Supercars, skates and garden exchanges
Supercars make their way through Taupō on Thursday afternoon. Photo: Dan Hutchinson
Welcome to the Events Guide for the Taupō District.
April 9-12: Repco Supercars Championship: Supercars weekend gets underway with the Track to Town event on Thursday. On April 9, all 24 Supercars will leave Taupō International Motorsport Park at 3.45pm, heading down Broadlands Rd and Spa Rd to Tapuaeharuru, in Roberts St. Meet the drivers, grab an autograph, get yourself some merch and get ready for an exciting weekend ahead. The cars will leave at 5pm to go back to the track. Racing takes place from April 10-12 in the first leg of an historic two-week trans-island motorsport celebration. Taupō International Motorsport Park and Christchurch’s Ruapuna Raceway are locked in for back-to-back events in April. Supercars will race in Taupō from 10–12 April, followed by the inaugural South Island round at Ruapuna from 17–19 April, delivering the first-ever New Zealand Double Header in the Championship’s history.
April 10: The April Midday Concert will be held on April 10, from 12-1pm at St Andrew’s Anglican Church. The concert will feature two local ensembles: the Taupō Strings Orchestra, along with a debut concert performance for the 'G' Strings ukulele ensemble. Feel free to come along and listen, bring a friend and $10 cash to pay the performers. Contact Tracey 0272409228 for any further details.
April 11: The Garden Exchange and Community Secondhand & Car Boot Marketplace will launch its first event on Saturday, April 11, from 10am-2pm at the Timebank Community Gardens. It will then be on the last Saturday of each month thereafter. For more information, or to book a stand, email taupo@communitymarkets.nz or call Julian Bishop on 022 319 0092.
April 14 and 16: Bridge lessons at the Taupō Bridge Club are starting after Easter. Bridge is a great game for all ages that will keep your brain active and prevent the rust from setting in. Lessons start on April 14 5.30 - 7.30pm and again on April 16, 10am – 12noon. Lessons run for 10 weeks, followed by supported play to consolidate your new skills. For more information, visit our website - www.taupobridge.com or email taupobridge@xtra.co.nz.
April 17: The Antarctic Film Festival, Lake Taupo Rotary House, 12 Story Place, 6.30pm – 8:30pm, tickets $20. An unforgettable evening of storytelling from the coldest place on Earth. The New Zealand Antarctic Society is proud to invite you to a presentation by Richard Balm and a curated selection of captivating short films from the heart of Antarctica.
April 17-18: Well-known local mountain bike event, Bike Taupō Craters Classic, is now open for registrations. The popular annual ride doubles as a fundraiser for charity organisation Bike Taupō. The Kids Craters will run on Friday April 17, while the Craters Classic is on Saturday April 18. Kids can choose from 6km or 12km and every child will receive a finisher’s medal at the end. Adults have a variety of distances to choose from including the 50km Bayley’s Taupō Classic. Entries and more details at cratersclassic.co.nz.
April 19-20: Taupō will host a major new professional golf event in April when the Entelar Group Invitational comes to town as part of a national three-event series. Played across Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary (19 April) and Kinloch Club (20 April), the tournament will feature 50 professionals and 50 amateurs competing over 36 holes. The TORO New Zealand Speedgolf Open and the New Zealand Men's Mid Amateur Championship also takes place across the same fortnight.
May 24: Taupo Choral presents Autumnal Tones. This concert has beautiful atmospheric tones reminding us of hope and peace. Featuring Taupo Choral singers and guest musicians, there will be a collection of songs honouring peace and harmony. Held at St. Andrew’s Church, Titiruapenga Street on Sunday 24 May at 3:00pm. Tickets: Adult $20, with under 18 free.
Regular events
Skatescool Taupō’s April school holiday programme of Roller Discos includes 4 events each week at the new rink, 86 Miro St, $12 entry and $5 skate hire. Learn to skate frames and pads available. All ages and abilities. Times are April 7 (1-3pm), April 9 (1-3pm), April 10 (6.30-8pm), April 11 (1-3pm), April 14 (1-3pm), April 16 (1-3pm), April 17 (6.30-8pm) and April 18 (1-3pm).
Every Sunday: If you love to sing, have free time to take part in weekday concerts and can stay on your feet for a 30-minute performance, the AA65 choir would love you to join our group. We practise at 4pm every Sunday at Rotary House and sing at different venues every second month.
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
March 29: The Ukulele Strummers meet at the Cossie Club, 2-4pm on March 29, not the usual first Sunday in April, which is Easter Day. Don't play but love to sing? We have song books for you. Join us for a fun time with music from the 60's, 70's, 80's. All welcome.
April 2: 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.
Send details of your event to news@tauponews.co.nz for a free listing in our weekly What’s On section. Publication is dependent on space. Send a brief summary of 50 words, a photo if you have one and a longer summary in case we have room.