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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.
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Geothermal
Tokaanu Thermal Walk
See steaming hot mineral pools and spluttering mud pools on this short, easy walk.
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Art galleries
Lava Glass Studio, Gallery, and Sculpture Garden
Lava Glass offers a unique and fascinating window into the world of glassblowing and glass art. The complex comprises a glass art gallery, glassblowing studio, glass sculpture garden and café.
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Maori culture
Opotaka Historic Reserve
Opotaka is a historical Māori pa site (fortified village) where you can learn about the history of the famous Ka Mate Haka, see the remains of the Māori settlement, and enjoy spectacular views across Lake Rotoaira to Mt Tongariro.
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Art galleries
Pihanga Art Gallery
Showcasing and selling paintings, ceramics, sculpture, fibre art, jewelry, Harakeke flax art and woodturning created by a group of artists living in the Turangi Tongariro area.
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Hot pools & health spas
Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa - Guided tour and Maori experience
Silcia terraces, thermal bathing pools, massage therapy, Maori cultural experiences, geothermal tours.
$15 -
Art galleries
New Zealand Maori Creations
Carvings, as preserved by Maori. Delani is a master carver, with pieces on display in a number of places.
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Art galleries
Tukairangi Gallery / Ross Palmer Pottery
Tukairangi Gallery is the home and studio of master potter Ross Palmer, and his wife Annie. Discover an always-evolving range of beautiful handmade wheel-thrown and dramatic free-form ware, all in signature rich colourful glazes.
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Art galleries
3 Art Gallery
The 3 Art Gallery brings together the work of three local Taupo artisans using native and exotic wood and naturally coloured sand from around New Zealand. Purchase unique New Zealand art work, view artists at work or join a workshop and create your own piece of art.
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Art galleries
Taupo Museum and Ora - Garden of Wellbeing
'Sharing Taupo stories with the world' is the motto of this vibrant district museum which contains an array of exhibits with everything from Maori treasures, a Kiwiana caravan and art galleries.
$3 - $5
