McDonald's (Taupo), Dine in a Unique Retired DC-3 Airplane
16 Roberts St, Taupo 3330, New Zealand
4.1
Introduction
There is an extraordinary McDonald's in Taupo, because it has an unparalleled retired DC3 aircraft. The Douglas DC3 was built in 1943 and was one of three planes owned by the New Zealand South Pacific Airlines. After five years of operation, the aircraft was retired in 1984 and purchased by then-Mayor Rick Cooper for about 20,000 New Zealand dollars in 1985. Initially, the plane was placed in the office of the Aeroplane Car Company, but later a representative from McDonald's contacted Rick Cooper to inquire if the plane could be sold to the fast-food chain.
Today, this plane has become a iconic scene at the Taupo McDonald's, attracting many tourists to take pictures. Eileen Byrne is one of the owners of the plane and said that the plane had many special guests, including the last pilot Ray Misson, who came to visit in his eighties to recall the plane's glorious past. Eileen Byrne cherishes this plane and feels gratified that it has become a beloved landscape for many people. Address 16 Roberts St, Taupo 3330, New Zealand
