Make the most of your Taupo summer! View summer deals
Art & culture
Taupo has a vibrant arts culture bred by its relaxed pace of life, which draws many creatives and artisans to the region. From traditional Maori carving and weaving to contemporary painting, sculpture, ceramics, glass-blowing, wood-carving and street art, there’s a wealth of beautiful work to see (and even take home).
Taupo town centre has several art galleries and a small museum that host changing exhibitions. The popular annual Taupo Art Trail on Queen’s Birthday weekend goes inside local artists’ own studios to show their process up close.
In spring, the Graffiato: Taupo Street Art Festival is a high-energy celebration, bringing local and international artists to add to Taupo’s surprising and diverse collection of public murals.
The Lava Glass Sculpture Garden is a must visit for art fans. Featuring more than 600 handcrafted glass sculptures and is the only garden of this kind in New Zealand.
Like many resort towns, Taupo hosts boutique film festivals, local and travelling theatre shows and outdoor music events, including the annual Taupo Summer Concert, featuring international artists.
Discover the region's Maori culture heritage at the Taupo Museum, and visit some of New Zealand’s most significant Maori pa sites (fortified villages) where you can learn about the history of the famous Ka Mate Haka at Opotaka Historic Reserve or discover the site where the last major engagement of the New Zealand Wars was fought in 1869 at Te Porere Redoubt.
Art and culture activities and tours in Taupo
Displaying 1 - 10 of 33
-
Arts & crafts
Lava Glass Glassblowing Studio Tour
Lava Glass is the playground of Lynden Over, one of New Zealand's leading glass artists. In his glassblowing studio, you get the opportunity to watch him and resident artists at work.
$5 - $7.50 -
Art galleries
ZeaYou Gallery
ZeaYou Gallery has been a Taupo icon in the CBD for the past 27 years. Now relocated to the top level of Brantry House.
-
Arts, Culture and Heritage
Lava Glass Sculpture Garden
Wander through an arty oasis featuring manicured grounds and hundreds of glass sculptures.
$10 - $15 -
Museums
Volcanic Activity Centre
Turangi’s Volcanic Activity Centre is a hands-on interactive educational tourist visitor attraction that makes understanding the earths volcanic forces easy and fun through a wide range of informative visual, electronic and interactive displays.
$10 - $12 -
Scenic flights
INFLITE Experiences Taupo - Overview
INFLITE Experiences Taupo offers unforgettable helicopter tours, showing the best of Taupo's powerful volcanoes, thermal reserves, tranquil wilderness areas, colourful local lakes, sparkling rivers and coastlines.
$99 - $790 -
Art galleries
Wildwood Gallery
Our gallery displays fine art woodturning, sculpture and paintings by husband and wife team, Robbie and Sue Graham, plus quirky pottery and more.
-
Art galleries
Taupo Art Gallery
..if a picture paints a thousand words then I hope that my landscapes reflect a little of me and my love of New Zealands wonderful scenery and often, tranquil moods.
-
Cafes
L'Arte Cafe & Gallery
Come and escape the hustle and bustle of pavement dining and soak up our relaxed L’Arté atmosphere. A visual and edible feast. You won't be disappointed.
-
Boat cruises
Sail Fearless - Māori Carvings Sailing Tour
"Be Fearless" and take an amazing sailing trip on Great Lake Taupo, sailing to the Maori Rock carvings. It's a great affordable and family friendly cruise.
$39 - $59 Book now -
Art galleries
Tukairangi Gallery / Ross Palmer Pottery
Discover our range of beautiful handmade wheelthrown and dramatic freeform ware, all in signature rich colourful glazes.
