Get ready for a holiday adventure in Taupo! Our guide has all the exciting festive events and activities. Whether you're a Taupo native or a curious explorer, this guide unlocks the best of the holidays.
During the festive season, the Rhythm and Vines music festival brings together top local and international artists for an unforgettable celebration of music and community. With an incredible backdrop of stunning scenery, Rhythm and Alps is perfect for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere combined with breathtaking mountain views. And the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a fantastic opportunity for cyclists of all levels to explore the picturesque surroundings. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Taupo
- Rhythm and Alps (Wanaka)
- Rhythm and Vines (Gisborne)
- Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park (Auckland)
- Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge
- Festival of Lights (New Plymouth)
- Smith & Caughey’s Christmas (Auckland)
- Christmas lights in Auckland - Franklin Road (Auckland)
- The Santa Claus Show (Auckland)
- NotEnoughLights lightshow (Christchurch)
- Taupo Market
See these and even more events listed below!
Taupo Holiday Light Displays
Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Immersive light and sound installations in Pukekura Park.
Description:
The TSB Festival of Lights in New Plymouth is an annual event featuring 3km of lighting trails, immersive light and sound installations, and a range of free entertainment events showcasing local, national, and international musical talent.
Where: New Plymouth | More Info: Festival of Lights
Christmas lights in Auckland - Franklin Road
What to Expect:
Community-driven light display with resident participation.
Description:
Franklin Road in Auckland transforms into a vibrant display of lights, nativity scenes, and festive characters, creating a colorful and lively atmosphere.
Where: Auckland | More Info: Christmas lights in Auckland - Franklin Road
NotEnoughLights lightshow
What to Expect:
400,000 colourful lights synchronized to music.
Description:
NotEnoughLights Christmas Light show features 400,000 colourful lights decorating a residential property, with dancing lights flashing in time to music and various patterns and colours. The event is located at 8 Dunluce Place, Christchurch, and offers a free admission with the option to make a donation to the Christchurch SPCA.
Where: Christchurch | More Info: NotEnoughLights lightshow
Taupo Holiday Markets and Shopping
Taupo Market
What to Expect:
Unique blend of local produce, gourmet foods, and live music.
Description:
Market Central Taupo is a vibrant Sunday market by the beautiful Lake Taupo, featuring over 70 stalls with local produce, gourmet foods, and live music.
Where: Taupo | More Info: Taupo Market
Taupo Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Pop-Up Cinema Taupo
What to Expect:
Unique movie experience with local popcorn and ice cream.
Description:
The Pop-Up Cinema Taupo brings the movie experience back to Taupo with recent releases and old favorites at the Great Lake Centre Theatre. Enjoy popcorn from the Starlight Cinema team and delicious ice cream from local businesses.
Where: Taupo | More Info: Pop-Up Cinema Taupo
Rhythm and Vines
What to Expect:
First festival in the world to welcome the first sunrise of the New Year.
Description:
Rhythm and Vines is a three-day music festival held in Gisborne, New Zealand, known for its unique setting in a vineyard and by the beach. It features a diverse lineup of local and international artists, creating an eclectic atmosphere that blends electronic dance music, dub, and reggae beats.
Where: Gisborne | More Info: Rhythm and Vines
Rhythm and Alps
What to Expect:
World-class music lineup in a picturesque alpine setting.
Description:
Rhythm and Alps is a two-day music festival in Cardrona Valley, South Island, New Zealand, featuring a diverse lineup of international and local acts, including Becky Hill, Shapeshifter, ANDY C, and Sir Dave Dobbyn. The event promises an unforgettable New Year's celebration with stunning music and a vibrant community atmosphere.
Where: Wanaka | More Info: Rhythm and Alps
Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park
What to Expect:
World-class entertainment and fireworks.
Description:
Celebrating 30 years, Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park is New Zealand's largest free annual Christmas celebration, featuring world-class entertainment and jaw-dropping fireworks in Christchurch and Auckland.
Where: Auckland | More Info: Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park
The Santa Claus Show
What to Expect:
Accessible performances for Deaf, Blind, neurodivergent, and disabled patrons.
Description:
Join Kelly on an epic adventure through the snow to the North Pole, learning the true sentiment of Christmas along the way. This entertaining show features singing, giggling, and a magical journey that fills your souls with jolly holiday cheer.
Where: Auckland | More Info: The Santa Claus Show
Taupo Other Holiday Activities
Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge
What to Expect:
Iconic cycling event with diverse routes and scenic landscapes.
Description:
The Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge is New Zealand's premier cycling event, offering a variety of routes from 16km to 320km, showcasing iconic scenery and challenging terrain. It celebrates its 46th year, emphasizing inclusion and community involvement.
Where: Taupo | More Info: Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge
Spook Night
What to Expect:
Escape rooms in complete darkness for a unique scare.
Description:
Confinement Escape Rooms in Taupo presents Spook Night, an exclusive event where rooms are plunged into total darkness, offering a thrilling and sinister experience.
Where: Taupo | More Info: Spook Night
Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa
What to Expect:
Premier women's basketball competition with international talent.
Description:
Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa is a professional women's basketball league featuring five regional teams competing in a 10-round regular season culminating in a Final 4 Championship game. The league showcases top Kiwi women and international talent, with all games broadcast live on Sky Sport and select Sunday afternoon games streamed on TikTok.
Where: Taupo | More Info: Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa
Smith & Caughey’s Christmas
What to Expect:
Interactive journey through a festive, snow-themed setting.
Description:
Smith & Caughey’s Christmas features a beautifully decorated setting with reindeer hoof prints leading to Santa’s Cosy Cottage. The journey includes an iridescent Snow Garden and encounters with Santa’s Helpers and Fairies. Visitors can meet Santa, enjoy a keepsake family photo, and collect a Christmas Tree Bauble gift.
Where: Auckland | More Info: Smith & Caughey’s Christmas
Taupo Winter Festival
What to Expect:
Family-friendly activities with live music and ice skating.
Description:
The Taupo Winter Festival is a vibrant event featuring a range of activities including live music, ice skating, and family-friendly entertainment. Enjoy mocktails, menopause-themed events, and live performances by local artists. The festival takes place in the Tongariro North Domain, offering something for every age and stage.
Where: Taupo | More Info: Taupo Winter Festival
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Rotorua (39 miles)