Events Calendar
Following is a list of all the events and festivals that take place in the Lake Taupo District. This list will be updated regularly as new events are added.
Interested in listing your event with Events Capital?
It's easy and free to list on Events Capital, simply forward up to one hundred words, a high quality photo and your contact details to christina@dotty.net.nz and we will load you up. It's a great way to gain extra exposure for your Festival or Event with the added bonus of all upcoming fixtures recieving free radio time. All events are subject to the approval of the Event Marketing Manager before being added to the website.
While all care has been taken, Events Capital accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions that may have occurred.
Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra
Thu 23 Feb 2012
7:30pm at the Great Lake Centre. Wildly popular music-comedy sensation The Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra are back on the road with their newest record, “I Love You…”, another serving of infectious, ukulele-infused hit songs. This tour sees the orchestra play new towns never before explored by the band, who look forward to bringing their charming swagger to new corners of New Zealand. Heavenly harmonies and stunning solos are juxtaposed against hilariously budget special effects, madcap antics and questionable banter, delighting crowds of all ages. Tickets through Ticketek.
Across the Lake Swim
Sat 25 Feb 2012
In February we invite you to be part of the 2012 Across Lake Taupo swim, an event that began back in 1963. Since then thousands have competed in this annual event, testing themselves over the 4.2km distance from Acacia Bay to 3 Mile Bay. There are now 1km and 2km options, swim in a loop starting and finishing at 3 Mile Bay.
Ironkidz Triathlon
Sun 26 Feb 2012
The IronKidz Triathlon is all about participation. It's about getting out there, having a go and achieving a personal best and having a heap of FUN. The event is open to everyone aged between 8 and 15. To complete the event, competitors complete a swim, following by a bike ride, followed by a run. You can enter on your own or as part of a team.
Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Ironman New Zealand
Sat 03 Mar 2012
One of the biggest international sporting events held each year in New Zealand and the ultimate in triathlon. Ironman New Zealand combines a 3.8 km lake swim and a 179.2 km cycle with a full 42.2 km marathon. Starting at 7am in Taupo athletes begin their challenge to complete the course by midnight. The course allows for spectators to be as close as possible. The first Ironman held in Taupo was in March 1999 with over 700 competitors. Visit their website for more information, registration or to follow the race live.
Top Fuel Drags
Sat 03 Mar 2012 - Sun 04 Mar 2012
Come along to Taupo Motorsport Park on the 3rd and 4th of March 2012 to experience the exciting world of Drags. This is the final point scoring round so be sure to come along!
BNT V8S CHAMPIONSHIP
Fri 09 Mar 2012 - Sun 11 Mar 2012
Taupo Motorsport Park. Round 6 of the BNT V8s is coming. Entertainment for the whole family – spectacular racing, free kids rides & face painting, entertainment, merchandise, V8 simulator, exhibitor displays, great coffee, great food & more. What’s even better is that kids 14 years & under get in for free during the day. Come and enjoy the thrill of the racing featuring the BNT V8s. Also lining up will be the ever popular Suzuki Swift Sports, V8 Utes, Toyota Racing Series, Sports GT, Production GT & BMW. So come along and have a great weekend with the family.
Mighty River Power Centreboard Regatta
Sat 10 Mar 2012 - Sun 11 Mar 2012
The annual Mighty River Power Centreboard Regatta caters for all classes of dinghy and catamaran and often includes class championship events.
Suzuki Grid Kids Duathlon Series
Sun 11 Mar 2012
Duathlon series for children and teenagers aged 6-13 years at the Taupo Motorsport Park, it’s a chance for the kids to be the super stars on the track. The events are run in conjunction with Motorsport NZ’s Championship Series including the NZV8s. Each entry receives an event T-shirt, race number, medal and certificate, free entry to the motor racing plus 2 free adult tickets! At each event kids go into the draw to win some fantastic spot prizes and get the chance to meet with some of New Zealand’s top drivers. Visit their website for more information.
Trans Taupo
Sat 17 Mar 2012
The Trans Taupo is a 44km paddle across the pure mountain fed waters of New Zealand’s (and Australasia's) largest freshwater lake. Open to all single, double, tri/quad and 6 person - Surf Ski's, Sea kayaks, Ocean Rowers, Waka Ama and Stand Up Paddle Boards; this event is the pinnacle of open fresh water paddling in NZ.
Tri Off-Road
Sun 18 Mar 2012
Taupo’s newest off-road challenge. This event will provide stunning views of the Waikato River, Craters of the Moon MTB tracks and the world famous Huka Fall region. Set yourself a new challenge of 2011 and enter the Tri Off-Road.
