Lots happening over the October school holidays
The October school holidays are nearly here and as always, there's lots of family friendly events and activities happening around the Taupō District.
Free activities at Taupō District Libraries
- Taupō, Tūrangi and Mangakino libraries
- Throughout the school holidays
Ahoy me hearties! Welcome aboard week one of the aaaaarrghsome school holiday programme with pirate themed fun. Shhhh! Week two is a super sneaky spy theme. Activities are suitable for kids aged 5 to 10 years.
Check out the full holiday programme
Moa Madness at Taupō Museum
- Throughout the school holidays
To celebrate the Memento Moa exhibition, get ready for drawing workshops, puppet making and a moa hunt!
Learn more about what's on at the museum
Aqua Funtime for the kindy crew
- AC Baths, Taupō
- 12.30pm to 2.30pm, Saturday 28 September
- $5.00 per adult with one child aged 2-5 years
Have you been wanting to get your child interested in swimming but not sure where to start? Aqua Funtime provides an affordable, safe environment to allow pre-schoolers to explore and develop confidence in the water. No need to book, just come along on the day for some fun and learning in the water.
Badjelly the Witch Glow Show
- Great Lake Centre, Taupō
- 11am, Saturday 28 September
The iconic Spike Milligan classic kids’ book is getting the Glow Show treatment at the Great Lake Centre. Expect an original mash up of science, puppetry, and music that everyone will love.
Gypsy Fair
- Tongariro North Domain, Taupō
- Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 September
Get ready for a fun-filled weekend at the Taupō Gypsy Fair! Live music, rides, food, and a unique glimpse into the gypsy lifestyle. Entry is free and the vibes are priceless.
Pop-Up Cinema: Despicable Me 4
- Great Lake Centre, Taupō
- 4.30pm, Sunday 29 September
How good is this idea? Watch a family friendly movie thanks to the awesome team at Pop-up cinema. Tickets are just $13 and there’ll be treats, including legit cinema popcorn, available to buy.
Treats of Taupō
- Various eateries in Taupō and Tūrangi
- Saturday 28 September to Sunday 6 October
The big and little foodies in your life will love this celebration of local food and drink. Highlights for the kids include a Māori Hangi experience on 4 October at Haumoana Marae, and a Cupcake decorating competition at Simple Bakes running until 6 October.
Kona Kones Scavenger Hunt
- 7 Tongariro St, Taupō
- Saturday 28 September to Sunday 6 October
Pick up a free scavenger hunt map from Kona Kones and take on the adventure to find all the Treats of Taupō local suppliers! Complete the hunt and you’ll be in the draw to win a $100 Kona Kones voucher!
Lakeland Lions Train
- Tongariro Domain, Taupō
- 10am to 3pm during school holidays (weather permitting)
The iconic Lions Train will be spreading joy again these holidays. It’s just $2 a ride with all funds going back into community projects. How good is that?
Meet Donovan Bixley Author/Illustrator
- Taupō Library
- 4pm, Wednesday 2 October
- Free!
Taupō-based author and illustrator, Donovan has written and illustrated over 100 books including "Māui and the secret of fire" and "The Great Kiwi ABC Book". Come along for a kōrero and an insight into his inspiring world. No need to register – just pop in!
Rugby 101 Tournament
- Toi Ohomai Fields, Taupō
- 9am to 4pm, Saturday 5 October
- Free entry to watch!
www.rugby101.co.nz/upcoming-events/taupo-tournament
Get ready for an action-packed day at the Rugby 101 Tournament, a groundbreaking new sport born right here in Aotearoa! Rugby 101 is a fast-paced, 1-on-1 competition based on rugby league rules, designed to showcase athleticism and skill. This event promises thrilling competition and fun for all ages.
Playgrounds
- All across the rohe
- Anytime is good!
With over 60 super playgrounds to choose from, you are spoiled for choice in the Taupō District. Why not check out the upgrades to the Mere Road Reserve Playground or Lakewood Reserve in Taupō? Or the brand-spanking new papa tākaro (playground) in Tūrangi’s Te Kapua Park which was built in partnership with Ngāti Tūrangitukua.
AC Baths and Tūrangi Turtle Pools
- Open 7 days, varied hours
- Taupō & Tūrangi
Check out the Turtle Pools' aquatic climbing wall towering about 3.5 metres above the water as well as a bombing pool where you can practice some mean manus.
The AC Baths have a large outdoor leisure pool, lane pools, hydroslides, Tarzan swing, private thermal mineral pools and even an on-site café for hungry tummies.
