In case you hadn’t heard, we’re into art in a huge way in Taupō. Look around town and further afield to discover some incredible large pieces of public art. Start with the intricate carvings featured at Te Ātea - Tapuaeharuru on the lakefront. Follow the vibrant street art trail through backstreet lanes and alleys. Head out to Ngātoroirangi at the Māori Rock Carvings in Mine Bay or the giant Pouwhenua carved into an ancient tōtara log at the Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary.
And then, there’s the 20-year sculpture park project centred on Riverside Park. You should start with the newest addition, Boom Boom — a three-metre stainless steel dinosaur on a giant cor-ten volcanic rock that’s stealing everyone’s attention.
But don’t just admire these artworks for their size and beauty — dig deeper as every one of these incredible artworks tells a deeper story about Taupō.
Leading the charge in the development of the Taupō art scene is the Graffiato: Taupō Street Art Festival that brings together some of the world’s best street artists at Labour weekend every year. Attend the festival and watch the artists in action, or download a walking map and view over 80 beautiful murals that form New Zealand’s largest collection of street art.
Market Central Taupō, on Sundays in Taupō town, is a great place to meet local artists and view and purchase their work. You’ll find all kinds of artworks including carved wooden pieces, garden art, painted glass, handmade clothing and knitted goods, jewellery, leather goods and textiles. Next to the market is Active Arts Taupo gallery which sometimes opens on a Saturday to sell paintings by local artists. Check their Facebook page for sale dates.
There are many other galleries in the Lake Taupō area selling local art including Wildwood Gallery, Red Rock Gallery, Zea You Gallery, Pihanga Gallery, Taupō Art Gallery and Kura Art + Design Aotearoa.
Locals love to combine coffee drinking with art and visit one of the region’s cafe galleries. Lava Glass Studio, Gallery, Sculpture Garden and Cafe displays the beautiful glass art created by owner and world-renowned glass artist Lynden Over. The sculpture garden features more than 600 glass art sculptures and some of the largest pieces of glass blown in New Zealand, and if you time it right you might be lucky enough to watch a glassblowing demonstration in the workshop. L’Arte Cafe & Gallery is set in a magical, art-filled garden and is famous for its outdoor mosaic living room. The gallery exhibits resident ceramic artist Judi Brennan’s work, and paintings by local artists adorn the cafe walls.
The music scene in Taupō is alive and kicking. Head to Two Mile Bay Sailing Club on a Sunday afternoon for their locally-famous Sunday Jam session (they also do really good woodfired pizza), or to Mulligan’s Irish Pub on a Thursday night for their open mic nights.
Taupō is awash with music events, especially during summer, and locals know to secure tickets early for the annual Taupō Summer Concert. The amphitheatre at Riverside Park is the perfect backdrop for this outdoor concert that promises big international acts and a massive crowd. The Whakaipo Lodge Summer Concert is a hidden gem of an event. This afternoon blues concert takes place in the picturesque grounds of a private lodge in Acacia Bay. Pack a picnic and celebrate the last days of summer at this popular event.
The Taupō Winter Festival, taking place in July each year, hosts a number of music, theatre and comedy events, and Centre Stage, the local playhouse, stages a number of excellent productions each year.
