What’s on: Cockies’ day at the races
Calling all farmers, growers and rural legends and anyone else who wants to experience an afternoon of good country fun and a day at the races, at Taupō Racecourse.
Racing, live music, food vendors, bars, Punter’s Club and more.
First race is scheduled for 1.35pm with eight sponsored races, with the last race at 5.31pm. Pack the gazebo and the family and enjoy a stunning day of racing on the embankment. Hospitality packages available too. Head to tauporacingclub.co.nz for more information.
February 21- March 23: Handwoven works from England and New Zealand come together at Taupō Museum’s Niven Gallery in an international showcase titled Verve. The exhibition created by the not‑for‑profit group Tapestry Touring International runs from 21 February until 23 March. Tapestry Touring International was formed to connect tapestry weavers from different countries and give them opportunities to collaborate, create, and exhibit their work without the financial barriers that often accompany international shows.
Now 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.
February 19: 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 20-22: Kuratau School Horse Trek. Email kurataufundraising@gmail.com for more info.
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. Suitable for adults and children aged 8+, no experience is needed, and all materials are provided. Workshops cost $16 per person and will be held in both Tūrangi and Taupō. For more information and to book a session, please visit www.tongariro.org.nz/nature-art-series
February 22: 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.
February 28: 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. There are 1km or 2km options from 3 Mile Bay, around marker buoys and back. For more information, visit www.acrossthelakeswim.co.nz
March 7: Ironman comes to Taupō. A legendary race at the top of bucket lists worldwide, the only way to experience the spirit of Anzco Foods Ironman New Zealand is to live it. As the longest-running Ironman outside of Kona, Hawaii, the legacy of this iconic race will inspire you from start to finish of your Ironman journey.
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.
March 21: Blues Brews and BBQs at Taupō Timebank Gardens on Spa Rd. Live blues music, BBQ food, local brews, 2pm-8pm. To book and for more details www.taupotimebank.org
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
April 10-12: The Repco Supercars Championship will return to New Zealand in 2026 for an historic two-week trans-island motorsport celebration - with Taupō International Motorsport Park and Christchurch’s Ruapuna Raceway officially 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.
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