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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wander through an arty oasis featuring manicured grounds and hundreds of glass sculptures.
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.
Discover Lava Glass Gallery: Your Destination for Collectable Glass Art and Unique Souvenirs
See steaming hot mineral pools and spluttering mud pools on this short, easy walk.
Discover the magic of glass art with our Combination Ticket. Enjoy entry to our Glassblowing Studio, where you can watch talented artists create unique designs daily. Then, explore our one-of-a-kind Sculpture Garden.
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.
