July

10th July - Starlight Cinema Centre Hobby Expo
In association with Classic Hits 96.7 Lakeland FM. Hobby Expo organised by the Taupo Model Railway Club and held at the Taupo Events Centre. Showcasing all nature and types of hobbies, from model railways through to quilts and stamp collecting. Highly entertaining and interesting, you may even pick up a new interest. Contact the club secretary on jshepherd@xtra.co.nz.

 11th July - Brooks Off Road Half Marathon
A unique event around the base of Mount Tauhara. The terrain is 100% off road and includes farmland, pine forest and native scrub. The course is held on private land so this event provides a once per year opportunity to 'go around the mountain'. The event is all about participation and includes a 1/4 marathon (10.5km) run and walk option

14th July - Liberace, Live from heaven
7.30pm at the Great Lake Centre. Liberace, Live from Heaven is the story of Lee Liberace - His Music, His Costumes, His Life. Starring UK’s leading Pianist, Entertainer, and Actor Bobby Crush. Written especially for Bobby by respected playwright Julian Woolford, the one-man show is an imagining of Liberace’s impact on Heaven following his ultimately demise in February 1987. Tickets through Ticketek.

 August

1st August - Mizuno Half Marathon
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.

1st August - Tapo Car Club Clubmans
Clubmans is great entry level motorsport and fun to watch. If you've ever wanted to get started in motor racing, this is the perfect opportunity to see if it’s for you. Come along to the Taupo Motorsport Park and enjoy watching the racing or contact Taupo Car Club to find out how you can join in. Spectator entry is free.

7th August - Winter Thunder 2
Thundercat racing is a high adrenalin high action sport. This event is a true test of endurance; spanning 101km across a snow fed lake is sure to challenge even the toughest competitor. Last year’s temperature gauge read -3 degrees, resulting in frozen bow ropes, air valves and bodies. The race commences at 10am from Lakefront Beach and the first competitor is expected to cross the finish line at 11.30am.

27th August - 21st September - Metamorphosis X Three
Three artists working in completely different media has resulted in this refreshingly different exhibition at the Taupo Museum. From large, earthy abstract landscapes in oil & ink, through exquisite cast glass sculptures inspired by icy oceans and rugged terrain, to entertainingly funky structures made from steel, stone & timber found objects, these artists live, eat & breathe metamorphosis in their work.

28th August - Taupo Car Club Dual Sprints
Dual Sprints offer the opportunity to go head to head with another car of similar ability and speed, this is a fun event that everyone at all ages and experience can enjoy. Come along to the Taupo Motorsport Park and enjoy watching the racing or contact Taupo Car Club to find out how you can join in. Spectator entry is free.

28th & 29th August - Travelling at the speed of love - Sonia Choquette
10.00am - 5.00pm at the Great Lake Centre. Join Sonia in a two-day workshop in upgrading your life's ride to the one you deserve; a comfortable, peaceful, creative journey with your Spirit at the wheel. In this real-life practical workshop, Sonia offers you a genuine means to a first-class upgrade in life today. Proudly Supported by Classic Hits Lakeland 96.8 FM.

29th August - Tapo Car Club Clubmans
Clubmans is great entry level motorsport and fun to watch. If you've ever wanted to get started in motor racing, this is the perfect opportunity to see if it’s for you. Come along to the Taupo Motorsport Park and enjoy watching the racing or contact Taupo Car Club to find out how you can join in. Spectator entry is free.

September

4th September - Mizuno Off Road Half Marathon
Bought to you by the accomplished organisers of the Mizuno Half Marathon, this off-road event will provide 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 new ‘W2K’ track, which winds its way from Kinloch to Whakaipo Bay and will include the recently-opened ‘Headland Track’ loop.

4th September - Mizuno Off Road Quarter Marathon
Aimed to complement the Mizuno Offroad Half Marathon in September, the Quarter Marathon is the perfect event for supporters of half marathoners, runners and walkers. All finishers will go in the draw to win a fantastic range of prizes. Starting in Kinloch the event will be run on parts of the Kawakawa Bay and the new Whangamata Stream tracks.

11th September - Jamis Bicycles Day-Night Thriller
Don’t miss this unique, exhilarating Mountain Bike Relay event held in Taupo. Two event options, 12 hours or 6 hours for teams of 2/3 and 4/ 5 riders & solos. Both events compete on the same 8km, 30 minute circuit. One team member on the course at any one time. The largest mountain bike event of its kind in the world.

18th September - Taupo Car Club Dual Sprints
Dual Sprints offer the opportunity to go head to head with another car of similar ability and speed, this is a fun event that everyone at all ages and experience can enjoy. Come along to the Taupo Motorsport Park and enjoy watching the racing or contact Taupo Car Club to find out how you can join in. Spectator entry is free.

25th & 26th September - 17th Annual Sika Show
Taupo Events Centre. The Annual Sika Show is now in its 17th year, having established itself as New Zealand’s premier hunting and outdoor show. The Sika Show incorporates the annual Sika Hunting Competition and trade displays over two days. With annual increases in public attendances, last year saw 4500 people visit the show.

27th September - Trustpower Taupo District Community Awards Night
5.30 - 7.30pm at the Great Lake Centre. Volunteers are at the heart of every community - nominations are now open for all voluntary groups with forms available from TDC, RadioNetwork, trustpower.co.nz or by calling Suzi on 0800 871111. The awards night is about more than money and titles, it’s about giving organisations time out and the opportunity to socialise and network - proudly supported by Classic Hits 96.8 Lakeland FM.

29th September - The Funky Monkeys Camping Adventure Show
11am at the Great Lake Centre. Your three favourite orange-clad lads, Joe, Neil and Chris, plus their trusty friend, Dizzy Dog, will be transforming venues around the country into their version of the great-outdoors for their all-singing, all-dancing camping adventure. Joe, Neil and Chris will be available to meet the audience after the show, and welcome photo opportunities. Tickets through Ticketek.