Taupo Winter Festival
Welcome to the eighth annual Malcolm Flowers Insurances Taupo Winter Festival.
We look forward to welcoming you back to Taupo for the 2023 July School Holidays where we have 30+ events on from 30 June - 16 July.
The Gincident An Evening with Jacqueline ‘Rock’ Bublitz
Friday 11 July 2025
An Evening with Jacqueline ‘Rock’ Bublitz – Cocktails, Conversation & Crime
Join us for an unforgettable evening with award-winning crime author Jacqueline ‘Rock’ Bublitz, as she shares her journey as a bestselling writer. Rock’s debut novel, Before You Knew My Name, captivated readers worldwide, and now her highly anticipated follow-up, Leave the Girls Behind, is here.
Enjoy a complimentary 5 Mile Gin cocktail on arrival, delicious nibbles, and a well-stocked bar as Rock dives into her writing process, inspiration, and the stories behind her books.
Books will be available for purchase, and you’ll have the chance to ask your burning questions!
Spaces are limited—don’t miss this rare opportunity to meet Rock in person!
Baked With Love
Tinā (M)
Monday 7 July 2025
A woman, grieving her daughter's death in the Christchurch quakes, becomes a substitute teacher at an elite school. Unexpectedly, she discovers students lacking guidance and care, prompting her to provide inspiration and support.
Amazing reviews from around the world!
Great Lake Centre Theatre
Creation Station Paper Lantern Decorating
Sunday 6 July 2025
Come along and decorate a paper lantern!
This is a free workshop for tamariki and whānau of ALL ages. All materials supplied including a light to light up your lantern. You can take your Paper Lantern to the light hub and see it light up in the dark!
Please book for the number of people who will be creating a lantern. Helpers do not need to book a place.
Great Lake Centre Hall
Bows & Bowties Mid Winter Ball presented by Le Pine & Co
Saturday 5 July 2025
Join us for a dazzling Mid-Winter Ball as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Taupō Winter Festival!
Enjoy an unforgettable evening with The Voice Australia’s Ella Monnery. Complimentary drink on arrival and indulge in gourmet delights by Yum Food Company, all while dancing the night away.
Great Lake Centre Hall
Guru of Chai by Indian Ink Theatre Company
Friday 4 July 2025
The contradictions of modern India, with its iPhones and ancient gods, come alive in this much-loved play from one of New Zealand’s finest performers.
A poor chai-wallah (tea-seller) has his life changed forever when a young girl is abandoned at a busy railway station. Outrageously funny and heartbreakingly beautiful, with a killer live sound track, this is not to be missed!
Great Lake Centre Theatre
Mocktails & Menopause Presented by dpa Chartered Accountants
Thursday 3 July 2025
Mocktails and Menopause with Petra Bagust, Dr. Linda Dear and Meg Cowen.
Join these fabulous New Zealanders for a fun and empowering evening out,
where we blend delicious mocktails with candid conversations about navigating
midlife and menopause.
Great Lake Centre Theatre
Mocktails and Menopause
Saturday 20 July 2024
Join Petra Bagust and Niki Bezzant for a fun and empowering evening out, where we blend delicious mocktails with candid conversations about navigating midlife and menopause.
Millennium Hotel and Resort Manuels Taupo
Taupō Live Music Series
Sunday 14 July 2024
Taupō Live Music Series is an original music showcase designed to give our local youth an opportunity to perform their original music on a big stage in front of a big audience. Come join us in supporting them as they share their art. With a wide range of acts from soloists to full bands, you might just discover your new favourite act!
If you would like the opportunity to perform at the Great Lake Centre. Performance slots are open to anyone (solo, duo,band etc) under the age of 18 that writes and performs their own songs. If you’d like the opportunity to perform please email april@taupowinterfestival.co.nz for an application form. Slots are limited so make sure to reach out as soon as you can!
Great Lake Centre Theatre
Creation Station - Light Cone
Sunday 14 July 2024
Come along and create a 'Light Cone'!
