Please note: There is a large vegetation fire in Tongariro National Park. Please avoid the area and follow official advice from the Department of Conservation.
Please note: There is a large vegetation fire in Tongariro National Park. Please avoid the area and follow official advice from the Department of Conservation.
Taupō has a vibrant art and craft culture bred by its relaxed pace of life. From contemporary painting, sculpture, ceramics and glass-blowing to traditional Māori carving and weaving, the area draws creatives and artisans to the region who produce a wealth of gorgeous work.
The main towns around the Taupō region have galleries, gift shops, artist studios, and boutique design stores offering a creative edit of furniture, homewares and handcrafted objects.
Taupō Museum offers both inventively curated exhibitions and a shop - He Tangata Iti - that sells prints and the 'small treasures' that its name means.
On Queen’s Birthday Weekend every June, the annual Taupō Art Trail takes you inside the studios of local artists, and there are many boutique galleries open year round.
The studio galleries of award-winning glass artist Lynden Over of Lava Glass and ceramicist Judi Brennan of L'Arte are relaxed places to spend an afternoon browsing the unique and beautiful objects and having a coffee in the garden cafes.
Dotted around the lake, you will discover a diverse range of creatives working from their studio galleries - highlights include 3 Art Gallery in Kinloch, Wildwood Gallery in Waitahanui, Tukairangi Gallery in Acacia Bay and Pihanga Art Gallery in Tūrangi. Download a copy of the Taupō Art Connection Art Trail Guide for a full list of regional galleries and studios.
The Taupō Sculpture Trust has commissioned some of New Zealand's most notable sculptors to create impressive artworks for public display around Taupō. Pause for a minute as you walk Taupō town lakefront and take a breather next to Flora Totem or Swell. Or make a day of it and visit all the sculptures around Taupō town.
Lava Glass is the playground of Lynden Over, one of New Zealand's leading glass artists. In his studio, you get the opportunity to watch him and resident artists at work. Lava Glass is the first certified net carbon zero glass studio in the world.
Wander through an arty oasis featuring manicured grounds and hundreds of glass sculptures.
Discover Lava Glass Gallery: Your Destination for Collectable Glass Art and Unique Souvenirs
Contemporary New Zealand art created by New Zealand artists is the focus at Kura (which means 'treasure' in Māori).
Discover our range of beautiful handmade wheelthrown and dramatic freeform ware, all in signature rich colourful glazes.
Our gallery displays fine art woodturning, sculpture and paintings by husband and wife team, Robbie and Sue Graham, plus quirky pottery and more.
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.
..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.
Carvings, as preserved by Maori. Delani is a master carver, with pieces on display in a number of places.
We make art readily available to people by allowing them to get close to artworks, helping them to see the colours and forms that can not always be appreciated in a photo or online.