New Zealand Motorcycle Road Race Championships
Sat 24 Mar 2012
The fifth and final round of the 2012 New Zealand Motorcycle Road Race Championships. For the first time since 1977 the event will be at the Taupo Motorsport Park just outside Taupo township.
Avanti 100k Flyer
Sat 31 Mar 2012
100k, what a fantastic milestone! You will ride through magnificent countryside from one world famous tourist destination to another using private sealed forestry roads, SH5, peaceful country roads and even parts of the famous Ironman course finishing inside the Taupo Events Centre. A great way to spend a weekend, with the event totally organised for you. The event hosted close to 3800 competitors in 2009.
Oxfam Trailwalker
Sat 31 Mar 2012 - Sun 01 Apr 2012
Are you ready to challenge yourself and challenge poverty? 100km in 36 hours, 7 checkpoints, teams of four, not a relay! Oxfam Trailwalker NZ is an annual fundraising event organised and promoted by Oxfam New Zealand. Funds raised from the event will support Oxfam New Zealand's humanitarian, development and advocacy work to support positive and lasting change for communities living in poverty. Entries are limited to only 300 teams places for 2012. Reserve your team place now! 0800 OXFAM NZ.
Turangi Colours - Art and Food Festival
Fri 06 Apr 2012 - Sun 08 Apr 2012
Be inspired and be involved in this celebration of colour - Turangi is once again showcasing its beautiful autumn trees and its many talented artists on Easter Weekend 2012. Visit the art exhibition, join in some art workshops or wander through the Town Centre Art and Food Market on Easter Saturday. Get a rare chance to visit the Rangipo Underground Power Station or take part in a raft race or try your luck at fishing for trout. There are plenty of things to do and see for the whole family.
Taupo Home and Garden Show
Fri 13 Apr 2012 - Sun 15 Apr 2012
10am - 5pm at the Great Lake Centre. There’s something for everyone at our Home & Garden Shows! Learn some hot tips to enhance the look of your home and save with masses of show-only specials. Enjoy a preview of upcoming trends, innovative products and expert advice – you are guaranteed to walk away with lots of new ideas for your home and garden – whatever your budget or taste.
Suzuki Trail Blazer
Sat 21 Apr 2012 - Sun 22 Apr 2012
Te Toke Road - SH5 Taupo to Rotorua Rd. Suzuki Trail Blazer is the North Island's most popular trail ride series. The events are run in the Tahorakuri pine forest on the banks of the Waikato River. The Taupo based ride attracts around 600 riders who enjoy the big berms on the flowing graded trails, free draining soil (can ride when wet), mega traction, great parking, awesome kids tracks, great hot food and espresso coffee.
ERUPT Lake Taupo Festival
Thu 10 May 2012 - Sun 20 May 2012
Ten days of theatre, dance, visual arts, comedy, cabaret, and more... Taupo will ERUPT for ten days over May 2012. The full event programme will be launched in March 2012... visit www.erupt.co.nz to join the mailing list and find out more.
NRM National Three-Day Event
Fri 18 May 2012 - Sun 20 May 2012
The 2012 NRM National Three-day Event will take place at the Fiber Fresh National Equestrian Centre, Aratiatia.
Suzuki Berm Buster
Sat 09 Jun 2012 - Sun 10 Jun 2012
Suzuki Berm Buster is another classic 2 day trail ride event. The event takes place 25 minutes out of Taupo on the Taupo to Napier Road (SH5) and it located right next to the Kaimanawa Forest Park (native bush). The trails are more open and flowing than the Suzuki Trail Blazer series with patches of native bush, some hill climbs and lots of Expert only sections. However most of the 100 km of trail is still very family and novice friendly with special kids and Novice tracks.
Suzuki Trail Blazer
Sat 14 Jul 2012 - Sun 15 Jul 2012
Te Toke Road - SH5 Taupo to Rotorua Rd. Suzuki Trail Blazer is the North Island's most popular trail ride series. The events are run in the Tahorakuri pine forest on the banks of the Waikato River. The Taupo based ride attracts around 600 riders who enjoy the big berms on the flowing graded trails, free draining soil (can ride when wet), mega traction, great parking, awesome kids tracks, great hot food and espresso coffee.
Mizuno Half Marathon
Sun 05 Aug 2012
New Zealand's biggest half marathon in fact its the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere! This popular event is held annually on the first Sunday in August. The course is absolutely stunning with runners and walkers heading out from town along the Lake front with unobstructed views all the way to the mountains.
V8SuperTourers : Round Five
Fri 10 Aug 2012 - Sun 12 Aug 2012
Back from a mid-winter break, the series shifts gear as it arrives in Taupo for the first time and with an endurance race programme. Adding to the firsts, for a number of the drivers it will be their first time around the circuit in a V8 race car.
