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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
Displaying 21 - 30 of 35
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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 -
Water activities
Taupo Jet Ski Tours
Come and get out on Lake Taupō, Let us take you on a tour to visit one of Taupõ's iconic tourist attractions, The Māori Carving's and enjoy an adrenaline rush on our Beautiful Lake Taupō getting there.
$200 -
Boat cruises
Sail Barbary - eco sailing Lake Taupo
Explore Lake Taupō on an eco-friendly scenic cruise with Sail Barbary. Enjoy stunning views as you set sail to explore the Māori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay. Book and enjoy a must-do experience on New Zealand's only commercial electric sail boat.
$49 - $59 Book now -
Boat cruises
Kindred Spirit - Maori Carvings Sailing Tour
Escape the hectic of life and experience the beauty of the lake and the Māori Rock Carvings on Lake Taupō's largest charter yacht Kindred Spirit with superior comfort.
$59 - $69 Book now -
Maori Cultural Attractions
Kayak to the Maori Rock Carvings with Canoe & Kayak
Let Canoe & Kayak take you on a kayak adventure across stunning Lake Taupō while taking in all the beautiful views of the surrounding coastline and neighbouring mountains before getting up close and personal to the iconic Māori Rock Carvings.
$115 -
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 -
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 -
Land Activities
The Enchanted Forest Ride
Ride through the enchanted forest and maybe discover Santa's hideout.
$70 - $70.01 -
Volcanic/Geothermal
Taupo Tours and Charters
Taupo Tours and Charters offer tours and transport in the Taupo and Rotorua plus Hawkes Bay region. We will custom fit the tour or transport to your needs so that your stay in the area is maximised. We have comfortable buses with tinted windows.
$20 - $100 -
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.
$120 Book now
