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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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  • Horse treks

    Enchanted Forest & River Horse Ride (Korohe Horse Treks)

    Ride through the Enchanted Forest to the beautiful Waimarino River.

    $90
  • Art galleries

    Tukairangi Gallery / Ross Palmer Pottery

    Discover our range of beautiful handmade wheelthrown and dramatic freeform ware, all in signature rich colourful glazes.

  • Geothermal walks

    Tokaanu Thermal Walk

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

  • Arts & crafts

    Camo Chicken Ceramics Workshops

    Perched on the hills overlooking Lake Taupo, Camo Chicken Studio creates ceramics that are both functional and sculptural, useful, and beautiful. Inspired by both the strength and vulnerability of clay resulting in organically functional wares.

  • 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
  • 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.

  • Kayaking

    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
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Graffiato: Taupō Street Art Festival

New Zealand’s longest running annual street art festival. 

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