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Art & Māori culture

Taupō has a vibrant arts culture bred by its relaxed pace of life, which draws many creatives and artisans to the region. From traditional Māori 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 Taupō Art Trail on Queen’s Birthday weekend goes inside local artists’ own studios to show their process up close.

In spring, the Graffiato: Taupō Street Art Festival is a high-energy celebration, bringing local and international artists to add to Taupō’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, Taupō hosts boutique film festivals, local and travelling theatre shows and outdoor music events, including the annual Taupō Summer Concert, featuring international artists.

Discover the region's Māori cultural heritage at the Taupō Museum, and visit some of New Zealand’s most significant Māori 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 & Māori culture activities and tours in Taupō

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  • Arts, Culture and Heritage

    Lava Glass Sculpture Garden

    Wander through an arty oasis featuring manicured grounds and hundreds of glass sculptures.

    $12.50
  • Gifts & souvenirs

    Lava Glass Gallery

    Discover Lava Glass Gallery: Your Destination for Collectable Glass Art and Unique Souvenirs

  • Māori culture

    Opotaka Historic Reserve - Lake Rotoaira

    Opotaka is a historical Maori pa site (fortified village) where you can learn about the history of the famous Ka Mate Haka, see the remains of the Maori settlement, and enjoy spectacular views across Lake Rotoaira to Mt Tongariro.

  • Horse treks

    Enchanted Forest Horse Ride (Korohe Horse Treks)

    Ride through the Enchanted Forest and discover Santa's hideout with your horse.

    $70
  • Gifts & souvenirs

    Kura Gallery

    Contemporary New Zealand art created by New Zealand artists is the focus at Kura (which means 'treasure' in Māori).

  • Geothermal walks

    Tokaanu Thermal Walk

    See steaming hot mineral pools and spluttering mud pools on this short, easy walk.

  • Boat cruises

    Scenic boat tour to the Māori Rock Carvings with Chris Jolly Outdoors

    Chris Jolly Outdoors has been looking after you for 40 years and that continues during COVID-19. Our ability to socially distance you on your 90 minute tour makes us part of your 'top things to do in Taupō'. Spacious and sparkly clean.

    $49 Book now
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Graffiato: Taupō Street Art Festival

New Zealand’s longest running annual street art festival. 

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Music events 

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