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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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  • Art galleries

    Taupo Art Gallery

    ..if a picture paints a thousand words then I hope that my landscapes reflect a little of me and my love of New Zealands wonderful scenery and often, tranquil moods.

  • Cafés

    L’Arté Café & Gallery

    Come and escape the hustle and bustle of pavement dining and soak up our relaxed L’Arté atmosphere. A visual and edible feast. You won't be disappointed.

  • 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 - $75 Book now
  • Art galleries

    Red Rock Gallery

    We make art readily available to people by allowing them to get close to artworks, helping them to see the colours and forms that can not always be appreciated in a photo or online.

  • 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
  • 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.

  • Art galleries

    ZeaYou Gallery

    ZeaYou Gallery has been a Taupō icon in the CBD for almost 30 years. Now showcasing even a wider range of artworks at Brantry House, a must-visit Taupō destination.

  • Gardens

    Combination Ticket Lava Glass Studio and Sculpture Garden

    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.

    $20
  • 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.

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Graffiato: Taupō Street Art Festival

New Zealand’s longest running annual street art festival. 

Art & culture

Art & culture events 

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Music events 

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