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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 11 - 20 of 26
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Art galleries
Wildwood Gallery
Our gallery displays fine art woodturning, sculpture and paintings by husband and wife team, Robbie and Sue Graham, plus quirky pottery and more.
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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
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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Kayaking
Taupo Kayaking Adventures
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Art galleries
Tukairangi Gallery / Ross Palmer Pottery
Discover our range of beautiful handmade wheelthrown and dramatic freeform ware, all in signature rich colourful glazes.
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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 -
Hot pools & health spas
Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa - Guided Tour and Maori Experience
Silcia terraces, thermal bathing pools, massage therapy, Maori cultural experiences, geothermal tours.
$15 -
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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Geothermal walks
Tokaanu Thermal Walk
See steaming hot mineral pools and spluttering mud pools on this short, easy walk.
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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.
