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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.
Art and culture activities and tours in Taupo
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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 -
Arts, Culture and Heritage
Lava Glass Sculpture Garden
Wander through an arty oasis featuring manicured grounds and hundreds of glass sculptures.
$10 - $15 -
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.
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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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Maori Cultural Attractions
Maori Rock Carvings with Taupo Kayaking Adventures
We will take you on a 1/2 day adventure kayaking to the impressive 14m high Maori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay, Lake Taupo. Only close-up viewing is accessible by water, a visit to the carvings is the must do activity in Taupo.
$115 Book now -
Maori Cultural Attractions
Taupo Kayaking Adventures
Taupo Kayaking Adventures (TKA) specialises in guided scenic tours and trips on Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest fresh water lake, rivers, streams, walking and mountain biking tracks and trails in the Great Lake Taupo Region.
$65 - $400 Book now -
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 -
Boat cruises
Cruise Kakariki to the Maori Rock Carvings
This all-year-round activity offers relaxation, fun and adventure on the water. Get right up close to this culturally significant 46 foot (14m) high rock art. Enjoy amusing and current commentary on Lake Taupo, the volcanoes and the carvings.
$40 - $45 Book now -
Performing arts
The Haka Shop
Maori Hangi dinner & Cultural show- Meet the real locals to hear the real stories of our tribal area. The Haka Shop welcomes you! Or take a walk with guide "Snow" or weave a mini kete with our expert weavers.
$49 - $89 Book now -
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.
