What’s On: Kinstock, monster garage sales and more
Fairly Obvious will be back on stage at Kinstock. Pictured is Ben Cranston and Paris Takarangi during the bands opening performance at the Taupō Summer Concert.
Kinstock 2026 has managed to sign a wealth of local music talent for its seventh staging.
“I think I’ve got the hottest line-up for Kinstock that we’ve ever had,” says event organiser and Kinloch Families Trust chair Belinda Walker.
Performers at the koha-entry event, which runs 1-6pm, Saturday, January 31 at the Kinloch Domain include singers from Act 2, SmokeFree Rockquest solo/duo regional winner Mikayla Edwards, SFR Rotorua regional finals band winners Pocket Watchers as well as Pseudo Psychosis, Sonorous (local act at the Summer Concert in 2025) and Fairly Obvious, fresh from their performance at the Riverside Amphitheatre as part of this year’s Summer Concert Series.
New this year will be a Kids Market at which local young entrepreneurs can set up a stall in the Kinloch Hall, says Walker.
January 29 onwards: 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.
January 29: 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.
January 31: Monster Garage Sale – Tūrangi.
The friends of Kuratau School Fundraising Group are hosting a monster garage sale, from 9am-1pm at the Church of the Cross in the Tūrangi town centre.
A wide variety of items will be available plus a home baking table.
All funds raised go directly back into resources for Kuratau School students, supporting learning, wellbeing and participation in a range of opportunities.
February 1: Do you love to sing? The AA65 choir is looking for you. If you can spare the time for weekly practice and are fit enough to stay on your feet to sing for 30-minute concerts, please join us at Rotary House on Sunday, 4-5pm.
February 14: Photo: 260129-MixnMingle
Caption: Single people will get an opportunity to mix and mingle on Valentines Day.
Headline: A recipe for love
Those yearning for love now have a date to lock into the calendar as the effort to match single people ramps up in the Taupō District.
Romance will be in the air on Saturday, February 14 for the Valentine’s Lock & Key Mix & Mingle Singles Party for those 35+.
Organiser Julian Bishop says the Valentine’s event is set to bring singles together with a fun, interactive twist
He says there was strong interest in the first Mix ‘n Mingle event last year and they also had feedback from attendees requesting a weekend option.
The Lock and Key format is designed to break the ice and encourage easy conversation, with women wearing padlocks and men receiving keys.
Singles mingle throughout the night and attempt to match the correct key to the correct lock, with spot prizes awarded for successful matches.
“This is a light-hearted, social way to meet new people. It’s all about getting out, having a laugh, and making it easy to connect with others in a relaxed environment - especially on Valentine’s Day.”
Details: Valentine’s Day, Saturday February 14, 7pm, Cobb & Co, $25 (includes first drink - excluding cocktails).
To register for the event, email admin@mixandmingle.nz, or visit the mixandmingle.nz website for more details.
February 20-22: Kuratau School Horse Trek. Email kurataufundraising@gmail.com for more info.
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
February 1: 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.
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.
February 4: Taupō Choral Society is looking for new members. A special concert will be held in November 2026 for our 50th Jubilee, and there are concerts in March and July. Rehearsals begin February 4, 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. We would also love past members to participate in the Jubilee Concert.
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. Send a brief summary of 50 words, a photo if you have one and a longer summary in case we have room.