals. Inside, it’s relatively snazzy too – with some leather couches and alcoves in a bid to pretend it’s an acceptable alternative to a coffee shop.
The Douglas D3 plane outside
But what’s really hard to avoid is the plane outside.
This Macca’s has its very own Douglas D3 aircraft – built in 1943 and used to transport American troops around the South Pacific Islands during the Second World War.
Eating inside a Second World War aircraft
It’s not just for decoration either. Once you’ve ordered your tray of crap, you can walk through the children’s playground – trying your very best not to look like some sort of paedophile that lurks behind climbing frames – and up the ramp.
Inside the plane, chairs have been placed around fold-down tables. It’s a diner. Inside a Second World War aircraft.
The cockpit and the plane’s backstory
You can walk through to the cockpit, where all the controls are still wired up.
Panels on either side explain the history of the plane, which seems to have been owned by every tinpot airline in Australasia before being retired like an old carthorse in the 1980s.
Finding the right moment for McDonald’s
It’s with a sense of history and amusement that I sit down with my McMuffin.
It tastes horrible, of course. But for once, there is a time and place for a McDonalds.
Nearby attractions in Taupo
- Lake Taupo: A vast volcanic lake with lakeside walks, boat cruises, and swimming spots close to town. The best way to explore is kayaking to the Mine Bay Maori rock carvings.
- Huka Falls: One of New Zealand’s most powerful waterfalls, located a short drive north of Taupo.
- Tongariro National Park: Home to volcanic landscapes and long-distance walking tracks, including the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
- Craters of the Moon: An easily accessible geothermal area with steaming vents and boardwalk trails.
- Taupo DeBretts Hot Springs: Thermal pools and spa facilities on the edge of town.
If you want the world’s coolest Burger King, incidentally, try the Kayenta Burger King near Monument Valley in north-east Arizona. It’s home to a fascinating museum about World War II’s Navajo code-talkers.
Taupo McDonald’s plane restaurant FAQ
| Why is Taupo McDonald’s famous? | It is known for having a fully converted Douglas D3 aircraft where customers can sit and eat. |
|---|---|
| Can you eat inside the plane at Taupo McDonald’s? | Yes, the aircraft interior has tables and seating for diners. |
| How old is the plane at Taupo McDonald’s? | The Douglas D3 was built in 1943 and originally used during the Second World War. |
| Is the cockpit accessible? | Visitors can walk into the cockpit and see the original controls. |
| Is Taupo McDonald’s worth visiting? | It is less about the food and more about the novelty of dining inside a historic aircraft. |
More New Zealand North Island travel
Other New Zealand North Island travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Why Napier is New Zealand’s art deco secret.
- Pedal-powered monorail: Riding the Shweeb in Rotorua.
- Kayaking with seals from New Plymouth.
- Tackling Auckland’s 16km Coast-to-Coast Walkway via One Tree Hill and Mount Eden.
- 7 memorable things to do in Auckland.
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