This is a free workshop and all materials are supplied including a light stick to light up your cone. Then in the evening you can take your 'Light Cone' to the Taupō Winter Festival Light Hub and see it light up in the dark.
Great Lake Centre Hall
Gin & Jive presented by DPA Accountants
Saturday 13 July 2024
Picture yourself in a classic diner with the jukebox playing your favorite hits as you sip on our specially crafted gin cocktails that perfectly capture the essence of the era.
The Monroe's are a truly international band with its members having performed extensively throughout the United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia and the Middle East. This experience and their electric band chemistry have made them one of the most exciting entertainment experiences in New Zealand right now.
Join us for a night of retro fun, where the music is swinging, the gin is flowing, and the vibe is pure 50s cool. Dust off your poodle skirts and leather jackets, and get ready to jive the night away.
Tickets include four Gin tastings on arrival.
*GA means there are no designated seats. Some bar stools and chairs will be provided around the outside of the room on a first in first served basis, more can be brought in upon request for anyone that needs one.
Great Lake Centre Hall
Laser Kiwi - Rise of the Olive
Friday 12 July 2024
Join Laser Kiwi, the world’s BEST and ONLY surreal sketch circus troupe, on a wild ride as they bring people closer together, one olive at a time. “A show of unbridled fun and contagious laughter” (See Do Eat Review - Adelaide 2023) that has sold out numerous times all around the world. Expect bizarre ideas, high-level circus and a bloody good night out…this is a show you don’t want to miss out on!
Winners of the Overall Circus Award at FringeWorld 2023!
"Laser Kiwi are in a lane of their own" ★★★★★ Threeweeks, 2023
"Clever, Beautiful and extremely silly" ★★★★★ The Scotsman, 2023
"Unbridled fun and contagious laughter" ★★★★★ SeeDoEatReview, 2023
"A must-be-experienced show" ★★★★½ XpressMag, 2023
"Fall-down funny, absolutely top shelf" ★★★★★ Advertiser, 2019
Great Lake Centre Theatre
Get Live! with Great Lake Music Co. and Tiki Taane
Friday 12 July 2024
Come see Tiki Taane live in Taupō in this immersive showcase and workshop in the July school Holidays!
Open to ALL ages and ALL abilities, Great Lake Music Co. are excited to be bringing Tiki Taane to Taupō to showcase his music, chat about his extensive career in the music industry and have a jam with you!
Each workshop includes:
- Showcase by Tiki Taane.
- Q&A session hosted by Ashley Pirie.
- Red Cymbals open jam session.
The day begins with a showcase by Tiki Taane and a Q&A session hosted by local legend Ashley Pirie, where we get to learn all about Tiki’s musical journey. This is followed by the Red Cymbals open jam session where we have multiple drum kits set up for you to have a go jamming on no matter what your level is, as long as you feel confident holding a beat you can get involved. There will also be keys, guitar and bass ready to go for our intermediate to advanced players, and as chaotic as it sounds this is the most fun part of each session!
Great Lake Centre Hall
Aurum Trio
Friday 5 July 2024
Prepare yourself for a delightful evening of classical music performed by The Aurum Trio at St Andrews Church this July.
The Aurum Trio are Barbara Hill (flute), Robert Ibell (cello) and Michelle Velvin (harp). They will be performing beautiful pieces composed by Ravel, Debussy, Bizet, Villa-Lobos, and many others.
St Andrews Church
NZTRIO: States of Mind
Sunday 9 July 2023
NZTrio: States of Mind
NZTrio performs a mix of contemporary and classical pieces, featuring works by Kenji Bunch, Rachel Clement, Schnittke, Stuart Greenbaum, and Brahms. The concert promises to deliver an energetic and captivating performance that blends familiar and fresh pieces.
Great Lake Centre Theatre
Singing Workshop with Sunny Ray
Between Friday 7 July 2023 and Sunday 9 July 2023
Join us for an exciting and interactive vocal workshop hosted by Sunny Ray! Discover the joy of vocal games, exercises, and learn to sing popular songs as a group. Get ready to explore your voice, improve your singing skills, and have a blast with fellow music enthusiasts. We'll also have percussion resources available, such as shakers, tambourines, and small drums, to add rhythm and excitement to our group singing experience.
