What’s on in Taupō & Tūrangi
Taupō Blue Light’s famous Trolley Derby is open for entries.
Our events guide is back up and running and growing each week. Check out what’s coming up soon.
October 1 - November 15: Outdoor clothing company Stoney Creek – through the Our Backyard Trust - has teamed up with the Sika Foundation and Helisika to organise the Sika Hind Hunt, running from October 1 - November 15. The contest has a range of categories for hunters who shoot hinds, with prize packages of up to $8500, and a total prize pool of $80,000. There are also non-hunting categories including a ‘Best Live Stag Photo’ contest and activities for children, like a colouring contest and spot prizes. The event will culminate in a community barbecue and prize giving event on November 22.
October 25: 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.
October 25 – December 8: Taupō Museum is proud to present 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.
October 29: 'Hangmen' by Martin McDonagh. Thriller comedy at Centre Stage October 29 – November 8. What does an English Hangman do when he hears that capital punishment has been abolished. Tickets $35 inc dessert on sale trybooking.com
October 30: Get ready to get spooky at Beats By Bingo – Halloween Night at Two Mile Bay Sailing Club Taupō. This isn’t your average bingo … it’s musical bingo.
Your hilarious host MC Dan will be spinning throwback jams and chucking in some spooky tunes and halloweeny vibes. Free to play, prizes to be won - and maybe even one for Best Dressed. Thursday, 7.30pm.
Dress to distress, bring your boos, and get ready for a frightfully fun night of beats, laughs, and bingo!
October 30-31: Taupō Cossie Club. Texas Hold ‘em at 6.30pm and Blues Club Night from 7pm. Then on Friday night, the membership draw has crept up to $2000, then live music from 7.30pm with Marilyn Kingi and Friends.
October 31: Halloween Trick or Treating - Taupō CBD, Friday, October 31 2025, 3.30pm - 5:30 pm. Trick or Treating is back in the Taupō CBD. The terrific treat trail map is being finalised this week and is available on Towncentre Taupō’s Facebook page. To add to the excitement, we're partnering with Blue Light Taupō for the first ever Bluelight Boogie on Tapuaeharuru Reserve. And we'll have our friends at Taupō District Council for their Pick or Treat - also on Tapuaeharuru! In the meantime, dig out the fake blood, disinfect the vampire teeth and find your best lolly bucket, because it's about to get hectic! Big thanks to Carousel Confectionery for their amazing contribution.
November 9: The Tūrangi Garden Club is hosting its biennial garden ramble on Sunday, November 9 where 10 gardens will be on show in Tūrangi, Motuoapa and Oruatua on the eastern and southern shores of Lake Taupō. The strength of this year’s ramble is in showing how quickly a new section can be turned into a beautiful and productive space. The owners of these suburban gardens have used clever landscaping techniques, plant choices and labour saving ideas to produce gardens that will delight everyone. Tickets are $25 each and available from www.Trybooking.com/nz or email turangigardenclub@gmail.com.
November 9: Waiora House Open Day, Sunday, 10am-1pm. Come join the fun. We’re opening our doors and inviting the community to come along and see what Waiora is all about! There’ll be plenty to enjoy — a free sausage sizzle, lawn games, Mr Whippy ice cream and coffee, and loads of fun for the whole whānau. Come on down and learn about the wide range of support and wellbeing services listed below, and view our modern meeting and event spaces.
November 13: 40+ Mix and Mingle. Tired of swiping? Try something real. If you're single and over 35, this night is for you. This is our last event for the year - Join us for a night of good conversation, real connection, a relaxed vibe with people who get where you're at. Whether you’ve been out of the dating game for a while or just sick of the apps, come join us for a no-pressure night out where the only algorithm is chemistry. 7pm-9.30pm, $25, Cobb & Co Taupō, Adults Only.
November 15: Feel the fear and do it anyway. Taupō Blue Light’s famous Trolley Derby is open for entries. It is a fundraiser for Taupō Blue Light which works alongside Police to ensure all youth are thriving. The Mitre 10 Mega Classic allows competitors to race for glory with a kitset trolley, courtesy of Mitre 10 Mega. When you register, you'll receive a top-quality trolley to customise and make your own. Plus, if you've got a trusty trolley from a previous year, you're welcome to bring it along!
Grab your friends, siblings, or parents because up to four racers can register to race on a single trolley. Age classes: 5-6, 7-9, 10-12, 13-15, 16+ Entry from $20
The Taupō International Motorsport Park Open Class, 16+ Battle of the Brands is ideal for all businesses. The Open Challenge means it’s time to put your creativity, teamwork, and competitive spirit to the test by designing, building, and racing your own creation.
Prizes and bragging rights for the winners! $250 for business team entry.
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