What’s On in Taupō & Tūrangi

Local funk and soul act Hot Tub will open the 2025/26 summer offering of musical acts at Dinner at the Lake on Thursday, December 18 – which is back for its fifth series is and now a staple on the local places to go, things to do menu.

Excluding Christmas Day, the Dinner at the Lake runs for the next eight Thursdays 4.30-8.30pm, until February 12, with a variety of food options, live local entertainment and a licensed bar.

Caption: 14-piece band Hot Tub open the latest summer season of Dinner at the Lake.

Headline for feature listing: Hot food and Hot Tub at Dinner at the Lake

All December: Lots of houses in the Taupō District have Christmas lights on display. Check out Harcourts Taupō’s list of houses on Faceboo. Or just drive around town and try your luck. Lake FM 89.6 has a Christmas-themed playlist from 7pm every night you can tune into at the same time.

December 1 to 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.

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Caption: Artist Delani Brown. Photo: Zung Heng

From now until January 26: Āta by Delani Brown at Taupō Museum, a powerful new exhibition from celebrated local artist - a collection of works that express the artist’s bond with his materials. It features new works that honour the spiritual journey of Delani's creative process, including works representing revered Māori deities such as Hine-Nui-Te-Pō (goddess of the underworld) and Hine-Ahu-One (the first woman created from earth). Within the exhibition also, is a depiction of Uenuku, a figure of cultural significance, said to have travelled from Hawaiki during the great migration.

December 18 and 19: Murder at the Christmas Carnival – Dinner & Game Night. A Christmas party with a killer twist! A night of festive cheer, buffet, and a thrilling murder mystery hosted by Confinement Escape Rooms.
Just as the carnival begins, a scream cuts through the night. A well-known townsperson has been murdered. With the sheriff locking down the fairgrounds, it is up to you and your team to investigate. Hunt for clues, solve puzzles, uncover secrets, and expose the killer before it is too late. A fun, social night out with friends, family, or colleagues (Note R13) from 6pm.
Teams of 4 to 6 (smaller groups will be combined). Tickets include buffet and game (drinks sold separately). Dietary requirements catered (email deiryn@confinement.co.nz)
Thursday is SOLD OUT.

December 19 and 20: Students from Dance Central light up the Great Lake Centre stage for three spectacular shows in a celebration of passion, creativity, and hard work from the school’s entire family. Friday 6pm, Saturday 12pm and 5.30pm

December 21: Market Central moves back to the upgraded Northcroft Reserve from Riverside Park. Held every Sunday from 9am-1pm, Market Central showcases talented creators, makers, food vendors, growers and entertainers. 

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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. 

December 31: The Big Bang Fireworks Display, 9.30pm to midnight, Tapuaeharuru, Roberts Street. The annual Taupō New Year’s Eve Big Bang Fireworks display returns on Wednesday 31 December, presented by the Taupō District Council.
In addition to the big show at midnight, there will be a Mini Bang fireworks event at 9.30 pm, perfect timing for the whole family. The fireworks will be safely launched by a pyrotechnics team from a barge on the lake, giving plenty of safe community viewing points on the lakefront.
Roberts Street will be closed from 7am on Wednesday, December 31 to 2am on Thursday, January 1, 2026, providing anopportunity to enjoy Tapuaeharuru Reserve without traffic. Businesses in the area open as usual.
Bring your whānau, tamariki and some good vibes. The event is vape and smoke free. Leave dogs at home, and remember the CBD is an alcohol-free zone.
Supported by Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board and Waipahihi Marae & Reserves Trust.

January 11: New Zealand’s favourite party band, The Monroes present SONIC BOOM, a concert experience just for Kids in the Summer School holidays at Finn MacCuhals Irish Pub, 3-4pm. Children (2-18) years free.

Get ready for a high-energy concert made especially for tots to tweens, packed with epic singalongs, wild dance moments, and nonstop fun. With full professional live band, expect flashy guitar solos, glamorous costumes, and that signature Monroes rockstar vibe that kids (and parents) will love!
Featuring our very own superstar 10-year-old Indy Monroe playing drums direct from coming off stage at Totara St, Omokoroa Christmas in the Park, Balloons over Waikato and Americana festival!

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

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