Suzuki Berm Buster
Sat 11 Aug 2012 - Sun 12 Aug 2012
Suzuki Berm Buster is a classic 2 day trail ride event. The event takes place 25 minutes out of Taupo on the Taupo to Napier Road (SH5) and it located right next to the Kaimanawa Forest Park (native bush). The trails are more open and flowing than the Suzuki Trail Blazer series with patches of native bush, some hill climbs and lots of Expert only sections. However most of the 100km of trail is still very family and novice friendly with special kids and Novice tracks.
Men in Tutus
Tue 21 Aug 2012
8pm at the Great Lake Centre. LES BALLETS ELOELLE are bringing their new production of "Men In Tutu’s" - the most spectacular, talented and hilarious all-male comedy ballet ever back to New Zealand. From the thrilling pirouettes of the male dancers with brilliant choreography to the side splitting humour, "Men In Tutu’s" is a show designed for the young and old. The greatest troupe of it is kind around the globe; Les Ballet’s Eloelle features over fifty ballets in its repertoire and an array of the best international professional male ballet dancers from thirteen nations. Tickets through Ticketek.
Leatt 4 Hour
Sat 25 Aug 2012 - Sun 26 Aug 2012
The Leatt 4 hour is a motorcycle endurance race located just 15 minutes from Taupo. The pine forest/pumice soil track is around 25km long and will feature the berms, hills and fantastic 'flow' that Epic Events is known for. Riders can enter as individuals or two person teams. There are heaps of prizes up for grabs. The event is really social with a great prizegiving and party at the Shed bar on Saturday night. Bring your party clothes! New for 2011 will be the addition of the MOTOMUCK Junior 90(minute) race.
Mizuno Off-Road Half Marathon
Sat 01 Sep 2012
Bought to you by the accomplished organisers of the Mizuno Half Marathon, this off-road event provides stunning views of Lake Taupo throughout the 21.1 kilometre course which is suitable for first-time off-road runners, walkers or more experienced ‘mountain goats’. It will be run on stages of the ‘W2K’ track, which winds its way from Kinloch to Whakaipo Bay and will include the ‘Headland Track’ loop.
Suzuki Trail Blazer
Sat 08 Sep 2012 - Sun 09 Sep 2012
Te Toke Road - SH5 Taupo to Rotorua Rd. Suzuki Trail Blazer is the North Island's most popular trail ride series. The events are run in the Tahorakuri pine forest on the banks of the Waikato River. The Taupo based ride attracts around 600 riders who enjoy the big berms on the flowing graded trails, free draining soil (can ride when wet), mega traction, great parking, awesome kids tracks, great hot food and espresso coffee.
Day-Night Thriller
Sat 15 Sep 2012
Don't miss this unique, exhilarating Mountain Bike Relay event. This was the largest MTB event in New Zealand last year with over 3,000 riders.
Individuals, teams of two/three or four/five compete on an 8km, 30 minute circuit over 6 or 12 hours. A popular option for kids is the Hell Pizza Little Devils Ride. An exciting 7km ride starting at 9am and riding one lap of the Day Night track through tent city to the finish line. This is an amazing experience open to little devils aged between 8-13 years.
The Long Way Around Adventure Ride
Sat 22 Sep 2012
All new 2012 Epic Event is a guided plus route sheet ride, circumnavigating Lake Taupo, taking riders over 450km the long way around the lake, including offshoots onto private farmland and forestry roads and tracks they have never had the opportunity to explore before. The Long Way Around is suitable for road registered dual purpose bikes, AND ordinary road bikes as there is a sealed road preferred option, also with route sheets available, and meeting places with the adventure bikers throughout the day.
Suzuki Berm Buster
Sat 13 Oct 2012 - Sun 14 Oct 2012
Suzuki Berm Buster is another classic 2 day trail ride event. The event takes place 25 minutes out of Taupo on the Taupo to Napier Road (SH5) and it located right next to the Kaimanawa Forest Park (native bush). The trails are more open and flowing than the Suzuki Trail Blazer series with patches of native bush, some hill climbs and lots of Expert only sections. However most of the 100 km of trail is still very family and novice friendly with special kids and Novice tracks.
Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge
Sat 24 Nov 2012
Cycle Challenge is New Zealand’s premier cycling event with a total of 12 different cycling events based around Lake Taupo. There is an event for every level of rider – a challenging but achievable 160 kilometre ride for individual riders or teams of two to four can participate in the team event, which is an achievable goal for new or less experienced riders. Owned and organised by the Rotary Club of Taupo Moana and a dedicated committee, Cycle Challenge returns its proceeds to the local community. It is also part of the UCI Golden Bike Series.
