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Art & galleries
Taupo has a vibrant art and craft culture bred by its relaxed pace of life. From contemporary painting, sculpture, ceramics and glass-blowing to traditional Maori carving and weaving, the area draws creatives and artisans to the region who produce a wealth of gorgeous work.
In the main towns around the Taupo region, there are galleries, gift shops, artist studios, and boutique design stores offering a creative edit of furniture, homewares and handcrafted objects.
Taupo 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 Taupo 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 d'art 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 Turangi. Download a copy of the Taupo Art Connection Art Trail Guide for a full list of galleries and studios around the region.
The Taupo Sculpture Trust has commissioned some of New Zealand's most notable sculptors to create impressive artworks for public display around Taupo. Pause for a minute as you’re walking the Taupo town lakefront and take a breather next to Flora Totem or Swell. Or make a day of it and visit all 12 sculptures around Taupo town.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 12
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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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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Art galleries
Red Rock Gallery
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.
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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
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.