What’s on around the Taupō District
Black Beauty - one of the country’s most famous race cars is on show at the Historic GP in Taupō this weekend, January 16-18.
From rock royalty to life-sized dinosaurs, there’s an event for everyone coming up in the Taupō District over the next few weeks.
January 24: The Taupō Summer Concert is nearly here, with Iggy Pop, Joan Jett, Hoodoo Gurus and Zed in town next weekend.
The concert, at Taupō Amphitheatre on January 24, Auckland Anniversary Weekend is popular with locals and visitors who flock to the iconic riverside venue each year.
Greenstone Entertainment CEO Amanda Calvert says Iggy Pop and Joan Jett “are quite simply pure rock royalty” and they are thrilled to welcome them back to Aotearoa.
In a statement about the line-up Greenstone Entertainment says Iggy Pop is considered by many to be the ‘Godfather of Punk’.
“Iggy Pop is widely acknowledged as one of the most dynamic stage performers of all time. He has built a legendary career filled with both critical acclaim and fanatic cult success.
Iggy says he’s “knocked out by the chance to come and rock hard and enjoy the incredible summer in beautiful New Zealand; mountains, lakes, beaches and good times.
“Oh hell yeah, I am bringing the world's greatest rock band and a full bag of everything I know how to do, and the songs I can offer, from hard rock to rock pop.”
Formed in Sydney in 1981, the Hoodoo Gurus are renowned for their inventive and witty songwriting, dynamic live shows, and fusion of garage rock, pop and psychedelia.
ZED were an essential part of the soundtrack to New Zealand life between 1999 and 2004, amassing an impressive ten Top 40 hits during the height of their career.
Zed joins Iggy Pop and Joan Jett at the Taupō Summer Concert on January 24.
Skatescool Public Roller Discos. All ages and abilities welcome. Entry $12 for two hours of fun. Hire skates available for $5. Learn to skate frames available for beginners. Tips and advice given. January 17 and 31 at Tūrangi Gymnasium, January 22-23 (12-2pm) Taupō Events Centre. For more information see www.skatescooltaupo.co.nz
January 16-18: The Historic GP is a highlight of the Repco NextGen NZ Championship at Taupō this weekend.
Former Supercars champion Greg Murphy will be in the Historic GP field this weekend aboard his Swift Formula Atlantic, competing against 2025 winner Kaleb Ngatoa.
The Historic GP celebrates the rich history of motorsport.
Alongside the Formula Atlantics and Formula Racing, fans will also be entertained by historic categories like the HVRA Saloons, Arrow Wheels Heritage Touring Cars NZ, Classic Saloons, and EURO Class, and a glimpse of future stars with the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy.
International stars Kalle Rovanperä and Ryan Wood will drive in the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy.
Action takes place from Friday to Sunday. More information and tickets can be found at nextgennz.co.nz. There are also gate sales but tickets are cheaper online.
January 17-18: The Amazing Dinosaur Discovery is an interactive dinosaur walk-through that brings prehistoric times alive at Tongariro North Domain.
Come and explore the prehistoric ages and discover more than 30 lifelike dinosaurs. You don’t want to miss the crowd favourite Tyrannosaurus Rex, the 12m long neck of Brachiosaurus or the much raved about Robotic Raptors. Watch them move and hear them roar!
Visit amazingdinosaurdiscovery.co.nz for the full list of activities, ticket prices, session times and other details.
January 15: 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.
Now until June 30: The Tagged Trout Treasure Hunt, which celebrates 50 years of the Taupō Fishing Club, involves 10 tagged trout released north, south, east, west and at the reef with each one caught earning a $500 cash prize, transferred to a bank account.
Join Taupō Fishing Club to enter ($40 membership), www.taupofishingclub.co.nz. Anglers must hold a current DOC Taupō District fishing licence. Catch, photograph, and verify tagged trout at Taupō Rod & Tackle within 24 hours. Only rod-and-line fishing allowed and fishery regulations must be followed. Photos may be used for publicity.
Email: taupofc@gmail.com or www.taupofishingclub.co.nz
From now until February 15: Lava Glass hosts Artful Minds, an inspiring group exhibition showcasing the work of emerging and professional artists and makers from Taupō.
Skatescool Public Roller Discos are on in Taupō and Tūrangi over the next two weeks.
All summer: Mahi Aroha – a collaboration between community group Project Tongariro and DOC invites visitors and locals to get naturing this summer with 30 trips on offer across the region. New offerings this summer include an art auction, a presentation on invasive gold clams, and an overnight hikoi via jetboat on the Whanganui River. And there are the old family-favourites like trap-building workshops, nature-art, and tramping. Popular events such as heli-hikes and tours at Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary fill up quickly each year. Early booking is recommended. Book your adventure at: www.tongariro.org.nz/mahi-aroha
February 4 onwards: Taupō Choral Society is looking for new members. We are a local choir that has been operating in Taupō for the past 50 years. Yes, it’s our Golden Jubilee year! A special concert will be held in November 2026 for the Jubilee, but there are also two earlier concerts to be held in March and July. If you like to sing, come and join us. Membership costs are low but the fun of singing in a choir is high! Rehearsals begin Wednesday Feb 4h, 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.
P.S. if you are a past member who would like to just participate in the Jubilee Concert, we would love to have you too! Please contact us.
Free event listings. 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. Please send us a brief summary of 50 words, a photo if you have one and a longer summary in case we have room. If you want more sizzle with your sausage, help yourself and us by buying advertising space; sales@tauponews.co.nz