God loves a tri-er
Tri-Sport Taupo junior competitor Josie Murphy wins the 2025 Youth Triathlon last year. Photo: Scottie T Photography
The Kinloch Triathlon – the oldest tri’ event in NZ - celebrates another year this weekend with events scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at Kinloch.
First held in 1984, the event predates the Auckland Ironman (now the Taupō Ironman) by about a month.
This year's competition will feature two Tri NZ qualifying events, giving athletes the chance to earn spots representing New Zealand at international age group competitions.
"We've got two qualifying events from Tri NZ so people can join the age group and go and represent New Zealand overseas," says Michelle Weston, a committee member with Trisport Taupō.
"There are people coming here who will be aiming to hit a particular time in order to be selected to represent New Zealand at the age groups."
The event attracts between 300 and 400 participants from across the country. This year's schedule includes races for all ages, from the Splash and Dash for children up to age eight, through to the standard distance Erin Baker race featuring a 1,500-metre swim, 40-kilometre bike ride and 10-kilometre run.
The National Aquathon Championships take place Saturday, with Sunday hosting the main events beginning at 8am and continuing through until lunchtime.
Michelle says because of the number of tri events held in Taupō and the natural environment, the sport is very popular here and there are some strong competitors coming through the junior ranks.
"It's a busy training life for them but as a community we definitely have quite a strong focus with Ironman. “
The volunteer-run event requires road closures in Kinloch on Sunday, though local businesses remain open.
Registration is still available for those interested in competing, and spectators are welcome throughout the weekend.
Other events
Lake Taupo Rotary’s Across the Lake Swim is on Saturday, February 28.
This iconic 4.2km swim from Acacia Bay North to 3 Mile Bay boat ramp has been running for 62 years.
For those preferring a shorter swim, 1km or 2km swims are offered from 3 Mile Bay
out and around marker buoys and back to the finish at the Boat Ramp.
For further information and to register your entry visit our website www.acrossthelakeswim.co.nz
February 22 - March 21: The Taupō Environmental Education Collaborative is hosting a Nature Art Watercolour Workshop Series this February and March, led by local artist Sue Graham of Wildwood Gallery.
These relaxed, guided sessions invite participants to explore watercolour painting inspired by local landscapes, waterways, and native species, with a variety of nature themes designed to help people connect with nature through art.
Suitable for adults and children aged 8+, no experience is needed, and all materials are provided. Workshops cost $16 per person, can be booked individually, and will be held in both Tūrangi and Taupō, with a range of themes and dates available.
These workshops are made possible thanks to support from Taupō District Council, Creative Taupō, and Wildwood Gallery. For more information and to book a session, please visit www.tongariro.org.nz/nature-art-series
Workshop Dates:
Sunday, 22 February 2026 - Twenty Shades of Green, 10am, Tūrangi
Sunday, 22 February 2026 - Mountain Memories / Ngā Maunga 1.30pm, Tūrangi
Saturday, 14 March 2026 - Wild Waterways 10am, Taupō
Saturday, 21 March 2026 - Oh You Pretty Things 10am, Taupō
Until March 23: Taupō Museum has partnered with Te Papa and the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake to bring Rūaumoko: Restless Land. Rūaumoko is an interactive touring exhibition that shines a spotlight on Aotearoa’s natural hazards and the importance of being prepared. Blending cutting edge science with mātauranga Māori, it explores the powerful natural forces that continuously shape our country. Visitors will encounter popular features such as the Quake Nation interactive, tectonic plate models, volcanic rock samples and the much‑loved shake table.
February 5: The Taupō Scottish Country Dance Group meets every Thursday at St Pauls Uniting Church from 1.45–3.45pm. First session free, then $5. Meet people, maintain fitness, dance to enjoy Scottish music. Contact Margaret on greenmargaret26@gmail.com or 021 142 7590.
February 5: The Dinner at the Lake is on Thursdays, 4.30-8.30pm, until February 12, with a variety of food options, live local entertainment and a licensed bar.
February 8: Do you love to sing? The AA65 choir is looking for you. If you can spare the time for weekly practice and are fit enough to stay on your feet to sing for 30-minute concerts, please join us at Rotary House on Sunday, 4-5pm.
February 10: U3A will meet at Rotary House, Story Place, 10am. This month's meeting features a talk on Tauhara by Jeffrey Addison, with photos of early Taupō. New members welcome. Ph 021 1656193
February 14: Romance is in the air on Saturday, February 14 for the Valentine’s Lock & Key Mix & Mingle Singles Party for those 35+. The Valentine’s event brings singles together with a fun, interactive twist. 7pm, Cobb & Co, $25 (includes first drink - excluding cocktails). To register for the event, email admin@mixandmingle.nz, or visit the mixandmingle.nz website for more details.
February 20-22: Kuratau School Horse Trek. Email kurataufundraising@gmail.com for more info.
March 13: Midday concerts for 2026 begin on March 13, 12-1pm at St Andrew’s Anglican Church. 'Passione', an Auckland-based string quartet, will be performing. Feel free to come along and listen, bring a friend and $10 cash to pay the performers. Contact Tracey 0272409228 for any further details.
Now until June 30: The Tagged Trout Treasure Hunt involves 10 tagged trout released north, south, east, west and at the reef with each one caught earning a $500 cash prize. Join Taupō Fishing Club to enter ($40 membership) Anglers must hold a DOC Taupō District fishing licence. Email: taupofc@gmail.com or visit www.taupofishingclub.co.nz
February 8: Ukulele Jamming/Strummers is on the first Sunday of each month at the Cossie Club, 2-4pm. Join us for a fun time singing music from the 60's, 70's and 80's.
Until February 15: Lava Glass hosts Artful Minds, an inspiring group exhibition showcasing the work of emerging and professional artists and makers from Taupō.
February 4: Taupō Choral Society is looking for new members. A special concert will be held in November 2026 for our 50th Jubilee, and there are concerts in March and July. Rehearsals begin February 4, 7.15pm at St Pauls Church on Rifle Range Road. You are welcome to come along and see how it all works. Any queries, please find us on Facebook. We would also love past members to participate in the Jubilee Concert.
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