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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
Displaying 1 - 10 of 26
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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 - $20 -
Scenic attraction
Te Ātea - Tapuaeharuru
Where Taupō township meets the lakefront, you’ll discover the newly-created Te Ātea (the Māori word for 'space'). Its purpose? A meeting place for all. But behind it is a story that began many thousands of years ago.
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Maori Cultural Attractions
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.
$59 - $155 Book now -
Arts & crafts
Lava Glass Glassblowing Studio Tour
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.
$12.50 - $20 -
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.
$45 Book now -
Geothermal walks
Tokaanu Thermal Walk
See steaming hot mineral pools and spluttering mud pools on this short, easy walk.
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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.
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Scenic flights
INFLITE Experiences Taupo - Overview
INFLITE Experiences Taupo offers unforgettable helicopter tours, showing the best of Taupo's powerful volcanoes, thermal reserves, tranquil wilderness areas, colourful local lakes, sparkling rivers and coastlines.
$99 - $790 -
Horse treks
Enchanted Forest & River Horse Ride (Korohe Horse Treks)
Ride through the Enchanted Forest to the beautiful Waimarino River.
$90 -
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.
$3 - $5
