What’s on in Taupō and Tūrangi
The 2024 Santa Parade. PHOTO: DAN HUTCHINSON
November 1 - December 8: Taupō Museum premieres Fusion: A Harmony Reclaimed, a new exhibition showcasing the unique work of local sculptor Paul G. 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.
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.
December 6: The Tremains Santa Parade in Taupō at 10am on Saturday. 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 6: A FREE event at the Suncourt Hotel, Roberts Street entrance, 3.30pm. Professor Will Happer will share his experience and perspective on the current scientific status of climate change and GHG emissions.
December 7: 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.
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 9: Taylor Swift tribute show, 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. It is in Taupō on December 9 at 7pm with tickets available from ticketek.co.nz.
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, email turangicommunityevents@gmail.com.
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.
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