Taupō leaves Six60 spoiled for choice
Top Kiwi musicians Six60 are heading to Taupō and are asking locals for advice on what to do in their spare time.
From bungy jumping to boating, and from rock art to waterfalls, band members Matiu Walters, Ji Fraser, Chris Mac and Marlon Gerbes look like they will be spoiled for choice in the popular tourist town and will need to choose how to spend their time wisely with so much on offer.
The band put a call out on social media this week and received hundreds of suggestions.
“We can’t wait to be heading to the Great Lake Centre for our Grassroots Tour.”
“We’re wanting to make the most of our time in your beautiful home town so we thought we’d ask you where we should visit.
“Let us know what’s unique about your town and what spots we shouldn’t miss out on,” they said.
The multiple-award winning band will be in Taupō for a concert on Saturday, April 20, coinciding with the inaugural ITM Taupō Super400.
Tickets for the gig are already sold out, as are grandstand and general admission tickets for Saturday and Sunday’s Supercars racing at Taupō International Motorsport Park.
While some commenting on the band’s post asked for a larger venue for the gig, or for the band to play in their back yard for a few beers, the vast majority were more realistic.
Some of the more unusual suggestions included a round of disc golf, facials at a local beauty clinic, lunch at the famous Paetiki Bakery, a trip to a local bonsai tree business, and a visit to the local strip club Sin City.
Many locals suggested a visit to the Māori rock carvings at Mine Bay on Lake Taupō or a leap over the Waikato River at Taupō Bungy.
There there was a blast with the new ball blaster at Lake Taupō Hole in One Challenge, a trip to the Lava Glass Gallery, sky diving, para-sailing, trout fishing, go-karting, mountain-biking, or a walk around one of many geothermal areas in the district.
Others suggested the band just take in the scenic beauty, clean air and “spiritual vibes” of the region.
Taupō’s regional tourism organisation, Love Taupō had plenty of useful suggestions. “We can’t wait for you guys to come visit our beautiful region,” a Love Taupō spokesperson said.
“There’s already been a lot of amazing suggestions ... we’d also highly recommend seeing the Ngātoroirangi Māori rock carvings and Huka Falls as our two most iconic landmarks.”
Love Taupō also suggested Timberline Racing Siberian Huskies, a ride on Lake Taupō in an electric Doughboat and a soak at Wairakei Thermal Terraces.
“Te Ātea, on the Taupō lakefront is also a beautiful spot to visit.
“We hope you guys have the best time. There’s definitely no shortage of fun things to do and eateries to try.”