Creative Igloos
Captain Festus McBoyle's Theatre Show Presented by MORE FM
Sunday 9 July 2023
Join Captain Festus McBoyle and his ragtag crew for a wild and wacky travelling variety show that’s sure to delight audiences of all ages. With a mix of music, comedy, magic and more, this high energy performance will have you laughing, clapping and singing along in no time.
Great Lake Centre Theatre
PAK'nSAVE Pancake Breakfast
Sunday 9 July 2023
The legendary and ever-popular PAK'nSAVE Pancake Breakfast is back for its eighth year.
1200 tickets are available online over the 4 different sessions
Bookings are essential and will be open available here from 1 June 2022.
Up for an extra special morning out? Check out the family show in the theatre at 10:30am too! Tickets to Captain Festus McBoyle presented by More FM will give you automatic entry into the 9:30am pancake session (so you don't need to book again!)
Great Lake Centre Hall
Daiquiris & Divas Presented by DPA Accountants
Saturday 8 July 2023
Get ready to experience the magic of two musical legends on stage!
New Zealand’s own Annie Crummer is joined by vocal tour de force, The Lady Killers (Jackie Clarke, Tina Cross & Suzanne Lynch). Together these divas will present a bespoke show of soul, rock, pop and R&B that’s sure to have you up and dancing the night away.
Includes a complimentary Daiquiri cocktail.
Great Lake Centre
Winter Wonderland Crafts with Taupō Youth Arts Trust
Friday 7 July 2023
Come and join us for the celebration of the "WINTER WONDERLAND CRAFTS" combination of T-shirts with Neon pens, Snow cones, Snowflake mobiles and other bits and bobs.
$5 - T-shirts with Fabric Paint and Pen
Snow Cones - Koha and will need to supply own jar with lid
Salt Snowflakes - Koha no equipment needed.
T-shirts can be purchased on site for $5 each.
3 Sizes available (Small, Medium, Large)
If you are making a snow cone, you will need to supply your own jar with LID.
Limited to 30 people. Ages 6+ or an adult to assist with crafts for younger children.
Waipahihi Hall
A Trojan War Presented by Korio Marketing
Thursday 6 July 2023
Five flirtatious “French” performers meet you at the door. They bring you in, they show you to your seat, they flirt with you. Maybe they fall a little bit in love with you. Then they tell the story – with you.
Like a wild dress-up party, this show combines theatrical magic, twisted pop songs and explosive wit. The most charming performers you can hope to meet play a revolving repertoire of outrageous characters.
Created and performed by A Slightly Isolated Dog, this New Zealand theatre company delivers a frantic and hilarious mash-up in the style of Python meets The Boosh. Leave your inhibitions at the door and play.
Starring Cherie Moore, Jack Buchanan, Jonathan Price, Susie Berry and Andrew Paterson with sound design from Sam Clavis and direction from Leo Gene Peters.
The Trojan War was created with support from Creative NZ and Wellington City Council.
Great Lake Centre Theatre
Bayleys Creative Igloos - Jar Lanterns
Monday 22 May 2023
Join us for an enchanting adventure into the world of fairies at our interactive workshop: Jar Lanterns with Sarah Dempsey from Stepping Stones! Designed for children aged 5-12, this captivating workshop will spark imagination, creativity, and magical fun.
During this hands-on experience, Sarah will teach the young participants how to create their very own Jar Lanterns which they can then take home with them as a decoration.
Creative Igloos
Bayleys Creative Igloos - Sun Catchers
Monday 22 May 2023
Step into a world of vibrant colors and mesmerizing sunlight at our interactive workshop: Sun Catcher Creations with Sarah Dempsey from Stepping Stones! Designed for children aged 5-12, this captivating workshop will ignite their creativity and immerse them in a world of artistic wonder.
During this hands-on experience, Sarah will teach the young participants how to create their very own Sun Catchers which they can then take home with them as a decoration.
Creative Igloos
