What’s on in Taupō District
A Taylor Swift tribute concert comes to Taupō on December 9.
Taylor Swift tribute show
Ticket giveaway!
The Life of a Showgirl, the unofficial tribute show TAYLOR: A Tribute to the Eras of Taylor Swift Music is coming to Taupō as part of a nationwide tour.
New Zealand Swifties were left heartbroken in 2023 when Taylor Swift announced that she would not be bringing her now record-breaking Eras Tour to New Zealand shores, so the tour presents a much-needed opportunity for fans to gather and celebrate their hero.
It is in Taupō on December 9 at 7pm with tickets available from ticketek.co.nz.
Showtime Australia producer Johnny Van Grinsven says they wanted to create a memorable experience where fans can immerse themselves in the music and the hype and the community that surrounds Taylor, “and of course just indulge in a fun, light-hearted night out”.
The production has already toured to Australia, South Africa and Canada, with the New Zealand tour visiting 22 towns.
New Zealand singer-songwriter and recording artist, Josette – a self-confessed ‘Swiftie’ who bears a striking physical resemblance to Swift herself – will show off her skills as a multi-instrumentalist in the lead role, performing live on vocals, guitar and piano, accompanied by an international cast of musicians and dancers who will recreate moments from Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour.
All events are family friendly and open to all ages (subject to venue policy).
For more information, visit showtime.net.au.
TICKET GIVEAWAY: Showtime is giving away double passes to the show. Email news@tauponews.co.nz with Taylor Swift in the subject line and answer the question: ‘Name a Taylor Swift song’ to be in to win.
November 29: The Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge is on this weekend and there is still time to register. Online registrations have closed but in-person registrations are available at the Great Lake Centre on Friday, November 28, between 12pm - 8pm. There is an array of categories and course lengths catering to all ages and abilities – from sealed roads to gravel and mountain biking.
November 1 - December 8: Taupō Museum premieres Fusion: A Harmony Reclaimed, a new exhibition showcasing the unique work of local sculptor Paul G, who is known for transforming recycled and discarded materials into bold pieces that reflect both resilience and renewal. Fusion: A Harmony Reclaimed runs at Taupō Museum from 1 November to 8 December. The museum is open from 10am to 4.30pm daily and entry is free for Taupō District residents with proof of address.
October 25 – December 8: Taupō Museum presents Beyond the Surface: Taupō Harbour Reimagined, a new exhibition by the Taupō Mixed Media Artists, opening in the Main Gallery. Taupō artists reimagine the waterfront.
November 21: Taupō Cossie Club. Friday night is the Members Draw for $1500 and live music from 7.30pm with Just B Magic Motown Vibe.
Now until February 15: Lava Glass is proud to host Artful Minds, an inspiring group exhibition showcasing the work of emerging and professional artists and makers from Taupō. United by a shared commitment to creativity, collaboration, and growth, the Artful Minds collective represents a community of artists with - quite literally - minds full of art. Smart, passionate, and deeply connected to their practice, these artists bring a diverse range of work that reflects both individual expression and collective support. All artworks will be available for purchase, offering a wonderful opportunity to take home a unique piece from this vibrant creative community. The exhibition runs until February 15 at Lava Glass.
November 23: Market Central has moved to Riverside Park until mid-December while Northcroft Reserve is upgraded. Held every Sunday, Market Central is a vibrant and exciting market. It is open from 9am-1pm, with many talented creators, makers, food vendors, growers and entertainers.
November 17 – 21: Red Cross Christmas raffle. Inside Pak’nSave, Red Cross is selling raffle tickets for generously gifted items from Taupō retailers and businesses, in aid of national and world disaster support. Each ticket will be eligible for each of the draws, which will be held on December 8.
November 23: Sing in the Summer Concert. Held at St Andrews Church on Sunday, November 23 at 3pm, this is a fun concert that features songs to singalong to, and a few Christmas favourites. Tickets are available on the door for $20, under 18’s are free. Taupō Choral is always looking for new members and meets regularly at St Pauls church on Rifle Range Road, Wednesdays at 7.15pm throughout the year to practice, and we perform three concerts per year. For details, please follow us on Facebook, or contact us: taupochoralsociety@gmail.com
December 6: The Tremains Santa Parade in Taupō at 10am on Saturday is one of the biggest parades per capita in the country with more than 100 vehicles and hundreds of participants. It has been going for more than 40 years. Registrations close on November 30 and limited spaces are available. The route has changed a bit this year, with the staging area on Lake Terrace facing towards the CBD, before Ruapehu Street. The parade will turn right onto Ruapehu Street travelling North. A left turn on to Tamamutu Street leads to the finish on Tongariro North Domain.
December 7: Ukulele Sunday Jam at the Cossie Club 2-4pm with the Juke Box Ukes. Free entry. All are welcome, whatever levels. Join us at our Christmas breakup with lots of fun and great songs. Don't play? We have song books for you to sing along with.
December 13: Christmas Cracker Market Festival – Tūrangi. Tūrangi's annual Christmas event this year takes shape as a market festival, complete with market and food vendors, bouncy castles, face painting, activities for kids and full of community spirit. It's a free family event and all are welcome. It's a smoke-free and alcohol-free event too! For more information please email turangicommunityevents@gmail.com. Vendors are welcome to contact the team and be part of the fun.
December 28: Taupō Racing Club. Horses, hats and a whole lot of fun at the biggest race day of the year. The Malcolm Flowers Insurances Summer Festival, featuring the $100,000 Harcourts Taupō Cup. Taupō Racing Club on Centennial Drive. Harcourts Fashion in the Field, Free children’s entertainment, food vendors and bars, Punters Club, live music and more.
December 28: Popular indie and house music festival Le Currents at Riverside Park will feature UK drum and bass powerhouse RUDIM3NTAL, Australian indie-rock legends Lime Cordiale. Also on the bill is a special DJ set from Chromeo, along with Canadian funk lords and festival favourites Chaos in the CBD. Le Currents features two stages. Other acts include No Cigar, Rum Jungle, There’s a Tuesday, Letters to Lions, Katayanagi Twins, Kédu Carlö, Mim Jensen, Intrepid Cuz, Antz, Stacez Mum, Sister Act, Tessa, and Craigslist Sound System.
January 24: The Summer Concert Tour includes the original ‘wild one’ of rock, Iggy Pop, along with the Queen of Rock Joan Jett, The Blackhearts, Hoodoo Gurus and Kiwi favourites Zed. The Summer Concert tour will hit Taupō’s Amphitheatre on Auckland Anniversary Weekend, Saturday, January 24.
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